Geelong is home to a thriving arts scene and some of the best surf breaks in the world, but the city's reputation is tied to Ford Motor Company. In 1985, at the height of production, the factory employed more than four thousand people.
Geelong has been working tirelessly to rebrand itself since the factory closed in 2016. Like Melbourne's small bar legislation of 1994 did for that city, Geelong is seeing a proliferation of new cafes, restaurants, and bars thanks to its relatively low real estate prices and lack of attractive old Gold Rush-era buildings. While Igni has gained international recognition as the most prominent member of the new guard, there is still much more to learn about this exciting group.
Geelong Cafes You Need To Try
Geelong is alive and well if its streets smell like coffee. Superb brew, not your average java. You can find some of Geelong's most visually appealing cafes here.
The order in which the cafes appear on the list is not set in stone but has been given some thought. No matter where a cafe on this list is located, there is something that will entice visitors to make the trip there.
We are confident that among the best cafes in Geelong listed here, you will find something to your liking. We've compiled a list of the best cafes in Geelong, and they're stocked to the gills with speciality coffee, knowledgeable baristas, friendly service, and interesting, original offerings.
Cafe Go
Best CBD all-rounder
Cafe Go Geelong is a wonderful destination if you're in search of a lively and entertaining environment in which to enjoy some great food and relax with friends or loved ones. The cafe is housed in a historic weatherboard building at the intersection of Bellarine and Lt. Malop Streets. Authentic touches include a central fireplace that provides much-needed heat during the colder months and a charming secret garden in the backyard.
Food is served in generous portions, and organic and locally sourced ingredients are prioritised whenever possible. Cafe Go is highly recommended as a one-stop-shop for all your CBD cafe needs, and it's consistently ranked as one of Geelong's best cafes. We are open every day of the week.
37 Bellerine Street, Geelong VIC 3220.
Fuel Coffee + Food
Best for CBD morning coffee fix and work hidey-hole/meeting place
After more than five years in business, Fuel has solidified its reputation as a top-notch dining spot. In many ways, Greg can be credited as the pioneer of Geelong's thriving cafe culture, which takes its inspiration from Melbourne. Though, please note that you are in no way obligated to take our word for it. The fact that it has dominated TripAdvisor's Geelong cafe rankings for so long makes it a no-brainer.
A converted garage, it can be found in Gore Place, a tiny laneway now overshadowed by the TAC building, and it looks as good today as it did when it first opened. Our excellent Campos coffee and friendly service are guaranteed. It's closed on the weekends and only opens during the week.
2 Gore Pl, Geelong.
Geelong West Social Club
Best for Pako morning coffee fix and work hidey-hole/meeting place – Geelong West-end
We've seen other cafe owners on this list of the best cafes in Geelong enjoying a cup of coffee at the Geelong West Social Club, which speaks volumes about the quality of the coffee they serve. Four years of practise have made Ross a master roaster. At that point, he was already well-known throughout Geelong, having worked at several of the city's most well-known cafes.
They can be found in the Geelong West area, in a quiet corner of Yuille Street, not far from Pako. Look out for the free sparkling mineral water, the simple yet flavorful menu, and the great coffee from Coffee Supreme.
Coffee Cartel Brew Bar
If you're the kind of person who likes to know the backstory of where your coffee came from, then the Coffee Cartel Brew Bar should be at the top of your list when looking for the best cafes in Geelong. Not only is the space stunning, but the baristas are highly trained and knowledgeable, and there are a wide variety of delicious lattes from which to choose. We are open every day of the week.
Shop 1, 80 Little Malop Street, Geelong.
63 Degrees
The 63 Degrees Cafe has been able to create an atmosphere that is consistent with its ethos. The furniture, including a sofa made from recycled pallets, is further evidence of the building's commitment to using only sustainable materials. They only use seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
Roastcraft provides the blend for their coffee. In particular, we appreciate the many paleo-friendly options they provide. These guys are among the best cafes in Geelong in part because paleo options are still limited there.
140 Pakington Street, Geelong West VIC 3218.
The Cottage
If you're making a list of the best cafes in Geelong, you can't leave out The Cottage. Repurposing a dilapidated weatherboard cottage on Pakington Street in Newtown as a popular cafe is a great use of the space.
