There’s a bit of thought that goes into finding your new favourite coffee spot. Will the menu be straightforward? Is the atmosphere going to be good? Can they accommodate furry friends?
You’ll also want to pick a spot that really embodies hospitality in Mildura - a place using gorgeous fresh and local produce where possible, celebrating community-led initiatives, and where the crew behind the counter will treat you right.
Happily, Mildura boasts a plethora of options when it comes to coffee. If you’re planning a visit to the region (or you want to support local, or show off to the next lot of visitors), you can fill your cup in more ways than one at these hotspots:
1. Stefano’s Cafe
Source: Stefano’s Cafe
A little slice of Italian paradise on Deakin Ave, Stefano’s Cafe is a must-try on your Mildura coffee manifesto. The menu focuses on using seasonal, local, and house-made goods to produce fresh and delicious fare.
More importantly you can get a good, strong coffee “whichever way you like it”, as the menu says. No need to panic over the ambiguity; you can still place your regular coffee order, even if the typical coffees we drink in Australia aren’t itemised on the board. They’ll know how to make it - and make it well.
Inside you’ll find a real celebration of locality; from art, to the selection of wine, to take-home treats. Stefano’s store is a great place to grab much-loved Mildura brands like Murray River Salt, Tabletop Grapes, and of course, Mildura Chocolate Co. You can also grab some of Stefano’s own jarred products to take home, or head to the fridge and check out what meals are on offer to save you cooking dinner tonight.
At the very least you should order a cuppa, nestle yourself under the lush canopy of vines, and watch the world go by… There’s definitely worse ways to spend time.
Address: 27 Deakin Ave
Phone: (03) 5021 3627
Web: https://www.stefano.com.au/stefanos-cafe
2. Blk.Mlk Specialty Coffee
Source: Blk.Mlk Specialty Coffee
If you’re looking for a place to grab a coffee while out with your four-legged companions, Blk.Mlk is a great shout. Think beautifully presented, tasty and fresh dishes with multiple options to tempt those who are veggo, vegan, and gluten-free.
The cafe is walk-in only, but there’s plenty of tables both inside and out. One of the tables in the laneway is the perfect spot to post up if you’re bringing four-legged friends.
These guys take coffee seriously. Coffee snobs among us will appreciate that Blk.Mlk only uses specialty blends for their brews (Specialty blends are a higher grade of coffee, and often don’t have the same acrid taste that lower grade blends can have).
Blk.Mlk is worth taking any guests or relatives to if you want to flaunt the fact that smooth, nuanced coffee doesn’t stop at Melbourne’s city limits - it’s available right here in Mildura.
Address: 51 Deakin Ave
Phone: (03) 5023 1811
Web: https://www.facebook.com/blk.mlk.specialty.coffee/
3. Nash Lane Coffee Co.
Source: Nash Lane Coffee Co.
This cafe really embodies the ‘cool coffee shop’ vibe while also serving an excellent cup. Nash Lane actually has several locations now, but you can’t go past the original Tenth St cafe if you want the full experience.
Open all week long from 7am-3pm, Nash Lane is that ‘hidden gem’ that everyone kind of already knows about. If you like strong, house-roasted coffee and a great atmosphere, you’ll love ‘life in the Nash Lane’.
For food options you’ll find plenty of classic cafe fare brought up to a higher standard - like a crispy toastie on organic sourdough, fresh or cold pressed juices - as well as all day brunch options to tempt you into staying longer than it takes to grab espresso or a beyond-smooth cold brew.
At the OG location you can prop yourself up outside under the vines and watch the morning go by. Or if you’re more of a people watcher, try their sleek-looking Fifteenth St location next to Coles.
Address: 163-165 Tenth St
Phone: (03) 5051 9978
Web: http://www.nashlane.com.au/
4. Steampunk Cafe
Source: Steampunk Cafe
Another ‘if you know, you know’ kind of place, this cafe is very unassuming from the outside. Steampunk serves silky smooth coffee extracted from an old-school, hand-built BOSCO machine imported from Naples. This espresso is the real deal.
The interior is, as the name suggests, a departure from your typical coffee shop decor. You’ll find ornate gothic frames, vintage posters, and an eclectic mix of trinkets and furniture. Unashamedly unique and run by truly passionate people, Steampunk has definitely earned a spot on the list for your weekday pick-me-up.
It’s cosy, quirky, good for kids, and perfect for enjoying your coffee of choice. Or a meal - the food is similarly high quality, and gluten-free options are a constant feature on the menu.
Address: 152 Ninth St
Phone: 0408 881 554
Web: https://www.facebook.com/p/Steampunk-Mildura-100063636276830/
5. Bobby + Me
Source: Bobby + Me
You can get treats for yourself and for your pooch at this riverside gem. Bobby + Me serves great coffee, great banter, and even a range of special treats just for dogs.
Sitting pretty alongside the Murray with plenty of space for pups (and kids) to run around, this outdoor venue makes a perfect stop on morning walks. Pick up a light snack and a coffee, or stick around for something more filling from the breakfast, brunch, or lunch menu. Nearby trees offer dappled light, and you’ll often see ducks and the like moseying about - they never seem too bothered by the humans getting on the banks.
You can amble along to Bobby + Me any day of the week from 7.30am-3pm to enjoy the view of the river from beneath the trees and strategically placed shade umbrellas. Be sure to keep an eye on their socials for upcoming live music performances.
Address: Nowingi Place, Hugh King Drive
Phone: 0412 747 869
Web: https://www.bobbyandme.com.au/
The power of a good cuppa can never be understated, but the cafe itself is what makes you stay and savour it. In that respect you really can’t go wrong with these Mildura favourites.
Pick one, park up, stay a while - the coffee’s darn good, and the local hospitality makes it even greater.
