Coffee runs deep through the heart of Melbourne, and in every nook and cranny of Collingwood, you’ll discover cafes that are steeped in the rich aroma of perfectly brewed coffee. But it’s not just about the coffee; Collingwood’s cafe scene offers a diverse and delightful culinary experience that caters to every taste. From the expertly crafted espresso-based drinks at Plug Nickel to the unique Japanese-inspired beverages at CIBI, Collingwood’s coffee shops provide a haven for coffee lovers and foodies alike. Whether you’re a local looking to explore new flavors or a visitor eager to immerse yourself in the suburb’s vibrant cafe culture, here is United Co.‘s curated list of the 10 best coffee in Collingwood that you simply must experience.
Getting to Know Collingwood, Melbourne
Escape the towering skyscrapers of Melbourne’s CBD and venture just a short distance northeast to discover the charming suburb of Collingwood. Sharing a border with the popular tourist destination of Fitzroy, Collingwood offers a similarly vibrant food and arts scene while retaining a delightfully raw and unpolished character. This inner-city gem has become a sought-after spot for both locals and visitors, thanks to its diverse population, thriving creative community, and eclectic mix of shops and eateries.
The Wurundjeri people, the area’s original Indigenous inhabitants, are believed to have called the region now known as Collingwood “Yálla-birr-ang.” Collingwood’s rich history is deeply intertwined with its industrial heritage. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the suburb served as a significant hub for textile manufacturing, with numerous factories and warehouses lining its streets, shaping the area’s character and development.
Today, many of these old buildings have been repurposed into trendy apartments, art galleries, and office spaces. One notable example that still stands strong is the United Co.‘s building, which dates back to 1932 and was once home to the British United Shoe Machinery Company. By repurposing heritage buildings, the area has developed a unique character that seamlessly blends the old and the new.
Another striking feature of Collingwood is its vibrant street art scene. Take a stroll through the suburb’s laneways and side streets, and you’ll be greeted by an array of colorful murals and graffiti art. Perhaps the most famous of these is the Keith Haring mural on Johnston Street, painted by the renowned American artist in 1984. This celebration of creativity and self-expression serves as a testament to Collingwood’s artistic spirit.
To truly get to know Collingwood, it’s best to explore the suburb on foot. Wander through its laneways, chat with locals, and visit the area’s workspaces, especially United Co. in its unique building. Immerse yourself in Collingwood’s unique blend of history, creativity, and community spirit. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a curious visitor, Collingwood is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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10 Best Coffee in Collingwood You Need to Try
From the rich aroma of freshly roasted beans at Proud Mary, the unique single-origin coffee experience at Aunty Peg’s, to the cozy and inviting atmosphere of Everyday Coffee, this suburb has it all. Here is United Co.’s guide to the best coffee in Collingwood that you need to try.
1. Proud Mary Coffee
Proud Mary’s coffee menu takes center stage, showcasing the cafe’s commitment to exceptional quality and innovative brewing techniques. From classic espresso-based drinks to pour-over options featuring single-origin beans, each cup is crafted with precision and care.
Knowledgeable baristas guide patrons through the diverse range of flavors and aromas, while specialty beverages like the creamy magic coffee offer unique tastes, which combine espresso with steamed milk and a hint of sweetness. With its dedication to sourcing the finest beans and exploring new frontiers in coffee preparation, Proud Mary has become a must-visit destination for coffee enthusiasts in Collingwood and beyond.
Proud Mary Coffee: 172 Oxford St, Collingwood VIC 3066
2. Aunty Peg’s
Aunty Peg’s is a stylish cafe located on Wellington Street in Collingwood, offering a unique coffee experience for discerning coffee lovers. The cafe specializes in single-origin beans and alternative brewing methods, such as pour-over and cold brew, showcasing the intricate flavors and aromas of each coffee. The minimalist interior provides a calm and focused atmosphere, perfect for savoring a carefully crafted cup of coffee while getting some work done or catching up with friends. With its dedication to quality and innovation, Aunty Peg’s has become a favorite among Collingwood’s coffee connoisseurs.
