Alberto’s Shot Espresso Bar

A fantastic café on the corner to grab a really good Italian coffee with anything from small treats to fulfilling specials of salads, soups and wraps, or their classic sandwiches which are based on family and the important people in the owner’s life (There’s one with Tuna that’s called Geoff, who’s one of the Barista’s. I haven’t found out everything but it’s either his favourite combo or there’s a great story to be told)
I come down for a 2 – 2.30pm coffee usually and the staff and owner are always friendly. The atmosphere is relaxing and I always finish my day well after an afternoon espresso, not to mention a laugh with Alberto, who’s a complete character. I guess you could call me a regular.
Great Food, Great Coffee, Great People.

Although a regular to this particular street in West End (my band’s rehearsal room was a literal stones throw away from the door of this café) I had never seen, heard or passed by it until the other morning.
Totally stoked they had Smashed Avo and Feta with Poached Eggs on the menu, not so stoked about my supposedly «poached» eggs turing out hardboiled.
Aside from this, the atmosphere was pleasant and the coffee super smooth– good job barista!
Maybe I will venture here again sometime and give a better review… but not until they work their egg timings out!
Did enjoy the coffee and atmosphere though.

This is a great lil spot with a lil river view or sit and enjoy the old Queenslanders. Coffee was fab. I had an open breakfast sandwich, whoa a lot of food, it was fresh tasty and delish. The ladies running the joint are friendly and helpful with the menu. There is also a bunch of freshly baked goodies in the cabinet I WILL be trying next time.
Only downer, please don’t play the music so loud, your café atmosphere is loud enough to enjoy soaking it in and having an enjoyable relaxing morning.
So glad I found this lil spot, will be going back!

My friend and I called in there this afternoon (6÷7÷14) and ordered a sandwich each as well as drinks. The sandwiches were bland, and also had obviously been made some time earlier, as the lettuce was limp. No taste whatsoever. I wouldn’t go again.

Everything about this little Hill End Café is in your face. Alberto is the brash diminutive passionate owner, and he and his staff are deservedly proud of what they serve.
Beautiful pastries and morsels abound and it’s hard to decide on just one to accompany your perfectly crafted coffee. As always we ordered a double shot flat white, but a-​typically it arrives sporting it’s own set of balls. This is a strong coffee by any standards, not bitter, not bad — just strong! The setting of this out-​of-​the-​way Cafè is great, Alberto and his team making jokes, laughing in the background, and surrounded by quiet leafy inner city suburbia. The more reviews we do the luckier I realise we are in West End. Thanks for a great coffee.

Im with Biggles K!
Snide, sarcastic, rude, entitled baristas who have no idea how to be warm, friendly, welcoming or respectful.
I feel sick even driving by this place. So sad for my beautiful warm loving inclusive home of West End

I didn’t care one bit for the snide attitude of the blonde, pony-​tailed barista who served me here in 2007. He greeted me with the warmth of a clinical sociopath and, after placing my order, derided my request for a sugar in my coffee, saying «put it in yourself — this is not a Starbucks». This didn’t even make sense because that’s precisely how Starbucks works.
Every pore of that man’s body oozed bile and resentment. He cast a pall over that day in 2007 and I am still struggling to shake off the residual effects of his hateful words and demeanour.
I would like to believe this man’s ugly disposition is not an institutionalised component of Alberto’s business, but I am not so sure. Two other staff members observed our exchange and I observed a tacit acquiescence in their body language.
I am afraid to go back to Alberto’s but hope things have improved over the years. Nobody deserves to be mocked by a man who has a stupid hairstyle and doesn’t even know the most basic operational procedures of the leading company in his industry.

This little local gem caters to the neighbourhood demand for good coffee and almost gourmet eats. Our West End dwelling friends frequent Alberto’s because of the convenience, which totally works if you are in the mood for a panini and a latte. The banana bread I ordered from the menu was delightful, it was pan fried in butter on both sides for a yummy crunch. My partner wasn’t so lucky. There are a few things on the menu which are a bit overrated, using Italian and fancy gourmet descriptions does not change the fact that toast is toast. I would go back if I was in the neighbourhood and had a banana bread craving.

I’ve been meaning to check Alberto’s out for a really long time. I can’t believe I’d waited so long. This is the best espresso coffee I have ever tasted.

Alberto’s Shot is a double entendre I think, a reference to both the espresso shot and the eponymous owner’s foray into business after emigrating from Italy. The coffee here is strong and full of character, perfectly matching the Alberto’s outgoing personality (to give you an idea, a cartoon likeness of the guy is emblazoned on the shop signage).
I really enjoy the sandwiches here. For $ 9 each you can choose from authentic Italian options like the ‘Tozzo’ — seasoned Italian sausage with Onions caramelised in red wine, or my personal favourite the ‘Buffone’ — smoked turkey, radicchio spread, sun dried tomato, avocado, fresh avocado and cheese.

Location location location. Alberto’s has it. Situated on the southern end of Montague Road, Alberto’s Shot is only a wander from the river and Orleigh Park, and is nestled in a nice residential area, attracting locals on foot and cyclists from further afar. With so many cafes in West End, Alberto’s has the advantage of being largely on its own at this end of the suburb.
The baristas at Alberto’s are well-​trained and the service is fast. The coffee is good, but I’ve only eaten there once and on that occasion, I’m sure I was overcharged. Two coffees and a ham & cheese croissant shouldn’t cost $ 16. If that is the regular pricing, it’s a bit hefty for my liking.
Otherwise, a peaceful, pleasant place for coffee.

Something needs to be said for the arrogance of the owner, Alberto Alarti.
1. The café wears his name, which is fine. However, it also has a cartoon portrait of him as the business’s logo. This was the first sign that Alberto had tickets on himself.
2. If you look at the business card, the first detail is «Alberto Alarti: Barista». Sure, baristas play a central role in a coffee shop, but I can’t be the only one who thinks this is a bit much. Of the café business cards I’ve collected recently, Alberto’s Shot is the only one that celebrates the work of one man (who I haven’t ever seen work as the barista when I’ve been there).
3. It takes a certain sort of man to think that when his baristas screw up a coffee order (which is irregular here), he can abuse them in front of all of the customers and think his café won’t suffer for it. It’s not his barista’s meagre mistakes that will ruin his business into the ground, it’s his behaviour. It makes for an uncomfortable experience. I always want to go and hug the baristas afterwards, pat their hair and tell them it’s going to be ok.
Outside of this, Alberto’s Shot is a good place to come for a caffeine hit (standard flat white/​cap/​latte is $ 3.80). The food’s not bad either– the servings are huge. It’s right down near the river on Cordeaux Street and offers a great place to seek refuge from those searing Brisbane summer days. The seating is predominantly outdoors (only 4 seats inside) which simply forces you to lap up the cool breeze that comes in off the river. Most of their business comes from residents of of Hill End and people going to and fro the ferry. It’s best to visit this café outside of peak hours to avoid crowds, long waits, and the possibility of seeing Alberto flying off the handle.