Uncle Drew

Overview

With its consistently top-notch Dukes coffee, and a menu that sits well-executed classics alongside crafty modern creations, this charming cafe is the kind you dream about having as your local. It's even got its very own food store in front, slinging everything from beers and chocolate, to preserves and house-made dog biscuits.

Occupying a sunny corner of Clifton Hill complete with a leafy streetside parklet, Uncle Drew is a long-standing neighbourhood gem of the very best kind. For the grab-and-go crowd, there's a heaving cabinet of sangas and sweet treats, plus fresh bread and pastries from the folks at Tivoli Road Bakery.

The kitchen's offering always hits the right notes, whether you're tempted by the likes of a brekkie 'power bowl' ($21), an omelette loaded with Sichuan- and apple cider-braised pork hock ($23), or the breakfast burrito filled with pork, beans and chilli pesto frittata ($23).

Libby Curran

Lunch might see you tucking into a Japanese-inspired dish of soba noodles with pan-fried salmon ($27) (or miso-glazed eggplant, $23), the hefty prawn roll ($23), or tagliatelle with a wagyu chianti ragu ($28). The specials list is forever a treasure-trove, too, with a rotating omelette option, along with other goodies like a loaded oyster mushroom and burrata bagel ($26).

Throw in a crew of friendly staff who know most of their guests by name, and a whole lot of doggos to befriend while you're there, and you've got yourself a true standout.

Libby Curran

Updated May, 2023.

Appears in:

The 13 Best Cafes in Melbourne for 2023