Humanity runs on coffee.
If there is one thing we’re equally proud of as our glittering coastline and regional treasures, it’s our love for good coffee, beautifully crafted breakfasts and the humble weekend brunch. Geelong’s café scene is booming, so we’ve decided to narrow down some of our favourites.
While also providing delicious brunch, the charm of each of the following coffee stops is that they are all created on the conviction that we need, more than ever, places of community to enjoy expertly brewed coffee.
Here’s where to make your brunching and caffeinating almost too easy…
MISS BUZZ
If you’re on the hunt for a seriously good coffee in Portarlington, then look no further.
From the brains behind Miss Fizz, Geelong’s first mobile bar dedicated entirely to Prosecco, we are now blessed with Miss Buzz, a mobile espresso bar in the same vain.
Giving locals a fun, new way to enjoy caffeine, you’ll find the super cute, 8-foot pink trailer parked at ‘Factory 8’ – a new space currently in Portarlington with a eclectic disco vibe, that is slated to host live music and food trucks in the courtyard later this year.
For now, you’ll simply find Miss Buzz and their bright pink lightning bolt branding slinging St Ali Coffee, La Madre pastries, black and herbal tees, hot choccies, Byron Bay cookies, melt-in-your-mouth Butterbing Cookie Sandwiches and healthy snacks. You’ll also find hot toasties on the menu (you can score a toastie and coffee for $10) as well as a warming soup of the day.
As the newest and prettiest coffee stop to grace our region, Miss Buzz was spawned from a passion for meticulously providing locals and tourists alike with consistently smooth and eco-friendly coffee – so much so that they’ll be going plastic free this July. To join the movement, you can buy a Huskee Cup – the most eco-friendly option – for only $15 with a free coffee. They have even joined the ‘Huskee Swap’ where if you bring your Huskee Cup back, they will hand you a different, clean one.
For all your coffee needs visit Miss Buzz at Factory 8 (4 Rajah Court), Portarlington.
UNTITLED
Untitled is a café we’ll never fall out of love with.
They might be known for their famous bagels (seriously, so good), but the overarching reason we race down there on the daily is for their piping hot cups of coffee, made with their own specialty blend ‘Glory Days’ which gets roasted in Melbourne, specifically for them. Even if you’re a milk lover, the smooth espresso here is something everyone needs to try to truly appreciate the quality liquid gold they’re creating.
Embracing a philosophy of using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, this South Geelong treasure has become a warm and welcoming little space since opening two years ago, thanks to brothers Brett and Jarryd Kenshole. No matter what time you swing past, Untitled is buzzing with staff that are as cheerful as their bright coloured, artist designed coffee cups (completely biodegradable and definitely Insta-worthy).
Keeping things simply but delicious, the café is currently operating takeaway (dine in will return once restrictions ease further), slinging a number of drool-worthy brunch options that makes for life-long customers, catering to the vegans, vegetarians and of course those requiring gluten-free alternatives. You’ll find all the classics like banana bread, toast and croissants, to more indulgent options like the chilli jam slam, brunch bowl, avocado bruschetta and a range of brekky buns.
The real star of the show though is the aforementioned bagel. Untitled currently have 15 different types of choose from – including the likes of The Salmon, The Reuben, The Chorizo, The Vegan and the special ever-changing bagel of the month (which is currently The Banh Mi Bagel) – all equally delicious and worth every cent. If you’re looking for something smaller, they also stock loads of housemade sweets (think vanilla slice, caramel slice, yo-yo’s, and decadent brownies) ready for you to just grab-and-go. Better still, pair your brekky with a healthy smoothie, cold-pressed juice, Matcha chai latte, or treat yourself to a specialty hot chocolate – we promise you won’t regret it.
If all that wasn’t enough, they’re also super dog friendly with a dog friendly courtyard and take that affection up a notch by giving each doggo a free treat! Just have a scroll through their Instagram (@untitledcafegeelong) and you’ll witness the love they have for our four-legged mates.
There’s so much heart in this place it’s palpable.
Untitled, at 197 Yarra Street South Geelong. You can place your order ahead of time by calling 0435150489 or via the Skip App.
