Cobrick Coffee — Restaurant in Melbourne

We really wanted to like this place it’s close to us and the area needs more decent cafes. We have been here once before and had ok to good coffees and from the outside it looks like they’ve tried to revamp and step up so we thought we’d give it another go- this time for brunch. We ordered the beef burger & chips, “eggs in hell” (basically shakshouka), tropical smoothie and “sour punching” drink. Because we spent over $30 we got some free fried chicken which we weren’t even aware of until it arrived. It was ok not amazing (I’m vego so relying on my partner’s assessment). He didn’t eat it all as some was undercooked and the breading soggy. The burger was ok to good. Nothing special. Chips and chipotle dip tasty. That’s pretty much where the good stuff ended. The “tropical summer smoothie” ($12!) which was supposed to have mango, pineapple, orange, banana and coconut milk just tasted like frothy coconut milk. No “smoothie” texture about it at all. Very watery and thin and no taste of any of the tropical fruits on the list. Not even worth half of the $12. The “sour punching” tasted like solo. It had some passion fruit pulp in there. No actual passion fruit taste. An expensive solo at $7.50. The “eggs in hell” was probably the most disappointing. The eggs were pretty much raw. Baked eggs are supposed to have runny yolks but these had big chunks of transparent whites. Not safe really. For some reason even though the meal was listed as coming with halloumi, this came out on a seperate plate 5 minutes later. The staff were nice enough when we ordered but no one came to check on us after our meals had been served so it wasn’t until they came to collect our plates that we could provide some feedback. The waitress just said sorry- didn’t really look at the transparent eggs in the bottom of the pan and on the plate that I had set aside and took the dishes away. I don’t think she really understood the significance of serving raw eggs and how that relates to food safety. We had already paid when we ordered and no effort was made to make up for this so we left. As much as we wanted it to be at least good, it really wasn’t so we won’t be...

A mixed experience. Overall, disappointing. The fabulous Mela was full so I gave this place a try. It is a stylish cafe, odd layout but classy. Menu items were on the expensive side, so you expect more for your money. I noticed a croissant for $10 and settled for that. My coffee arrived as I was sitting down - incredibly prompt - and was delightful. That was a plus. After sitting around for 10 minutes, I looked over at the serving area. My croissant was sitting there on a bench. I noticed plates of food coming out of the kitchen and similarly sitting there. My breakfast continued to enjoy a nap out in the open for another seven minutes, until I got sick of waiting and pulled up the server lady. She assured me it was hot, but that would have been frankly impossible. She plonked it back in the griller for all of 2 seconds before giving it to me. Sure enough, lukewarm. I ate it but my dreams of a very pleasant public holiday treat had evaporated. Whilst there, I noticed food being given to customers in weirdly random arrangements, desserts first, half of the table getting their dish way before others, people waiting patiently (unlike me), tables only being cleared or half-cleared when new people sat down, and a million leaves in the outside area. And not a single table wiped down between customers. Nada. Like COVID never existed. Yes, it was busy, and perhaps more staff were required, or more streamlined arrangements put in place. The barista smiled a goodbye. The staff were trying but it got a bit beyond their capabilities. I think I will wait at Mela for a...

Stepping into Cobrick Coffee is not just about indulging in a brunch experience; it’s about embarking on a culinary journey set against the backdrop of history. Nestled within the iconic Pentridge Shopping Centre in Coburg, this café offers more than just a meal—it offers a story.

Once the site of the notorious Pentridge Prison, the area has been beautifully transformed into a vibrant community space, where Cobrick Coffee stands as a beacon of culinary excellence and innovation.

What we’ve had: 🥑 The Classic ‘Smashed Avo’: Avocado, poached egg, feta, fresh salsas, glaze vinegar, beetroot hummus, multigrain bread with extra smoked salmon for $6. 🍔 The Lava Cheesy Beef Burger: Beef patty, cheese slices, lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion, chipotle sauce, tomato sauce, cheese sauce, brioche bun with side chips. 🍞 Crème brûlée French toast (seasonal special). ☕ Mont-blanc iced coffee. 🥤 Salted PB drink with salted caramel and peanut butter. 🤍 Skinny flat white.

But Cobrick Coffee is more than its menu. It’s a place where history and present converge, where the walls that once confined now welcome everyone, including our four-legged friends, thanks to its dog-friendly policy. It’s a testament to transformation and redemption, offering a warm and inclusive atmosphere that resonates with both locals and visitors.

Visiting Cobrick Coffee is a reminder of Melbourne’s vibrant brunch culture, set within a location rich with stories. It’s a celebration of food, history, and community—a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the heart and...