Cafe hopping, the perfect hobby for a broke uni student who is desperate for a sweet treat, brisk hot-girl walk but most importantly—caffeine…which I’ve found is more like blood for certain students, a lifeline if you will.
Why Cafe Hopping?
Lying piss faced in bed hungover after a night out bar-hopping? Nah, why not cafe hop instead! Trust me, this should be every university student’s favourite pastime. Whether you value coffee more than your grades, have a secret crush on a barista or just don’t want to be swarmed by the evil little first years on campus, this is it for you!
How to—A Beginners Guide:
You can go to study or prepare for that looming deadline with your own beats, just chill out and take aesthetic pics or appreciate the background noise and vibes. There really is no guide on what to do when cafe hopping. The best part is, you can go solo or with mates. The concept lies in the name, you choose a few different locations and before the coffee gets cold, you drink it and move to the next! Something about everyone with their heads down being productive is bound to get something kick started in you…if not just chug some caffeine so you stay awake at your next lecture, that you’re definitely still going to.
My personal recommendations for you:
On that note, here are some of my favourite cafes in the CBD that I most definitely think you and your friends—that is if you have some, should check out! If not, take a solo trip. You are so welcome, in advance. Let’s take a look at these based on food and drink options, the vibes themself, my personal menu favourites & customer reviews too to convince you even more.
RECEPTIONIST COFFEE: 10/10 for coffee—tucked away in the middle of High Street, you will always be greeted by smiling faces, they’re the best and the coffee and drinks are phenomenal. Alongside this, Mr K the owner has the most delicious, baked in store croissants! Whether you want the classic almond croissant, a ham and cheese for lunch, or chocolate, these are definitely the best I have ever had. Crumbly in each and every single bite, I guarantee. Vibes wise, there is a cute little indoor seating area so if you want to have a yarn with friends while sipping your coffee or munching before class, you definitely can! They also have another branch towards the art gallery side of Lorne street, more of a hole-in-the-wall area, round the corner.
Customers have stated:
“Best coffee I’ve ever had.”
“The staff are prompt, polite and always down for a chat.”
“Mr K and his team are coffee wizards!”
THE SHELF: Another cafe on high street, which true to its name has a great selection of shelf food and amazing drinks! My personal favourites have to be the chai and ‘make it yourself’ iced chocolates with rich milk and chocolate to pour on the side of course. The ambience is absolutely perfect with dimmed lights and wifi, great for study dates. There are little booths in the back, high tables and coffee tables, so there’s truly a place for everyone.
Customers have stated:
“Neat and tidy cafe, with great attention to detail.”
“Great coffee and smoothies, love coming to get work done.”
COSMO COFFEE: Cosmo coffee offers both drinks, dessert and fusion style food all in one. Located very close to uni, this is one of my friends’ favourite spots to grab coffee! I absolutely adore their smooth creamy matcha, and multitude of croissants; from strawberry, to oreo and more. Other menu items include cruffins and croffles, and a wide range of fusion sandwiches too! Their playlist is immaculate and with black interiors alongside indoor plants, this makes for a perfect study spot if you need some of that ambient background noise!
Customers have stated:
“Great coffee and plenty of options to go around!”
“Truly the best matcha I’ve had in the city.”
“So many gluten free options.”
KOMPASS COFFEE: Another cafe very close to uni, serving up specialty coffee along with delicious baked goods. Kompass has an incredible selection of shelf food including croissants, muffins and pastries. Trending on social media for their beautiful latte art, you can be sure to have a fantastic and aesthetic experience at this coffee shop. They also have unique coffee flavours; such as their newly curated black sesame cream latte.
Customers have stated:
“My favourite place to be in the city.”
“This place has soul!”
“The barista is lovely and super friendly, and the vibes are fabulous.”
DOUBLE DOUBLE COFFEE BAR: Moving to a little hole in the wall on Elliott Street! Double Double has been trending on many posts on cafe-tok on TikTok because of their unique coffee bar setting. Tucked in with intimate table arrangements, the coffee is always ready to go here. There’s lots of shelf food to choose from too, a customer favourite being their ‘Cornflake Crack Brownie’ – caramelised cornflakes atop a chocolate brownie base? Say less!
Customers have stated:
“Toasties are too good to be true.”
“Coffee is supreme.”
“I took a girl on a date here and she loved it.”
So there you have it, the ULTIMATE guide to cafe-hopping. I hope you’ve been inspired to take a change of scenery and scout out a cute new cafe! If you visit any of the above, let them know Craccum led you there!
