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The Phantom Foodie is a site dedicated to seeking experiences with food. A good experience includes what the diner sees, hears, feels and enjoys. You are welcome on the journey through Melbourne's eateries. Happy Haunting!

September 19, 2011

The Breakfast Club (Northcote)

This is one of my all time favourite breakfast places in Melbourne. It's a big call but I'm comfortable with it. 


It's small, comfortable and friendly with great food, fab coffee and lovely hipsters behind the counter. Who could ask for anything more?


Phantom Foodie Rating: 84% Yeah baby!

Menu diversity (6/10)
The everyday menu is packed with goodness like Baked Eggs (I highly recommend the Tonnes Creamy Baked Eggs which are packed with caramelized onions, spinach, bacon and creamy mustardy joyfulness), Stax Toast (creamy feta, pesto, cherry tomatoes and avocado on delightfully crispy toast) or the Bircher Muesli with grated apple. 

There is a chalkboard with rotating specials that takes advantage of what is fresh and local as well as the chef's quirky whims. There is always a lovely sandwich and something breakfasty on there. 

The menu is not extensive but you can always find what you need and want there. 

The cabinet under the till has some baked goodies like Anzac biscuits (the size of your head) and honey joys. 

Quality of food (28/30) - Ingredients, presentation, taste and serving size. 
Everything was quality, well presented and yummo. 

Wine list (0/10) - Selection, variety, cost and pairing. 
Non-Alcoholic only. 

Coffee (9/10) 
So good. I often have one (or two) there and bring one home with me!

Service (8/10) - How is the customer treated. 
It can be a little slow on weekends or when something distracts the counter staff (they are so cheerful about it you almost don't mind).  Without fail everyone is friendly, loves babies, coos over 4-legged creatures (dogs and I have dined there several times with my leash trained cat) and emanates wistful cheer. 

Vibe (10/10) - How does it feel to be there?
The Breakfast Club is my hiding spot on weekdays and a never fail place to take friends and overnight guests for brunch. 

They have no problem with my taking a laptop and typing away at the communal table (on slower weekdays of course). The atmosphere is relaxed, quirky and comfortable. 

Ambiance (6/10) - Interior design and fit out.
Garage sale salt&pepper shakers, succulents in glass globes, home knitted tea cozies and an owl that hoots at you as you enter the loo (more of an outhouse really) work together to create shabby-funky-chic. It works. It just does. 

What makes it special? (+/-) - Added touches to distinguish or diminish.
+ breezy vibe
+Homey feel
-Limited seating

Value for money (4/5)
Pretty good. Could use a little more toast...

Accessibility (5/5) - How easy is it to get there?
Train - Northcote Station
Tram - 112 (stop 30) directly outside & 86 get off at High x Arthurton and walk. 
Car - 206 St Georges Road, Northcote - parking available on the small residential streets

 Overall Phantom Foodie Rating? 76/90 or 84%

Great place for...
Hiding from the world on a weekday
Brunch on the weekend

Details
206 St Georges Rd

Northcote, 3070

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