Cafe Stax, Melbourne CBD by Bureaucrat

"I wonder what the food is like in there?" is a thought that often crosses my mind.  From the old I-can't-believe-it's-still-open sandwich shop, the it's-so-cool-it-hurts bar, hipster-packed café and the wallet-stinging fine dining establishments, I do a lot of pondering.

 

Café Stax is one such place that I've pondered for some time now.  It wasn't until Mr P at work that mentioned that he goes there quite often (because the burgers are great) that I insisted that we have a team lunch there.

 

Located just off Swanston St, Café Stax is literally a stone's throw from Wonderbao (especially if you throw like me, which is girly and delicate) and right opposite Anju.  I've walked past its graffiti-ed walls and have even studied its menu which is stuck up on one of its windows.

 

Stepping inside, it feels like time has stood still.  It has a sleepy-ish vibe but there's  activity here - the quiet hum of students studying, office workers taking a break and the clinking of cutlery.  The thick concrete walls and drawn curtains give this place a very secured, bunkered-down element.  The space is narrow but deep and it spans across two floors. 

 

Having placed our order, we decided to sit upstairs. Unlike downstairs, it's decorated with postcards of comic book superheroes, movie posters, old vinyl records and these rather funky, and surprisingly sturdy, cardboard tables and chairs.  The guys had fun pretending to throw the furniture around (needless to say, I won't be posting those photos).

 

Once in a while, Café Stax does $10 burger and chips.  Although there are about four types of burgers to choose from, we all went for the beef burger.  A really nice, thick beef patty - good flavor and no gristle.  It's definitely better than most chain burger places.  Melted cheese, crisp lettuce and toms and brioche bun topped it off.  The chips were seasoned like they're wedges.  Yum.

 

Verdict

Food – 8.5

Service – 7
Ambience – 7.5
Price – 8.5

 

Overall

I love Café Stax - it's quiet and it's unassuming and it's like your own little café.  Simple food done well.  Definitely a keeper and now I hope not too many people find this hidden gem...!

 

Address

Café Stax

16 Lt Latrobe St

Melbourne 3000

Telephone: 9663 3008