Aunty Peg’s: 200 Wellington St, Collingwood VIC 3066
3. CIBI
CIBI’s coffee and beverage menu is a delightful blend of Japanese and Melbourne influences. The cafe offers a carefully curated selection of high-quality teas, including sencha, genmaicha, and hojicha, each served in traditional Japanese teaware. For coffee lovers, CIBI serves a range of espresso-based drinks, such as lattes and flat whites, using beans sourced from local Melbourne roasters. The cafe also offers unique Japanese-inspired beverages, such as the matcha latte and the housemade yuzu soda, which provide a refreshing and flavorful alternative to traditional coffee shop fare. Whether you’re in the mood for a warm, comforting tea or a perfectly crafted coffee, CIBI’s beverage menu is sure to delight and inspire.
CIBI: 33-39 Keele St, Collingwood VIC 3066
4. Everyday Coffee
Everyday Coffee offers a warm and rustic interior, with its exposed brick walls and wooden furnishings, creating a welcoming atmosphere that makes it a favorite among locals. Everyday Coffee’s menu focuses on simple, yet expertly crafted coffee drinks, using beans sourced from local roasters. The cafe’s skilled baristas take pride in preparing each cup with care and precision, making it one of the best coffees in Collingwood. Grabbing a quick espresso on your way to work or settling in for a leisurely latte with friends, Everyday Coffee provides a friendly and comfortable space to enjoy a great cup of coffee in the heart of Collingwood.
Everyday Coffee: 36-38 Sackville St, Collingwood VIC 3066
5. South of Johnston
South of Johnston’s coffee menu features a selection of expertly crafted espresso-based drinks, using beans sourced from renowned Melbourne roasters. The skilled baristas take pride in their attention to detail, ensuring that each cup is perfectly balanced and full of flavor. In addition to classic coffee options, the cafe also offers a range of specialty lattes, such as the turmeric latte and the beetroot latte, which provide a unique and healthful twist on traditional coffee shop fare. Looking for a quick caffeine fix or a leisurely brunch accompanied by a delicious coffee, South of Johnston is a must-visit destination for a coffee in Collingwood.
South of Johnston: 46 Oxford St, Collingwood VIC 3066
6. Allpress Espresso
Allpress Espresso is known for its exceptional coffee, which is roasted in-house using high-quality beans sourced from around the world. The skilled baristas are passionate about their craft, taking great care to ensure that each cup is perfectly extracted and beautifully presented. The cafe’s coffee menu offers a range of classic espresso-based drinks, as well as filter coffee options for those who prefer a lighter, more nuanced flavor profile. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or simply looking for a delicious cup of coffee in a fashionable setting, Allpress Espresso is a top choice in the area.
Allpress Espresso: 80 Rupert St, Collingwood VIC 3066
7. INI Coffee Collingwood
Despite its modest size, INI Coffee packs a punch when it comes to the quality and flavor of its coffee. INI Coffee specializes in pour-over coffee, offering a curated selection of single-origin beans from various coffee-producing regions around the world. The knowledgeable baristas are passionate about showcasing the unique characteristics of each coffee, carefully brewing each cup to highlight the beans’ natural flavors and aromas.
The cafe’s minimalist interior, with its exposed brick walls and simple wooden furnishings, creates a cozy and intimate atmosphere that encourages customers to slow down and savor their coffee experience. If you’re looking for a hidden gem that offers exceptional pour-over coffee in a quiet and unassuming setting, INI Coffee is worth seeking out in Collingwood.
INI Coffee: 62 Smith St, Collingwood VIC 3066
8. Terror Twilight
Terror Twilight is a quirky and intimate cafe located on Johnston Street, just a short stroll from the bustling Smith Street precinct. The cafe’s eclectic interior, filled with mismatched furniture, colorful artwork, and vintage decor, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that reflects the neighborhood’s creative spirit. Terror Twilight’s coffee menu features a selection of expertly crafted espresso-based drinks, using beans sourced from local Melbourne roasters.