NEWFOLK CAFÉ
Many of Geelong’s natives will know the old butcher’s building down Skene Street in Newtown. It’s quirky, it’s a little old, and it’s had new lease on life after been transformed into a little neighbourhood hangout two years ago, the much-loved café Newfolk. With hand-painted stools, a deep blue feature wall, indoor plants and stunning pendants, Newfolk sports a casual and mellow neighbourhood vibe, and one that all of Newtown know and love.
It’s the happy vibes though, as much for the friendly barista’s perfectly steamed milk, that has the locals coming back time and time again, especially with coffee made with from Melbourne’s esteemed Small Batch Roasting. If you’re feeling adventurous, we recommend you do yourself a favour and ask Harry – the legend behind the coffee machine – for a filter coffee. It will definitely knock your socks off.
With a strong focus on aforementioned delicious coffee, the menu deeply reflects everything that Newfolk set out to be – fresh, experimental, nourishing and delicious, with creations and flavour combinations that taste as considered as they look on the plate. Keep it fresh with granola and honey roasted rhubarb and orange on yoghurt, warm yourself with a soup of the week, indulge with smashed avo on toast, or treat yourself to Holy Crumpets, complete with jam, honey or Nutella, or waffles and bacon. They also stock the very best pastries, including melt-in-your-mouth ham and cheese croissants from the well-loved Born and Bread Bakehouse and a fresh selected of housebaked treats.
You can find Newfolk Café at 105 Skene Street, Newtown. The café is currently open for dine-in for 15 people at a time, and for takeaway Tuesday to Saturday from 8am-2pm, and on Sundays from 8am-1pm.
EDGE GEELONG
Taking pride of its place on Geelong’s spectacular waterfront, Edge has become the most exciting place to relax, drink and dine all year round. With a gorgeous north facing bar, New York loft styling and a trendy outside deck area; not only does Edge give patrons a world class view of the beautiful Corio Bay, but from the moment you arrive, you feel like you’ve entered a relaxed paradise – regardless of if you’re in town to soak up the sun on a summer’s evening, or enjoy a stylish dinner.
There are a million reasons to visit Edge (we could go on and on) and one of those is for their coffee. Made with Cartel Coffee Roasters brew, the coffee art these guys create is almost too beautiful to drink. Luckily it also tastes incredible, so you won’t feel too bad when you’re in need of the quality caffeine hit.
Better still, their coffee goes perfectly with their brekkie menu – one of the best in Geelong – which has just made its return to the waterfront destination.
With cool vibes and an impressive menu, the team here go over and above to source high-quality, organic and free-range produce from local suppliers so you can be assured the dishes are top-notch. Choose from the classics, such as triple stacked buttermilk pancakes (topped with berry compote, chocolate fudge sauce and vanilla ice-cream) or poached eggs on toasted Zeally Bay sourdough, or try their eggs Benedict with homemade hollandaise. We quite like tucking into the Brekky burger, or if we’re feeling healthy we’ll give their smoothie bowl a spin.
With a delicious breakfast menu, best served with daily papers and quality coffee and gentle tunes to set the scene, it’s no wonder Edge easily makes our list of one of the best places to start your morning.
Edge is located at 6-8 Eastern Beach Rd, Geelong and is open seven days a week for breakfast from 9am, with Sundays kicking it off from 8am. Phone (03) 5222 2666 or visit edgegeelong.com.au to make your next reservation.
THE PICKERS UNION
A simple dream, some great coffee and a keen eye for detail is all that was needed to kick start this café evolution. Tucked away with the vintage markets amongst the industrial setting, The Pickers Union Café is a real North Geelong treasure.
Consistently nailing the perfect coffee, with Cartel Coffee roasters drummer boy blend and rotating single origin on all black coffee, it’s no surprise they’ve earned themselves a solid reputation amongst locals for their java – and with the vibe they have going on, you’ll want to sip on your latte for hours and hours. The cosy space boasts macrame hanging, fresh greenery, a pink and white colour scheme, hanging chairs outside, and a custom-made golden unicorn named Cornelius, echoing a contemporary Malibu vibe.
