Play Pokies at Shafston Hotel in East Brisbane

We ended up here as the other option we had planned didn\'t eventuate. Nothing bad about the Shafston hotel, just simple, basic typical pub food . My prawn sumo was a just a salad, not much flavour. Partner had a pie of which he said the mash was the best part.

Front bar has had a full renovation ( just completed) this is a large sports bar area with big screens.
Rear alfresco dining/drinking area has a nice open feel about it, there is an indoor area for seating which feels a little vacant/empty ( aircon works well here) overall it's not a bad pub.good sized rear car park and bottle shop. Did not eat here so cannot comment. Beers were cold.

Let's be clear: Shafton hotel is one of the last true local pubs standing - and for that alone, it deserves respect.

This is our local. The kind of place where faces are familiar, beers are poured without fuss, and you don't need to explain yourself. Sunday pool comp? Sacred. Monday night cheap steak night? Practically a community service. Friday night drinks? A full census of the neighbourhood.

Over the last couple of years, we've come to know half the room - because that's what happens here. The Shafton isn't chasing trends. It's holding ground.

But.
And it's a big but.

⚠️ The food is... not the hero.
In fact, unless it's Monday steak night, ordering a meal here is a bold act of optimism. The menu exists, yes - but "newsworthy" it is not. If you're coming hungry with expectations, lower them gently and order another drink instead.

The pro move:
• 🍺 Come for the locals
• 🎱 Play pool on Sunday
• 🥩 Eat on Monday (only Monday)
• 🍷 Drink on Friday
• 🍽️ Eat somewhere else first

The Shafton isn't trying to impress you - and frankly, that's kind of the point. It's not polished, curated, or Instagram-hungry. It's a proper Brisbane pub with sticky floors, strong pours, and a loyal crowd who wouldn't have it any other way.

Verdict:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for vibes, community, and surviving the apocalypse
⭐️ for food (Monday bumps it up - just)

Go for the people. Stay for the banter. Eat at your own risk.

Came here for lunch the staff are friendly, I had the vegetarian Gnocchi was mind blowing. So tasty and cooked to perfection like a 5 star restaurant!
Also had a punt on the pokies paid out really well. Got pool tables and beer garden. awesome pub!

Great food and service! I've eaten here several times and the food is even better than it was last time! Calamari smoked chicken wings aranchini balls guacamole with fresh made corn chips..Super Tasty and Fresh! Kelsey the barmaid very friendly and accommodating.. Great experience in the beer garden for lunch! Highly recommended ðŸ'�'