The food and coffee they serve in a quaint cottage setting have always been highlights, and now the place is even easier to navigate thanks to a recent makeover. Because of its spacious outdoor area, ample indoor and exterior seating, and mouthwatering fare and excellent coffee, it is a smashing success.
359 Pakington Street, Newtown VIC 3220.
Little Green Corner
Best sustainable cafe in Greater Geelong
Geelong's Little Green Corner on Lt. Ryrie Street stands for the values of minimalism, supporting the local economy, and eco-friendly practises in business. It's easy to say you believe in these commonly held values, but it's much more challenging to put them into practise in your daily life. Indeed, you might not even make it to the front door before giving up. However, that is not the case here.
Hugh is the owner of the company, so his vision for the company is reflected in everything from the menu to the staff members. Signage is plentiful on Geelong's Little Green Corner, site of the city's oldest building.
Solar panels galore, all pointed north towards our gorgeous bay, are the first thing visitors notice. A row of fermented jars of vegetables lines the main counter, drawing the eye upward along the newly milled vintage hardwood.
They compensate local backyard gardeners to ensure a consistent supply and a menu that reflects the changing of the seasons. Their dedication to providing excellent service has earned them a spot among Geelong's top cafes. Available only during the week.
42 Little Ryrie Street, Geelong
Kilgour Street Cafe And Grocer
The discovery of Kilgour Street Grocer and Cafe in Geelong was a very pleasant one. Renovations made to the exterior have made it look fresh and modern. While the exterior is a subdued grey, the interior is a riot of colour.
You can skip the coffee. If you've ever seen a freshly restored Monaro drive by on a Saturday morning, you know the feeling: you feel like your neck is going to snap from the excitement.
It was able to crack the top ten best cafes in Geelong thanks to the help of that street machine. Coffee Cartel Geelong Beans, along with breakfast, lunch, and a plethora of snacks throughout the day, are all available on the menu. In business every day of the week.
164 Kilgour St, Geelong VIC 3220.
Lavish Cafe
More than ten years ago, Shane Goodall opened a cafe in Belmont, Washington, where he served as both head chef and "master of the bean." Despite being slightly removed from the centre of Geelong, this cafe has managed to maintain a high position on the list of the best cafes thanks to the expertise of its staff and the wide variety of coffee drinks available.
There is a great variety of paleo and vegan-friendly lunch options and sweets to choose from in addition to the excellent coffee. What really sold us on this place was the fact that they had the best Bulletproof Coffee in all of Geelong. We haven't found anywhere else that serves it, and it's a unique blend of grass-fed butter and nutrient-dense, home-prepared nut milk.
Pickers Union
The prevalence of excellent coffee service in our region's industrial zones is indicative of a wider phenomenon. As an example, think about Pickers Union Geelong. It's at 3 Mackey Street, and it's surrounded by the ubiquitous high-visibility vests of North Geelong, as well as the (now gorgeous) remnants of the old Geelong Power Station and the trucks transporting goods to and from Geelong Port and the nearby factories.
From the inside, however, this is not so clear. The cafe itself may not be the most intriguing aspect of this location, but the vintage goods store attached to it certainly will be. If you find the Geelong Vintage Markets too enticing to resist, you may want to consider ordering takeout so you don't have to scold yourself for chugging a warm beverage.
Due to their high quality coffee and proximity to interesting vintage shops, they are consistently ranked among Geelong's top cafes. In business every day of the week.
3 Mackey Street, North Geelong.
Freckleduck
Freckleduck Geelong offers Melbourne favourite Five Senses Coffee. The beans are extracted using pastel green crockery, and a magnificent Synesso machine sits atop a dark red timber benchtop. Location, location, location is crucial, as the old adage goes. It sounds like Freckleduck Geelong has every quality imaginable if what you're saying is true.
At the crossroads of Malop and Yarra streets in Central Geelong, the sheer volume of people can be overwhelming. Please feel free to enter and take a break from the hectic Central Business District of Geelong. Given that they were responsible for introducing Five Senses to Geelong's CBD, it's only fair that they be considered one of the city's best cafes. In business every day of the week.
