How. Does. One. Small town. (Full stops for effect), Kick ass so much when it comes to the morning ritual?? Newcastle genuinely thrives on great coffee and brunch spots to boot. There are four hubs with more than ample choice to get your fix. The picturesque beachside suburb of Newcastle East, Darby Street, Beaumont Street and Honeysuckle down on the port. Here are our thoughts on the best baristas in town.
What first got me to Estabar was, well, a recommendation from a friend. What drew me into Estabar was the lovely team (and OK, the best coffee in Newcastle's East End) but what makes me stay loyal to this trendy little go to, perched midway along Newcastle beach?
There is a real integrity in the way they do business. It's seamless on one hand but stands out on the other and the best way I can describe it is genuinely collaborative.
On no less than three separate occasions, owner Bec has introduced me to a local Newcastle or Hunter Valley artisan who she is either working with or featuring. A recent example being Lake Macquarie crochet-er and stitcher - Hook Line & Stitcher (IG- hooklinestitcher).
Then there is the whole-food based and ever changing seasonal menu. You may not find bacon and eggs here but you will find food that is substantial, substantively local and served with pride by a lovely and loyal team. I declare my bias as a regular and very loyal customer but; this joint is a real treasure of Newcastle's East.
Estabar
61 Shortland Esplanade, Newcastle East
http://estabar.com/
This relative newcomer to the scene has certainly gotten off to a running start.
The airy pavilion-esque diner has been packed with Novocastrians from all corners of the city since virtually day one.
Signal Box has freshly pressed service and some interesting takes on traditional dishes- take the Quinoa Goreng or the Spinach and Ricotta lasagne. The team have really nailed coffee too.
As impressive though is the industrial chic makeover including the steel spiral staircase to the rooftop all done in a minimalist enough fashion as to pay homage to the original 1936 building. The light coloured bent wood chairs soften up the space enough to make diners who want linger a little longer ask for the desert menu.
The highly innovative-for-the-times electro-neumatic levers used to click tracks into place went silent in 2014. We're thrilled this space has clicked back into motion just five years later.
Signal Box
155 Wharf Road Newcastle NSW 2300
https://signalbox.com.au/
Situated in the heart of Darby Street Newcastle is the Autumn Rooms.
Rustic and charming on one hand and sharp as a tack on the other. The friendly, healthy and happy looking staff do relaxed yet efficious table service. There is enough greenery in the dining area to offset and lift the browns, brick and beiges in the timber & brick fit out.
The narrow terrace with it's high bar, stools and red-maroon tiles is its own special zone. It’s at this high bar you will find me on most Sundays drinking an impeccably presented coffee from a bright orange cup.
I don’t always eat here but if I do I pick from a variable specials menu. Maybe a ‘Deluxe Scram’ with chorizo and manchego?
This is the place to be in Newcastle on a sunny winters day.
The Autumn Rooms
127 Darby Street, Cooks Hill 2300
https://www.theautumnrooms.com.au/
The Kiwi connection has found a home in Newcastle East just opposite Pacific Park.
Edmonds & Co owner's and New Zealand ex-pats Amy & Kai have created a place that celebrates what Australians and our cousins from across the ditch share a real passion for- amazing coffee and produce driven, tasty but uncomplicated food.
The owner, brother/sister combo have created a space that really feels like a space for rest and respite after a play with the kids in Pacific Park or post jog or swim at Newcastle Beach which is in very close proximity.
It also, in some weird twist of fate seems to be the ideal early morning counterpart or day time mirror image of the late trading Falcon Bar and Restaurant (another Lifestyle by Newcastle favourite) - very different yet very a strange similarity.
Serving Newcastle based Glitch Coffee Roasters beans, Edmonds & Co is definitely work checking out when in the East.
Edmonds & Co
14 Pacific Street Newcastle East NSW 2300
https://www.edmondsnewcastle.com/
Amy's Granola at Edmonds & Co
Talulah Bar - The Junction. It’s a sun drenched drenched Saturday morning when we visit. I’ve just been on a leisurely ride and now it’s time to take some time to sit, relax and caffinate.
Talulah is right at the heart of The Junction. It’s a venue with plenty of seating, especially when the weather permits and the outdoor tables are available. I sit in the small square looking up at the War Memorial. The leafy trees give me enough shade, whilst allowing the sun to dance across my table. There’s a cool breeze blowing, I assume from somewhere over Bar Beach. Saturday Bliss.
Inside at Talulah is warm, comforting, comfortable and eclectic to say the least. The menu is colourful and diverse, it has some of your stock standard offerings and then some pretty wild and exciting editions like Char Sui Benedict and Baklava Ricotta hotcakes.
If there is anything to be said about Talulah, it's always fit for the season and it's always interesting.
Talulah Bar
52 Glebe Road, The Junction NSW 2291
https://www.talulahbar.com.au/
There’s something magic about a venue that seems to get things right so effortlessly. Case in point is Good Brother in Newcastle’a East. This boho chic cafe is both rustic and on point.
Exposed red brick and unpolished floorboards give it a level of homeliness complimented by the long communal table, bentwood chairs and timber stools that spent a former life as fruit boxes. The drop down pendants and touches of green lend some warm lighting and the music always seems appropriate and at exactly the right level! All of this leading to laid back comfort and liveliness.
The bohemian staff are appropriately styled but the laid back look betrays the efficiency and effectiveness.
The menu has all the alternative eats you would expect in a Newcastle Eats offering, coffee by Suspension Espresso and a gluten free, chocolate brownie to die for.
40 King Street Newcastle NSW 2300
Phone: (02) 4023 3158