Insane Caffeine — Restaurant in Queensland

I don't normally leave reviews, but I remember being so excited by this cafe years ago that I told everyone about it. So it hits really hard that it's fallen to this state.

My family and I visited this morning on the way back from a bird sale. It had been several years since we'd been so I was pretty excited to go again. Walked in and I was relieved the aesthetic was exactly as I remembered. It's a gorgeous cafe. Sadly, that's where it ended.

The breakfast rush was finishing up so there was only a table outside that was free (another was reserved but the reservation had been for breakfast we later found out, but they had left the reservation sign on the table) and there were only 3 seats that were out of the sun (3 of us together so 1 each) but there was maple syrup all over the table where I was sitting. Had to move to a seat in direct sight of the sun. The stools are also very uncomfortable.

We ordered. Our table had 2 separate orders. 1 was cake, 2 coffees, and a bagel. Mine was a frappe and a croissant. Not long after the order, 2 croissants came out. So they messed up the bagel order but I got my food. The other croissant was sent back. 10 minutes later the cake came out. It was very dry. By that time the bagel still hadn't come out despite there being many in the cabinet out front, so we asked what was happening. The girl said it was just being toasted now.

15 minutes later, noticing that tables that ordered after us were getting served coffees before we were, we asked about it. Which they then brought out the coffees after, but 1 was wrong. After fixing it, it was cold.

I still hadn't received my drink. Nor my father his bagel. After 30 minutes since we ordered my parents decided to just get a refund for what we didn't get and leave. Because after asking 3 times it shouldn't be that hard to remember.

On the way to the counter, 2 frappes were served to a table that had ordered 10 mins ago, despite me ordering 30 minutes ago. My mother was visibly disgusted, especially when we brought it up to them and the girl said she was making it right now. It was like they jumbled up the orders and didn't know which ones came first so did it randomly.

There wasn't even an excuse for the bagel, there was still plenty in the cabinet.

I was just very disappointed and hate situations like this but it was so unjustified. Especially when the drink was $13.

Please hire some experienced or serious adults, instead of hiring kids just because they're...

I live locally and have eaten here on numerous occasions, and each time I find myself challenged as to why I bother. Yesterday, I took two friends from out of town here to experience what is excellent indulgent cake. Something they are well known for. And yes the cake was very indulgent, but that’s about the only highlight from the experience. The rudeness of the owner and her dismissive manner destroys the entire experience. We were treated with contempt from the moment we arrived and were nothing other than an inconvenience to her. It wasn’t that she and the staff were rushed off their feet, as there were no other customers inside the premises, although there were a couple sitting outside, and no others waiting for service. Her aggression was palpable and the young lady waiting tables was notably impacted, and clearly nervous. Furthermore, she took upon herself to berate the cook within ear shot of us, which was very embarrassing. I have always struggled with their service method, where the food is on display without any pricing, and many items not even sign posted as to what they are. The staff member simply remains at the till awaiting you to come to them and place your order and pay. This is also where the menus are, making it difficult to determine the price of products, without feeling under pressure not to cause delays. We ordered three pieces of cake, a bagel and a croissant as ready made sandwiches, a ready made salad meal in a plastic cup, a medium coffee, large coffee and a smoothie. My friend insisted on paying for the order, and was shocked to find it cost over $130. We took a table and waited, firstly receiving the cake with cream, which then sat for more than ten minutes, allowing the cream to go to mush in the heat. Next the coffees came and sat going cold while we waited for our lunches to arrive. The whole experience was very ordinary, compounded by being charged a premium price for a poor experience. I always try and support local businesses, in order to help support our community, however this business is owned by folks from Bundaberg and mostly employee’s young back packers to serve. So it’s hardly a local enterprise. I note that they receive many complimentary reviews, and I don’t take away from other’s experiences, but I would warn you that the funky and persuasive decor, does not represent the management with their arrogance and rudeness. I am done with patronising them and will happily take my...

We visited Childers a few weeks ago (WAY different and better than expected) and, while there, stopped for afternoon tea at Insane Caffeine.

This venue has ample seating, both inside and out. The ambience and design is superior to most cafes I've visited and, from the minute we walked in, I felt as if I could relax in a corner for hours. Comfy leather seats await you, and the heavy use of timber and antique bits-and-pieces gives the room a 'different era' feel.

We ordered a substantial slice of cake each, along with a flat white and pot of tea. My single criticism is the wait we experienced after ordering. I counted about 6 staff members in house which, considering the number of patrons there at the time, was almost excessive. It really felt like some organisation and leadership was needed to 'align the troops'. That being said, the service, although slow, was professional and friendly.

As far as the actual food and drinks are concerned, I cannot fault a thing. Unfortunately, I cannot remember the exact cakes purchased but can say they were awesome. The coffee was rated as excellent by my fussy wife, while my pot of tea was also enjoyed.

Overall, Insane Caffeine is a rough diamond that has huge potential. The venue and ambience are fantastic, the food and drinks are of a high standard. Make some subtle improvements from a staffing/service perspective and I would happily give you the...