Lil Pantry — Restaurant in Melbourne

First time here, found by Googling "Cafe bear me" (would never of known it existed otherwise, in an industrial kinda area.)

Greeting was a little awkward, ordered iced coffee and big brekky breakfast. Menu is reasonably priced. Food and drink came out together exactly 10 minutes from ordering. Seems to pretty much be one lady taking orders and making coffee, she was also the same one who served me.

Beautiful presentation, unfortunately beans were lukewarm. I did hear a microwave go off a few times (not saying they microwaved my food, just worth noting as I believe if you're paying to eat at a non-fast food establishment they should not be heating or cooking anything in a microwave.)

Everything else was satisfactory but nothing special. The little alfresco is gorgeous if you get a little spot in the sun! I'd be willing to come back and try their lunch menu as a once-off isn't a fair assessment in my opinion.

I get the impression it's more of a toastie-and coffee-type place for the nearby workers, which is...

Ordered pulled pork bun for $13 and chicken taco for $10. Card surcharge of 43 cents.

Service was quite slow despite it being quiet for a Tuesday lunch at 12.35pm. No water available and cutlery and serviettes were self serviced. Indoors was quite stuffy and hot without much ventilation on a fairly cool 23 degrees days so sat outside.

Pulled pork bun might have been better if it was toasted. Pulled pork was salty but not typical of most other pulled pork. Lots and lots of red onions with a huge uncut chunk in the middle of one half.

Chicken taco was slightly sour and spicy. Again taco might have been better toasted. Chicken was standard crumbed chicken.

Overall, it was acceptable especially for the price but nothing...

Gone there a few times and great food. Owner really connects with customers. Recently had a chicken burger with brown bread. When I questioned the colour, the response was “that’s the trend now” Really unfortunate that allot of extra colouring and who knows what was added to the bunn. Just to be “trendy”.... Really questioning the quality of food and what else is put in the...