Black Drop — Restaurant in Pottsville

In the laid-back village of Pottsville, the Black Drop Café is the kind of place that reminds you just how good a breakfast can be when done right.

Pottsville was halfway between where I was and my relatives live, so we agreed to meet there. What was a choice of convenience was so good, I would go out of my way to go here again.

Immediately it was clear that it was a relaxed and very professional establishment. The service was friendly and the vibe is right. Sometimes just by the aromas as you enter, and sounds of the coffee machine you know you are in safe hands.

The coffee was seriously good, the menu all looked good, it was hard to choose, but everyone was happy with their choices.

The menu is fresh, thoughtful, and far more ambitious than you'd expect in such calm and casual, relaxing surroundings.

Look at the photos, and you can see we ordered a spread that showcased the kitchen’s creativity and skill.

The Seasonal Avo came stacked with charred winter greens, pumpkin seeds, and smoked macadamias - it all looked so fresh, and beautifully balanced, I was jealous of everyone’s orders, but would definitely get this next time - I might add the optional poached egg when I do.

The Open Mushroom Omelette arrived next, and despite Erin Patterson, I still love mushrooms - so seeing it loaded with local Stokers Siding mushrooms made me happy. The silky stracciatella, and a punch of fermented chilli for a bit of edge elevated it nicely and showed how thoughtful and clever this kitchen is. Everything here felt comforting and refined at the same time.

Next came my Baked Eggs - the warmth and spice of the peperonata base, the creamy goat’s cheese, and dusting of dukkah - this was world class, rich and satisfying without being overthought or heavy.

My son got the Black Drop Benny, and I love making and eating eggs benedict, so I was excited to see what this one would look like. It was hard to pick a winner today, but this might have been the dish of the morning.

The choice of a golden potato rosti was brilliant, topping it with the tender shredded ham hock kicked it up a notch. The poached eggs were done perfectly, the silky apple cider hollandaise was on point. My son, who had announced when we arrived that he wasn’t that hungry, happily ate every bite.

Add to all this, the fact that the coffee is exceptional and you’ve got a café that rivals the best inner-city brunch spots, with all the skill and class and none of the traffic and pretense.

Congratulations to the team at Black Drop, you’ve got a space that feels relaxed but curated, service that’s warm without being overbearing, and dishes and coffee that are absolutely worth going out of...

Food was good and well presented. Ordered the pork belly and the rosti. Chai latte was spiced and good. Only issue was that our 4 year olds both wanted to eat hot chips, which we were told they didn't sell, but the store next door did. We ordered our food then went next door to order for our kids and afterwards were told that the kids couldn't eat their small bowl-portion of chips there.

Instead the two kids had to sit next door and eat their chips while we sat a couple of meters away, watching and eating our food...

Both adults ordered full meals/ drink The kids only had a small portion of chips they were nibbling on It was less than 35 min until closing, so there were only a few people dining inside We were advised that they didn't sell chips for the kids, but next door did. We wouldn't have purchased our meals AND the kids' chips if we were made aware they weren't allowed to eat them where we were sitting.

Awkward and disappointing, but in terms of food, drink and atmosphere, it was a nice spot for...

Google should allow an extra star for places like this.

It’s rare that coffee, food and service are all perfect, but this place is a genuine 5/5 on all.

Coffee - a Colombian filter from Small Batch was the guest coffee at the time. Easily the best coffee I’ve had anywhere around Byron or Tweed.

Food - had the brekkie burger and tomato/mozzarella and egg special. Both absolutely delicious, and portions were super generous. It’s the kind of menu where everything sounds amazing, and you want to order it all.

Service - so friendly, warm and accommodating. Coffee and food both came quickly, and all of the staff took the time to have a chat. It’s so obvious that they really care about ensuring their customers have the best...