Brisbane’s dairy cows and tanneries of yesteryear have made way for seriously creative brains in Stafford.

Fusing the past with the present just eight kilometres north of Brisbane, sleepy Stafford has changed a lot since I was a kid. Artisanal crafts, brewhouses and international cuisine have all migrated to Happy Valley (how it’s known locally, nodding to Stafford’s historic roots), resulting in an energised space that pleasantly surprised me. Retaining its pretty rural surroundings while nurturing culinary and artisanal imagination, Stafford is flourishing and fabulous. Let me shine a light on the best bits.

In short

If you only do one thing in Stafford, make it a visit to Happy Valley Brewing Company. It’s one of the best spots in the city for a schooner of craft brew and the vibe is always dialled up.

1. Treat your tastebuds at Oh Boy, Bok Choy!

Friends told me to secure my spot early at Oh Boy, Bok Choy!  and I’m glad I did because the place is pumping when I arrive. Loved by locals and Brisbane foodies from all over, the Stafford restaurant fuses Vietnamese, Chinese, Malaysian and Thai food for a smashing taste sensation. Casual and loud, the vibe is infectious as laser-focused passion pours into everything coming out of the kitchen. Choose from finessed south-east Asian classics like crispy prawn toast and bao buns done three ways, but save room for the headline acts: curries, noodles and deliciously sizzled and dressed meats make their mark.

Address: 264 Stafford Rd, Stafford

2. Sample stellar brews at Happy Valley Brewing Company

Brisbane’s love affair with home brew knows no bounds, extending its exceptional operations to Stafford. Happy Valley Brewing Company is a top spot to sink a pint and line the tummy in style, a fact I only discover one afternoon in mid-2025 despite this hot spot drawing crowds since 2020. Don’t miss the team’s core range, perhaps with a few share plates spanning crumbed mac n cheese bars (exactly what they sound like), loaded fries with whiskey beef brisket, and a collection of tacos. There are also melt-in-your-mouth burgers and a dedicated kids’ menu that throws in colouring-in packs. A guaranteed good time for the entire clan.

Address: 34 Wolverhampton St, Stafford

3. Soak up community spirit at the Happy Lane Market

A space once occupied by the Love Me Again Markets is now home to the Happy Lane Markets , found inside the charming Stafford cafe, Happy Jane Cafe . Staged on the second Sunday of each month, the Brisbane market only launched in September 2025 so you can expect large crowds sussing out the newish retail fix. Entry is free and you’ll always find vintage collectables and fashion, chic homewares, live music and entertainment, on-site parking and, of course, treats from the cafe for everything your morning out in Stafford needs.

Address: 31 Wolverhampton St, Stafford

4. Take a scenic route along the Kedron Book Bikeway

Jumping on two wheels gave me a solid stickybeak through Stafford as I hit a portion of the 20-kilometre Kedron Book Bikeway. It runs all the way from Mitchelton to Toombul, through Stafford and Stafford Heights, and the path is made up of both clearly marked street bike lanes and shared paths. I went from Kedron Brook bus station to Stafford City shopping centre, but the entire stretch is dotted with picnic areas, parks and even barbecues if you plan on making a day of it. Here’s a map to help you plan a journey.

Address: Access it from the Brookside Shopping Centre in Mitchelton, or Toombul train station to ride the entire length.

5. Uncover true coffee artistry at Q Roasters

Caffeine is no joke to these guys. Q Roasters , a roaster, wholesaler and cafe, is the brainchild of Lee Mary and Lachlan Hosking, with Lachlan serving as a registered Australian Q Grader (Q as in quality) and international coffee judge. The team know their stuff (Lee was born in a coffee-growing region in the Papua New Guinean Highlands) and bring their knowledge to each unique blend. Part of the Stafford landscape since 2014, Q Roasters values sustainability, sourcing every bean from producers who care for the land and people who work on it. Additionally, the retail section sells baked goods, which is just as strong a pull in my book.

Address: 44 Wolverhampton St, Stafford

6. Lean into more of Stafford’s exception cafe culture

While Q Roasters remain laser-focused on roasting perfection, I also love Stafford for the many awesome proximity cafes to choose from. Elixir HQ Cafe also roasts its own award-winning blend, but I like dropping in for its food menu and chilled vibes, too. The dishes invite serious indulgence – think tiramisu waffles, truffle mushrooms and an apple crumble porridge. There’s also bustling The Colour Nine in Stafford Heights, which is pet-friendly and nails breakfast classics with a Thai twist.

Address: Elixir HQ Cafe, 12 Hayward Street, Stafford; and The Colour Nine, Shop 2, 85 Mawson St, Stafford Heights

7. Mingle with thirsty locals at Flat Lizard Brewing

Live music, a revolving door of food trucks and masterfully crafted, independently produced brews – Flat Lizard Brewing in Stafford is another one of my favourite Brisbane breweries. Located in the suburb’s trendy industrial zone, the brewery nails its core range of lagers, ales and stouts while offering hearty feeds and, if the game’s on, live streaming of your favourite sports. It’s relaxed, pet-friendly and full of locals, with dishes like woodfired pizza and internationally inspired street food providing the ultimate accompaniments to some of the region’s finest beer.

Address: 18 Harvton St, Stafford

8. Stuff yourself senseless at King of the Wings

Look, it’s not ultra-refined dining but when you’re craving comfort food done to perfection, King of the Wings  is a local foodie stalwart that always hits the spot. Doesn’t the name say it all? What started as a beloved Brisbane food truck finally set up its own permanent digs right here in Stafford, gifting locals with sensational Buffalo wings, slow cooked ribs, burgers, fries and even a range of desserts. While the truck still travels throughout the state, this brick-and-mortar eatery is always worth the hike given the on-site bar that’s pouring up cocktails, wine and beer, daily.

Address: 1/240 Stafford Rd, Stafford

9. Find buttery, flaky perfection at Bella & Tortie

Can’t resist a baked good on tour? Same. Bella & Tortie  is Stafford’s hottest ticket, cooking up next-level sweets with extreme flair. It underwent a brief renovation in October 2025 and won’t reopen its doors until November, but when they’re back, make a beeline to find traditional European cakes (like their cult favourite canales) and clever contemporary creations jazzed with seasonal fruits and ingredients. Past winners included their Banoffee Cruller, Stout and Ginger Cake and macadamia, coconut and mango trifle, plus the savoury menu is crafted with equal measures of out-of-the-box genius.

Address: 12/240 Stafford Rd, Stafford Central, Stafford

10. Catch a game of AFLW at Hickey Park

A beautiful Aussie Rules football stadium in Stafford, Hickey Park plays host to many AFLW games each season as the Brisbane Lions draw big crowds. It holds about 4,000 guests in total and the vibe is high-energy when it needs to be, but relaxed before and after the whistle’s blown. A bar and grandstand bring game-day atmosphere, and when it’s not footy season, you’ll find locals jogging laps around the oval plus kids rolling down the grassy hills.