Championing food and drink for the soul, this quirky and homely spot is a feel good and utterly delicious lunchtime stop off, with food that’s just as good as their coffee and styling. Focusing on fresh, wholesome food made with love, the menu is dynamic and ever-changing. Some of our favourite brekky items include the eggs benny, smashed avo, American pancake stack (with maple syrup and bacon!), and their pear blossom granola. If you’re feeling something more lunchy, they’ve got chicken bao buns, chicken and waffles and a mouth-watering American cheese burger.
With the Vintage Market right next door selling every imaginable vintage, retro and collectable item you could hope for, we dare you to try and not buy something from this vintage heaven once you’ve knocked back your morning coffee.
If you’re keen on indulging at The Pickers, we recommend book in early because this place is always packed.
Find them at 3 Mackey St, North Geelong, open every day 8am-3.30pm.
COFFEE BASICS / DAS KAFFEEHAUS
We have found the soul of Vienna located in the heart of Victoria. Located at The Mill in Castlemaine, Coffee Basics (aka Das Kaffeehaus) is a Viennese coffee house, serving traditional Austrian food, with a traditional Viennese flair!
First and foremost, let’s talk about the coffee. The beauty of this coffee stop is they actually roast their own artisan coffee, with a dedicated rösterei and everything. Here you’ll find three roasters are forever humming in the background, creating the very best blends or single origin for visitors to take home. You can also bring in your jars, containers or wheelbarrows and they’ll fill them with a coffee of your choice.
This is where Das Kaffeehaus shines. At the shop front, their baristas will entice you with their freshly roasted coffee, seducing your senses with an alluring aroma and delighting your palate with its rich complex flavours. Truly indulge in their traditional Viennese flair by pairing your coffee with their extensive range of cakes and pastries including the magnificent apfelstrudel, kaffeemandel, sachertorte, and marmorgugelhuff – with all pastry goods made in haus daily –pun intended…
The team are currently only serving takeaway coffee and cake from 9am – 4pm Monday to Friday, until the next easing of restrictions which will see them operate for dine-in and on weekends.
Coffee Basics/Das Kaffeehaus is located at The Mill, at 9 Walker Street in Castlemaine. Visit www.coffeebasics.com
18TH AMENDMENT BAR
Coffee? Yes, please. With alcohol? Even better!!
When it comes to classic cocktails, it’s pretty hard to compete with the joy that is an espresso martini. There’s really no better way to kick off a night out than with a healthy dose of caffeine-infused booze.
With a love of espresso and cocktails; no one in the world celebrates their existence and blends them together as well as Geelong’s famed 1920s Prohibition-style cocktail bar, The 18th Amendment. Offering a signature espresso martini that is pretty hard to beat (teamed with some of the friendliest service going around and a cheeky bowl of popcorn) you’ll definitely want to stay for round two, and three, and four. Their take on the classic cocktail packs a punch with the right amount of sweetness and the perfect espresso scented foam on top, every single time, giving your night a good kick in the right direction.
They’ve even hosted their own Espresso Martini competition in the past, pitting local bartenders against each other all in the name of famed concoction so if that doesn’t turn you on, I don’t know what will.
For the uninitiated, 18th Amendment Bar is a venture by Gorge Camorra that draws inspiration from the speakeasy movement from the 1920s and 30s, specifically named after the amendment of the United States Constitution that effectively started the prohibition of alcohol. From unusual ingredients, including Camorra’s own range of liqueurs, to the hundreds of spirits behind the bar and the house-concocted barrel aged cocktails, 18th Amendment has been a unique addition to the Geelong bar scene since opening three years ago. The speakeasy has since celebrated cocktail culture while educating the consumer, presenting the classics with a contemporary twist.
Come for the espresso martinis, stay for the good times.
You can find the team on the shakers from wednesday to Saturday evening. Due to the current restrictions, the bar is running four seated sessions on Friday and Saturdays. The events for these sessions are posted to Facebook, and tickets will be sold via Eventbrite for $40 each which goes towards your drinks for the evening. Bookings are not required for Wednesday and Thursday.
The bar is located at 82a Little Malop St, Geelong. Find them on Facebook here.
