JOE BLACK CAFE — Restaurant in Sydney

Came for brunch based on Google reviews. I must admit that I was slightly sceptical as these days people tend to over praise and over hype. But I must say that it was a great decision to come and we shall be coming back.

Decent food nicely made and delicious for a reasonable price. Coffees were good and there was enough variety on the menu that made us feel that there was something special worth trying rather than finding it boring and unimaginative.

The mince bolognese on toast was nice. I don’t know why I thought it would be served on top of thick toast but it was probably more appropriate to have it served the way they did. The individual components were all tasty and delicious. I was pleasantly surprised that the salad wasn’t sour - this is often overdone particularly in the lemon juice on avocado department. So that was certainly welcomed.

I also loved the fact that they made onsen eggs rather than poached eggs. Bit more “personality” I reckon.

The only bit of feedback I had was thinking that I wish I had one more piece of toast. The sourdough was delicious and nicely toasted - not too hard but not too soft either. They warmed up some butter and that was a joy to spread and was delicious. I didn’t put too much mince on the toast mainly because I wanted to have the butter but really it was good either way and I wish I had one more slice of toast to go with it (I had two. Three slices would have been perfect).

Ventilation on the side nearest the kitchen was not great so we had to choose to sit elsewhere initially. But otherwise the atmosphere and environment was good.

Service and speed of service was good too. Meeting all...

I have been a loyal client of Joe Black Cafe for two days. Everything went OK on the first visit, second time around not so good. Last week I was staying at the hotel next door to the cafe and spotted the place which seemed to be good enough for a quick breakfast on the go. Wednesday morning I took a large flat white and blueberry muffin take away for $12.50. Coffee was good, muffin could be better but no complaints. Thursday morning went to order exactly the same items and price was $13.50 instead. I asked if there had been a price increase on any of the two items overnight and the answer was "no". So I questioned the reason of the price difference from the day before but couldn't get a clear answer, the guy just deleted the transaction from the Eftpos machine and charged me $12.50 instead like the day before. Upon taking the muffin I realized it had been microwaved although I did not ask for it to be heated up, so I asked why it had been warmed up. The answer was: "so it's softer because the muffin is from yesterday". I couldn't believe it, so I double checked and asked: "It's from yesterday??". Answer: " Yes because the chef didn't have time to make them this morning". So I was basically being overcharged for taking leftovers from the previous day. Worst part, at no point throughout the whole experience I heard either a "please, thank you, sorry or apologies"

Needless to say I didn't go back during...

TL; DR Go here, coffee good, service outstanding. As the city of Sydney opens up and people of my breeding stumble about the whistling streets, places like Joe Black Cafe become more and more accessible. My visit here also happened because of State Rails impeccable Saturday service requiring me to alight at Central and walk the rest of the way to my pill selling destination. But enough of my pithy state government quibbles, about the cafe:- and what a place! Not just the domain of city types or pretend city types (hipsters), normal people can come here too, even train travelling types! This place does service well and that's the hidden ingredient often missing from Sydney cafes. (Not a 'buddy' or 'champion' in sight.) The coffee was good but I ordered another, just to make sure. It was also good, but I'll go back. Just to be sure. The ideal spot for a Saturday coffee on a wet and raining September Day. Minus half a star for the hideous jumper worn by the maitre Dee. (Ha ha!) Update! I even told the fellow what I thought of his jumper, what a hide I have! How very rude of me! Therefore this place gets five a half stars and that's a first! Signed by the husband of the Queen Of Sheeba #Custard #U2...