Ruggers Bar & Restaurant

The in-house bar and restaurant of the historic Brisbane Brothers Rugby Club up in Albion is a step above your usual club eatery, thanks to the experience of proprietor Matt Moses, a born chef with strong connections to the club community. Besides demonstrating a commitment to local suppliers and the fresh produce they haul into his kitchen, Moses is also sensitive to different dietary requirements – both his sons are gluten-free. All in all, Ruggers Bar & Restaurant is a welcoming, buzzing spot in the clubhouse along Crosby Road that’s open to all comers.

A popular stop-off for hungry diners from all corners of Brisbane, but especially those in the local Albion community who regard Ruggers something of a default when they’re looking for a bite to eat, the restaurant’s $15 lunches are surefire winners when you want satisfaction on a budget. That said, no expense is spared by the kitchen staff, who bring to their expertise and the freshest of ingredients in Australian classics like chicken schnitzel burgers, beer-battered flathead fish (gluten-free – even the deep fryers are kept separate) and salt and pepper calamari, all served with a pot of beer or a soft drink. And we haven’t even begun to consider dinner.

If you’ve graduated beyond the generous sharing platters that are ideal for a casual get-together, come the long Brisbane evenings it’s a pleasure to sit down to a meal at Ruggers Bar & Restaurant knowing that quality food is foremost at this Albion institution. Go for a juicy Wagyu rump or sirloin steak, the pork belly burger with spicy slaw, chicken parmigiana or schnitzel, the popular fish and chips or the oven-baked salmon, or the slow-braised beef cheek. Leave room for dessert, though, as this Crosby Road clubhouse kitchen does mean sweet, rotated weekly to keep the element of surprise on side. Don’t forget to check out the kids’ menu – Ruggers is definitely a family-friendly restaurant – and the great selection of Italian pizza and pasta dishes.