Carolina Queer Cafe & Bar — Restaurant in Melbourne

A crisp halcyon Good Friday morning found me at Carolina in search of breakfast. I was not alone. An enthusiastic coffle of North Carltonites were shuffling into and out from the refashioned shoe shop wood and whimsy charm of Carolina, some to take out the velvety coffee and continue their Easter ambulations, others to sit, be it contemplatively or ebulliently and enjoy the moreish morsels on offer. The staff were graciously welcoming despite being at work on a public holiday, the food an innovative yet comforting selection of brunchy delights; regular features and a couple of specials, it wasn't easy to choose. In the event I went for bruschetta with grilled tomatoes, eggs, goat's cheese, which I, aided by some cute woodcutter's cottage esque cutlery, happily dispatched. There's seating in a bosky courtyard out back, streetside out front or in the cheerfully clamourous bar/cafe itself, and, joy of joys, free WiFi. A good place to be on a Good Friday, be sure to plan...

We stopped by for lunch around 12 pm on Saturday, and the cafe was moderately busy, with about 80% of the tables occupied.

We ordered a variety of dishes, including the poke bowl with haloumi, the chicken burger with chips, the beef burger, and the chilli scrambled eggs. We also enjoyed some coffees. The food was delicious, just as we expected.

However, we did encounter some service issues. Although our drinks arrived quickly, we had to ask about our meals after waiting for an hour. It was frustrating to see that customers who arrived later than us were served their food first. We also noticed some staff members seemingly not focused on their tasks while our food might have been ready.

There was also a minor mistake with one of the side dishes. We ordered chips for the chicken burger, but we received roast potatoes instead when the beef burger arrived.

Overall, the food was excellent as usual, but the service fell short of our...

If I could give it less than one star I would. Walked by with my little man. Looked ok, so decided to have some lunch. I ordered the Parmesan French toast and he ordered the Breakfast Burger. 30 minutes later and nothing had come out yet. The couple that walked in 15 minutes after us got their meal no worries. I asked one of the snooty waitresses if she could look into it. She blurted out " Ill go ask" Then she came back out and said nothing else, just walked around... As we were about to get up and leave, our food comes out...40 minutes later... My Parmesan was salty as the ocean and soggy like a puddle. Terrible. Will never go back. Bad service from snooty pre Madonnas ( except one) , waaaay over priced ( its cafe food, and not GOOD cafe food either)and seemed like a self important place that people go to be seen in and not so much about the food or service. Melbourne is full of great eating places. This is not...