Uncle Drew Cafe

Situated in the sleepy end of Clifton Hill, Uncle Drew is a favourite among the locals. Stepping in to the corner cafe on a Sunday, it was easy to see why. The casual, relaxed vibe, the odd pickle jar perched on a high shelf, and quality coffee, had all the trappings of an eatery you could spend hours in. 

The man behind the red French doors is John Scali – an expert coffee maker – who can be seen getting amongst it, greeting locals and always happy to have a chat. The coffee is a house blend by Dukes Coffee roasters, so coffee lovers can exhale in relief.

Now to the brunch options. It would be wise to select the pesto eggs, picture this: fluffy scrambled eggs served with chilli, pesto and cherry tomatoes, on a slice of toasted multigrain bread, beside spicy ajvar, halloumi – repeat, halloumi – and snow pea tendrills. An excellent vegetarian option. For those with more exotic tastes, don’t skip over the adeptly worded pork and beans, which is a plate of Middle Eastern style beans spiced with sumac and smoked paprika, pork and chilli sausages, a fried egg, aromatic herbs and Lebanese flatbread – an ideal hangover cure. 

If there is room for sweet treats, peruse the flurry of delicious baked goods and pastries that are screaming for attention, including the irresistible bombolone jam. Perfect for a before-work breakfast during the week or an extended brunch session on the weekend, the magic behind the red doors is a charming and unassuming atmosphere making you feel right at home.

Until next time. 

Uncle Drew Cafe 
23 Groom Street, Clifton Hill
Open everyday, Monday to Thursday, 6:30am to 3pm, Friday, 6:30am to 4pm, Saturday, 7:30am to 4pm, Sunday, 8am to 4pm
uncledrewcafe.com.au