13b

Was hoping for a better breakfast

Hidden gem, is right. I almost didn’t find it thanks to my directions from Google Maps. It’s right next to Pocket Bar, but I’ve never noticed it before.
Had a lovely brunch here. I tried the Salsa Eggs — poached eggs on toast with goat cheese covered in a huge serving of burchetta-​like topping. Good coffees… actually had one there and opted for a second for takeaway (which I don’t typically do).
They have a few tables outside good for a couple of people. Friendly service which I always appreciate. I’ll be back.

I’m not sure how we didn’t discover this little gem sooner. Great brunch options and one of the best banana smoothies I’ve ever had… in life. So good. Staff is super friendly and the atmosphere is wonderful. Will absolutely be back here again.

I wanted to explore the area, so myself and two friends headed here on the Unilocal recommendation — I don’t know if I would have found it if I had not known where to go, it is off the main streets, which makes it quite a nice place to have a coffee or two.
The streetscape is very typical of Darlinghurst, dotted with a few trees and terrace housing, there are enough people around to give it a bit of a community feel. We arrived at about 5 in the afternoon, at which time 13b was fairly quiet — and that was not a bad thing!
The coffee was reasonably good, I had my standard double mac and I was pleased to see they made it correctly (not too much milk, prepared well, nice smooth taste), the service was slightly odd, but in a very folksy kind of way — nothing that would bother someone who was not in a rush.

The only thing I regret about 13B is that I didn’t find this place earlier, ie. when it opened in 2010. The coffee is one of the best I’ve tasted anywhere and the staff are the sweetest. This is the first café I’ve been to where the I got asked half way through my coffee and chocolate biscuit slice, how my coffee was. Some may think its overbearing, but I thought it was sweet of them to ask. One of the most pleasant afternoons I had sitting outside on the quiet pavement with my delicious cup.
13B, previously called the Safe House, is a café slash bar and they serve breakfast, lunch, dinner and supper. Hence when I asked the guy when do they close, he gave me a wink and said «we don’t» lol. Also there are no set times, with the café merging with the bar, which merges into dinner. For example the last time I was there it was 4pm and I was having my afternoon coffee break but the table across from me was a group of girls having some cocktails and mains. I’m thinking of coming here for dinner, with their signature dish being the pork and veal meatballs. I’m salivating as I write this. Mmmm.
Basically I love this place and highly recommend at any time of day/​night as they don’t close lol.

I imagine if Jesus himself descended from the sky and handed me a bloody Mary, it would taste exactly like the one from 13B. This tall glass of red muddled magic is chock full of basil leaves, cherry tomatoes, a cucumber spear and garnished with sea salt. It’s the perfect kick off to your night, or cure for that ever daunting hangover– and fast. Ask the capable bartenders to mix you up something off their special menu, or any classics you might have a hankering for. Their unique, often herb-​based infusions will keep you guessing, while the recipes never cross the line of too «out there.» I recommend stopping in around brunch time and escaping and pace of Oxford Street. Slip down Burton toward 13B and have a seat at one of their outdoor tables. This place definitely comes complete with that «wow, I’ve found somewhere special» feeling.

Part wine bar, part cocktail bar, part trendy café… 13b has alot of parts and all of them are great.
Walking through the door the dark calm of the café encompasses you. The funky back beat of the music (no Gloria Jeans repeats here) guides you to your chair… and a waiter, a happy waiter who looks like he really loves his job, wanders over with a menu in hand and a smile on his face. Just brilliant. When I say all I want is a macchiato he responds «not a problem» and spontaneously brings a glass of ice water. Awesome.
The coffee arrives and it is velvet. No wanky swirly patterns or love heart milk shapes, just deliciously smooth and almost sweet coffee. If you are near Oxford St and want a brilliant coffee, then this place is for you.
Café Summary
— — — — — — — —
Passion for Coffee — ⁹⁄₁₀
Coffee beans — Gravity
Crema (1=burnt, 10=velvet) — ⁹⁄₁₀
Special coffees avail? — N/​A