Martin Street Cafe — Restaurant in Melbourne

Dropped by to get coffee yesterday morning. Asked for a takeaway cappuccino and a double espresso in a regular ceramic cup to quickly throw down before I head off with the takeaway. The young girl I spoke to seemed to understand what I was saying and I heard her tell the guy on the machine I wanted the double espresso in a ceramic cup. When my order is called both coffees are in takeaway cups which is not what I asked for. I told the man that I wanted the double espresso in a regular ceramic cup rather than the tiny takeaway paper one he'd put the double espresso in. I have my reasons for this having been a professional barista for many years - a double espresso is very acidic and can leach the chemical taste of the paper cup into it because there is no milk or sugar to mask it, therefore ruining the purity and taste. I explained this to the man who appeared to understand, however it became apparent that he didn't when he remade my double espresso and handed it back to me, this time in a larger takeaway cup. Once again this is not what I wanted. I don't know what difference he thought putting the double espresso in a larger takeaway cup was going to make. Why would I need a double espresso in a large takeaway cup ?? It's only 40-60mls of liquid. I once again handed it back and told him very specifically what I was after and that I felt we weren't understanding each other. I took it upon myself and apologised for "the confusion" which clearly was a case of him not listening to me or his staff rather than me not being clear with my order. I know I shouldn't expect CBD standards in the suburbs (that idea is ridiculous in itself that there are different standards across town) but also I feel having to ask for my order to be remade correctly twice is a bit much. Once the double espresso was finally delivered correctly, it was delicious. I thanked the man and was on my way. I often wonder how these suburban cafes survive if they can't listen to customers, clarify a request or process a simple 2...

Unprofessional, these people don't record what you have had due to the lack of a working point of sales system, they will try to remember what you had and ask you to 'help them' ie. Honestly declare what you had so they can put it through and charge you. The blonde lady running the floor can be quite abrasive and unfriendly making it an uninviting space.

On top of this the place is major need of a facelift and a good clean. The increasing amount of competition on Martin St or Brighton alone makes market share hard to hold on to relying on goodwill and former pleasant experiences.

A kick in the pants and some raising of socks...

Went here for lunch today and the food was okay all around, the server was friendly but I have to give a lower rating because in no way is this place baby friendly. Barely room for a pram and the bathroom didn’t have anywhere to go change the baby. The server told me there was a table that I could use as a makeshift change table but it was too narrow (unsafe) and the bathroom was quite dirty. It surprises me how little thought goes into amenities for parents carting around infants. The bathroom also barely fit both my infant and I. Just some feedback to please consider accessibility for...