Rubber Duck Cafe — Restaurant in Melbourne

Last Thursday morning, Melbourne was struck with dramatic, thunder, lightening and a heavy, continuous, downpour that lasted for for a couple of hours. Everyone scrambled to race kids to school, walk dogs home, take cover where we could, as the weather worsened. Like many Clifton Hill locals, I was walking My dog home after our morning walk; he was wet, a little scared and anxious but Trotted beside me loyally. I wrapped him up in my arms and we stood under the shelter at Rubber Duck Cafe, hoping to order a take coffee until The weather eased. We waited alongside others with their puppies, patiently and in awe of Mother Nature, yet protective of our fur babies. To my surprise, staff member Harry came out (noticing that I was trying to catch the eye of staff for a potential order). Harry warmly invited us in saying “dogs can come in as long as they’re on a short leash”. This was incredible given that we’d been ‘rejected’ from another local cafe 20 mins earlier as the lightening started; a cafe I have previously dined in and noticed others with puppies and small dogs - I was polite and of course, asked first, if it was ok to bring him in whilst in my arms (note to cafe owners: be consistent and train your teams well so the high standards you set are adhered to and demonstrated by team members, whether you are absent or present in the business). Back to Rubber Duck: the service my dog and I received was exceptional. Not only did they bring us both water, they also brought a cloth for me to dry him/blot his drenched poodle coat with (are you serious…?!) What a contrast, what a delight. Harry and Tali were incredibly hospitable, kind, empathic and attentive. The whole team were. Thank you Rubber Duck! This is one of many times I’ve witnessed sincere care, warmth and local hospitality of this high level. Congratulations Team Rubber Duck - you gave us a beautiful memory at a time we really needed shelter, warmth and protection from the unpredictable,...

Poor inattentive distractable service. Moved to the area recently, went in to Rubber Duck cafe on 22.12.21 at around 11am. At the entrance, waitress in horizontal stripe T-shirt, tall caucasian, pony tail girl walked straight past me looking pretty unfriendly. Had to get her attention (I was the only customer at the door waiting to be seated. In the cafe, there were 2 mums with prams, 2 friends sitting at a table chatting, a man waiting for his coffee) in a quiet cafe. To which she ordered me to sit right at the door entrance table (most uninviting table) when most of the cafe was empty. Sat down for at least 5 min watching the 2 staff at the counter chatting and making a few cups of coffee. The tall stripe T-shirt girl did not take any notice of me, kept walking to service a few of the outside customers (not busy outside either). Even when she had nothing to do, she stood at the counter waiting for the coffee to be made so she could carry them out to the customers, while I waited and continued to observe the inefficiency of the service. Gave feedback to the barista who seemed to be the more experienced staff around and left. It might be the current difficulty in getting staff that poor quality staff are being hired at the detriment of the business. I don't think I'll go back again and certainly will not bring my family there. There are so many other better cafes where we are in Northcote, just around the corner. There might other times when staff are much more experienced and attentive but this has tainted...

This was our first visit to Rubber Duck and we will be back there very soon and probably frequently! I did a lot of research online for brunch/lunch places around Clifton Hill /Northcote, and found Rubber Duck had a terrific menu online. When I visited and met George to confirm the booking, I was certain I’d chosen the right place.

I was not wrong.

The host/ manager, George, is a highlight. He is warm, obliging and provides great, attentive service. We had our own side room for 11 people for a birthday brunch. It was a Sunday so, although the main room was busy, we were able to be away from the clamour in our private area. The service was swift, attentive and unobtrusive from all the wonderful, young servers. The food was delicious, with generous proportions with a wide variety and lots of options for people with dietary requirements. The coffees were all excellent.

Dishes we ordered and loved: Poached eggs/ scrambled eggs with a range of great sides Range of bread/ toast choices Smashed peas with halloumi & beetroot labneh, poached egg Zucchini fritters Ruben Gluten-free toast, avocado, smoked salmon, grilled tomato.

After our brunch, George brought us a complementary plate of mixed cakes and pastries, some dairy- and gluten-free. He lit a candle and lead the “happy birthday” for the birthday girl – me! This was a memorable birthday brunch and George and his staff made it a...