White Horse Ranch - Albany Creek, Queensland

Arthur Hurwitz

Four of us had a late lunch at the White Horse Ranch on a wet and rainy Brisbane summer afternoon. The atmosphere was casual and laid-back, with comfy wooden seating, friendly and polite service, and an efficient app ordering system. There was a decent turnout, which gave it a lively vibe.

However, we were disappointed with our Reuben sandwiches, priced at a hefty $24 each. Instead of the traditional corned beef, they used pastrami, which was tough and had too much fat and gristle. While the sandwich was a generous size with fresh ingredients like cheese, pickles, lettuce, mustard, sauerkraut, and a tangy ranch dressing, it was difficult to eat. The long oblong roll— not the soft rye bread typically associated with a Reuben—was hard to cut without causing all the ingredients to squelch out. It would have been more manageable if it had been sliced in half or quarters before being served.

The three of us who ordered Reubens agreed that they did not meet our expectations for traditional Reubens. For that price, we expected something better.

One member of our little group ordered a miso mushroom dish (also $24), which was a winner. It was nicely presented on a smart blue plate and thoroughly enjoyed. It included Swiss brown and shiitake mushrooms served on toasted sourdough with hummus, spinach, tomatoes, cheese, and sprinkled with salsa.

Our total bill for three Reubens, a mushroom dish, and three drinks came to a whopping $118. While I understand that Australia is facing an inflation crisis due to huge government spending and money printing, this felt excessive. What particularly annoyed me was the so-called “service fee” of $5. I had no idea what it was for or even how it was calculated, and the sooner that these hidden charges are removed, the better. After all, isn't “service” something one expects when dining out? The app ordering system reduces staff workload rather than increases it. And it wasn't even a public holiday or weekend; we visited on a Tuesday afternoon in early December.

While White Horse Ranch may offer a nice option for casual lunch or breakfast in Albany Creek, I recommend that Reuben enthusiasts try something else. Also consider ordering at the counter and paying cash, to potentially avoid a "service fee", if that is what it is for.

On a positive note, there is easy parking available in the small car park outside and ample clean and well-provisioned toilets inside.

Melanie Hodkinson

Dropped in for a weekend breakfast and loved it! Great menu which we ordered from the table and meals came so fast. Both meals were super tasty with excellent servings, and our iced drinks hit the spot. We really enjoyed our visit and we will definitely be back.

Ben Dale

Large cafe with plenty of seating. Went on a weekday morning so it was nice and quiet. Food was pretty good, the chilli eggs were a bit too salty but had plenty of kick. The Bahn mi omelette was good as well, with a good amount of pork belly. Coffee was not too bad either

Tremayne Johnston

Food and Drinks came out very quickly.
Had the Buffalo Chicken burger which was tasty, good sized, and came with a good portion of chips. Do recommend it.

Staff were very friendly and welcoming.

It's a rainy day so outdoor seatting was available but wasn't used, had good vibes inside and I'd imagine without the rain would have been nice to sit outside also, the seating area looks good ?

K Wilson

Fast and friendly service. Positive atmosphere, an enjoyable experience with really yummy food. We are happy customers, we will definitely be back!
PS Must have the zucchini chips and aioli sauce, delicious!

paul ferguson

Waited 30 minutes for 2 coffees & 2 serves of fruit toast. Coffees came out in a timely manner, the fruit toast however took longer than expected. 1 serves came out no butter, second serve came out as warm bread. Won’t be back.

Jess Forester

Exceptional service, delicious food, lovely environment and good value. I went for my first time today and couldn't fault it! Variety of menu, atmosphere was light, calm, kind and friendly. I don't normally give google reviews but I have already messaged many friends about me experience there and they said I should do one- so here goes! Being vegan and a fussy eater, I was suprised at the different options- it was delicious. Observed the manager/owner (I think) treating staff well, pitching in through a busy time and everyone was happy. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED and worth the drive (I live 30mins north from there and was invited by a friend). Both our first time there and we are already setting dates to go back for a catch up. Such a breath of fresh air to find a place that ticks all the boxes.

Puppoose Man

This is a charming cafe with huge future potential. The coffee was excellent the food was so tasty and the prices were fair for the amount of food served. There is much to choose from on the menu and we will return again soon.