The Hood Milk Bar

First of all…
I love the fact that people would often refer to this café as a «milk bar» (do you really hear cafes being referred to as such these days?).
The place has a nice atmosphere and does not have the typical café vibe. They have a wide variety of food to choose from — from breakfast to dinner. I ordered a standard toast with chunks (not as a spread) of avocado, feta cheese and coreander. Then for lunch I ordered a soft shell crab burger which was super delicious! You won’t hear many cafes that would sell anything like this (not that I can recall anyway). My colleagues have ordered steak burgers here and they absolutely loved it. There are 2 coffee section — the smaller one being referred to as «The Quickie» (ideal for those who come in to order coffee only) while the other one is situated in «The Parlor» (where meals are actually served). There is also a variety of Gelato flavours to choose from — also from The Parlor.
The staff are friendly and are dressed in flannel shirts and jeans. Yes. This is their uniform. I will say that this is definitely one of the very best cafes I’ve ever been in. Many things pertaining to this place is novelty! In my opinion anyway…

Is this place worth the 2+3hour drive from Sydney? Absolutely!
The place has a great vibe. Super friendly and helpful staff. Great selection of sweet and savory options.
Drinks, so much choice. Belgian hot chocolate with real chocolate. Chocolate thick shake was amazing. Didn’t order the smoothies or fruit drinks but they looked tempting.
Burgers were good but not great. The pulled pork was a bit disappointing lacking flavour but the slaw made it. Side of fries were oh so satisfying.
I’ll definitely be driving back!

This place has a nice vibe in general. It’s casual and has great ice cream. I have eaten here a few times, but I’ve got some hesitancy. It’s one thing to be scruffy and wear Hawaiian shirts with boardies for a uniform, it’s another to carry yourself in kind. It’s not that the service isn’t friendly, it is. It’s just that every time someone serves me there I get a bit grossed out. I’ve been there five times.
So far I’m yet to experience an interaction with the counter staff that doesn’t involve: a finger in the ear, putting receipts in mouth (then pulling them out and providing to customer), sucking on napkins (pulling the wet part out of mouth, then touching customer food), mixing cash handling with food and drink prep. Eww guys. The music is too loud to carry a conversation without raised voices. Both of these issues are easily fixed, and overall this is a nice establishment. I’d be back if these things were taken care of. The good intent to create customer experience is obvious.

Fairly certain that the beetroot in my beetroot, felafel and labne salad was tinned.
It’s pretty easy to roast fresh beetroot, and most places are above that sort of stuff these days.
I feel this place is trying to be something but, for me, it missed the mark.

Wonderful atmosphere. I had the beef brisket salad which I can say is one of the best salads I’ve ever had. Flavors were perfectly matched. Perfect with the mango beer after a hot day. Great value for money. Definitely recommend.

Fantastic, friendly place. Terrific coffee and great breakfast. Great atmosphere and vibe. Highly recommended.