In addition to classic coffee options, the cafe also offers a range of unique and inventive specialty drinks, such as the “Snickers” latte, which combines espresso, chocolate, peanut butter, and steamed milk for a deliciously indulgent treat. A coffee enthusiast or simply looking for a cozy spot to relax and soak up the local vibe, Terror Twilight is a must-visit cafe that captures the essence of its vibrant neighborhood.
Terror Twilight: 11-13 Johnston St, Collingwood VIC 3066
9. Into Coffee
Just off the bustling Johnston Street, Into Coffee offers a warm and rustic interior, with its exposed brick walls, wooden furnishings, and abundant greenery, creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. Into Coffee’s menu focuses on simple, yet expertly crafted coffee drinks, using beans sourced from local Melbourne roasters. Whether you’re looking for a classic espresso, a creamy latte, or a refreshing cold brew, Into Coffee has got you covered. The cafe also offers a small selection of delicious pastries and snacks, perfect for enjoying alongside your drink. With its friendly service, relaxing ambiance, and commitment to quality beans, Into Coffee is a lovely spot to unwind and get a cup of coffee in Collingwood.
Into Coffee: 2A Robert St, Collingwood VIC 3066
10. Plug Nickel
Plug Nickel is a sleek and modern cafe located on Langridge Street, just a short walk from the vibrant Smith Street. The cafe’s interior features clean lines, industrial accents, and a minimalist aesthetic, creating a stylish and sophisticated atmosphere. Plug Nickel’s coffee menu showcases a carefully curated selection of single-origin beans and blends, sourced from renowned roasters both locally and internationally.
Plug Nickel: 7 Peel St, Collingwood VIC 3066
In addition to classic espresso-based drinks, the cafe also offers filter coffee options, such as pour-over and batch brew, for those who prefer a lighter, more nuanced flavor profile. With its commitment to sourcing exceptional coffee, skilled baristas, and a chic, contemporary setting, Plug Nickel is a must-visit destination for those seeking a stylish cafe experience and coffee in Collingwood.
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How to Get to Collingwood
Collingwood is easily accessible by various modes of transportation, making it a convenient destination for both locals and visitors alike. If you’re driving, you’ll find ample street parking along the main thoroughfares of Smith Street and Johnston Street, as well as several public car parks scattered throughout the neighborhood.
For those who prefer public transport, Collingwood is well-connected by tram and bus routes. The 86 tram line runs directly through the heart of Collingwood along Smith Street, while the 109 and 12 trams service the eastern and western edges of the suburb, respectively. Bus routes 200, 207, and 251 also provide access to different parts of Collingwood. If you’re coming from the city center, Collingwood is just a short 10-15 minute ride away by tram or bus.
For the more active and environmentally conscious, cycling is a popular option, with dedicated bike lanes and plenty of bicycle parking available throughout the area. And of course, with its vibrant streetscapes and eclectic mix of shops and coffee shops, Collingwood is a fantastic neighborhood to explore on foot. So whether you’re hopping on a tram, cycling down a bustling street, or simply strolling through the neighborhood’s laneways and alleyways, getting to and around Collingwood is a breeze.
As you explore the vibrant streets of Collingwood, be sure to immerse yourself in the suburb’s thriving coffee scene. From the rich, bold flavors of expertly crafted espresso-based drinks to the delicate, nuanced notes of freshly brewed pour-over coffee, Collingwood’s coffee offerings are sure to impress even the most discerning coffee enthusiasts.
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If you find yourself captivated by Collingwood’s unique charm and vibrant energy, consider making this suburb your work base by joining United Co. This premium office space, conveniently located at 425 Smith Street, offers a range of world-class amenities designed to enhance your productivity and overall well-being. Take advantage of the state-of-the-art wellness suite, complete with a fully-equipped gym, games room, and dedicated spaces for prayer or meditation.
At United Co., you’ll find the perfect environment to foster a healthy work-life balance, boost your productivity, and experience a better way of working. Immerse yourself in the dynamic atmosphere of Collingwood while enjoying the benefits of a top-notch workspace at United Co.
