Wide Open Road
Wide Open Road
274 Barkly Street
Brunswick VIC 3056
03 9387 6079
Open: Mon – Sat 7:30am – 5pm; Sun 8am – 5pm
Website
Sometimes you want something really simple – you know, easy and clean and light. For me, this is where Wide Open Road comes into its own. Just a little way off the Capital City Trail – it’s a great place to stop, grab your breath, grab some coffee and grab a bite.
Barkly Street is off Sydney Road, not far from Royal Park (and where the Capital City Trail is). It’s an incredibly featureless street, and the café itself is a pretty non-descript building – but you can’t miss the punters sitting outside enjoying the sunshine…
Of course, I choose to sit outside – so I can keep an eye on the bike!! I order my coffee, and peruse the menu.
Apparently Wide Open Road roast and blend their own beans – so their quality control is top notch. Their Bathysphere blend contains Kenyan, Brazilian, Costa Rican and Ethiopian beans – and can be ordered either espresso or pour over. I order my usual 3/4 flat white… and it’s good – especially after a few kilometres of riding. I feel it’s very well deserved.
The only downside to Wide Open Road is the seemingly interminable wait for service. It’s the only bad thing I can say about this café – otherwise it’s hard to fault.
Spiced avocado with fresh coriander, lime on toast
Mmmm…. however, when the food finally arrives – it’s pretty good. The avocado is fresh and creamy, and given an aromatic lift with some lime and coriander, and a little bit of chilli to give it a bit of spice! It works very well – and it’s just the right thing for those days you want to keep it light…
On a previous visit – I tried the smashed peas topped with pecorino on toast – and it was amazing! Definitely worth trying if you like peas – it sounds weird, I know… but it just works!
Overall, it’s a very satisfying meal although my experience was lessened due to the wait for coffee and food. If you’ve got some time, and enjoy a lull between service – then you’ll be fine. If you don’t have time, or tend to be a little impatient (Type A personalities – I’m talking to you), you may find yourself getting a little frustrated – which is a pity – because there’s so much to like about this place.
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