CAFÉ CULTURE – Café Reviews
Words and images by Jaye Bowden
Straight Up Coffee and Food
Above Left: delicious vegan, chocolate waffles and caramelised banana dish. Right: mural art painted on the interior wall
Straight Up café is a wonderful discovery, particularly for vegetarians, vegans and gluten-free food lovers, as they serve an entirely vegetarian and gluten-free menu! They craft their own almond milk in house which compliments a hot latte beautifully. Alternatively, you can give their fresh fruit juice a go. There is an excellent selection of meals on their menu including potato hash with asparagus salad, toasted cornbread and chocolate waffles, amidst other scrumptious options. The quirky interior, bold mural art and retro décor add to the alternative vibes of the café and the upbeat playlist creates a lovely atmosphere. To get a table here you need to be fast because this place packs out quickly, but the staff are more than happy to squeeze you in where possible and the food, coffee and groovy vibes are more than worth it!
Raspberry Fool
Left: street view from their cafe window, Right: my favourite meal – The Vegan Brekkie!!
This humble treasure of a place is cosy and feels like a home away from home with it’s gourmet pies, sweet little treats and hearty breakfasts. In the quaint warm space you can either opt for a table or sit at the high benches overlooking the city street. The Campos brand coffee there is strong and bound to satisfy coffee lovers. They also cater to vegetarians, vegans and gluten free and are more than happy to discuss dietary options with genuine care. On their menu they have a wide selection of tea, tasty toasties as well as big brunch meals, crafted with love using local fresh produce. Their big Vegan Brekkie is the love-of-my-life dish and I order it every time without fail!
Workshop Café
Left: bright yellow hardware themed exterior, right where you line up for coffee, Right: booths inside the cosy dine-in area and quirky décor’.
These guys at Workshop know how to give authentic customer service and put in that extra special magic to brighten up your day. Boasting strong coffee, hearty wraps and bagels, they have a little something for everyone. Whether you work in the city and want to duck in for a quick coffee, meet a friend for a sesame bagel and a latte, or just visit to hide away in one of their booths with a book and a coffee, you will be bound to experience great service. The unique industrial set-up of their café is such a highlight; accented by bright pops of yellow and rich black tones. The genuine friendly banter you experience with the staff isn’t something that you would find in many places. Fantastic coffee, fantastic people.
Shake A Leg Jr
Left: main open service area featuring a cabinet of sweet treats and a diverse menu, Right: An iconic black and white stamp on the classic white takeaway coffee cup
Rustic and industrial, sugar and spice and all things nice. Shake a Leg Jr is a special little hole in the wall in the centre of Moonah. Hidden away, like a little treasure, the atmosphere is down-to-earth, decked out with warm honey brown tones, sleek black tiles and retro hanging light bulbs. The dark hot cocoa at Shake a Leg Jr. is authentic and rich, one of the best I’ve ever tried from local Hobart cafes. If that isn’t enough, they also offer some gorgeous little pastries and killer coffee alongside their own groovy merchandise, including Keep Cups and t-shirts. Every day you’ll find a steady flow of customers, lining up for a coffee or chatting with the cheerful baristas who are always enthusiastic about engaging with their customers and more than happy to walk you through everything up for grabs on their funky menu. Take the time to make a little Moonah trip for your next coffee stop. You’re welcome.