131 Malop St, Geelong VIC 3220.
Winter’s Cafe
On the weekends, Winter's Cafe Geelong is one of the busiest places on all of Pakington Street, located at the end closest to the river. Perhaps it's because of the group's tireless effort and unwavering dedication to quality, which resulted in a perfect year at the 2014 Golden Plate awards.
The Winter's Cafe Geelong made the shortlist for both the best local food and best coffee awards. It also received the "People's Choice" award and the "Best Licensed Cafe" award. That's an impressive feat, and it definitely puts them in the running for best cafe in Geelong.
In terms of storage capacity, it's enormous! But if you can't find a spot in the front or on the main floor, head up to the open second floor where there's usually a table waiting for you. As a result, Winter's Cafe in Geelong is a kid-friendly establishment that can accommodate strollers.
Find them at 330 Pakington Street Newtown.
King Of The Castle
Located at 24 Pakington Street, the King of the Castle Geelong West is housed in a remodelled panel shop that has been given new life while retaining its historic charm. As a result of filling in the pit that was formerly used for mechanical repairs to the undercarriage, a brand new kitchen has been constructed.
In place of the panel beater and spray gun, there is now a resident barber who can give you a brand new look with a haircut and beard trim.
Padre Both King of the Castle and its sister cafe, Dirty Rascal, located in Newtown's Boom Gallery, use coffee beans sourced from the Brunswick area. Furthermore, Natural Harry, a handcrafted dessert company based in Barwon Heads, provides fantastic raw treats. The establishment has a modern kitchen and deserves to be on the list of top cafes in Geelong because its rapid growth has not led to a loss of community feel. In business every day of the week.
24 Pakington St, Geelong West.
Analogue Academy
It may seem like only yesterday that digital cameras became popular, but in reality it has been around 15 years since film cameras and their anachronisms were phased out in favour of digital alternatives. This change has occurred, even though it may seem like only yesterday. Dan, James, and Josh, the original Analogue Academy Geelong founders, are always up for a good time and a good chat. They've made the insightful observation that film's inherent limitations are actually what teach you how to take better pictures.
They even provide a Super Nintendo for gamers to enjoy! SNES for short. We may need to print this out for them, but that's it; also, Analogue Academy is on the digital list of the best cafes in Geelong. Avail during the working week.
Rear 68-70 Ryrie St, Geelong.
Awkward
There is no shortage of charming quirks at Geelong's Awkward Cafe. Nevertheless, I can't help but feel at ease here. As such, it stands apart from the rest of the cafes in Geelong as something truly unique. The restaurant's menu reflects this unique selling proposition.
The familiarity of the decor can be attributed in part to the prevalence of everyday objects. You might have seen something like this at your grandparents' house. Natasha says that the majority of the items came from the family home, while others were purchased at local markets. Awkward is one of Geelong's best cafes because its patrons share our appreciation for stylish yet functional furnishings. Available only during the week.
45 Malop St, Geelong VIC 3220.
Blue Door Espresso
Although Pakington Street's rise to prominence as Geelong's cultural hub has been widely celebrated, its rise has not been without controversy. Several of the charming corner stores that once lined Pakington Street's perimeter have since been obscured and driven out of business.
Seven weeks into its reincarnation as Blue Door Espresso Geelong, however, it appears that a new chapter is on the horizon for the former cafe. Skene Street Newtown's heritage-listed "butchers" (Butcher) has been abandoned for years, but it is currently undergoing renovations.
Coffee with a Blue Door Flavor Geelong is a rapidly growing city. Travelers from Pakington Street, as well as senior citizens who remember the building's heydey, can be found in large numbers there. To put it simply, it's crammed. For good reason, too; they've transformed an abandoned historical building into one of Geelong's most visually arresting cafes. In business every day of the week.
2A/105 Skene St, Newtown.
Launch Espresso And Kitchen
Jamie, Jerry, and John are all in favour of discrimination. The right of every Geelong resident, regardless of where they happen to be shopping at the time, to delicious burgers and excellent speciality coffee.
They followed their inner drive and, as a result, established Launch Espresso and Kitchen Geelong. Their location on the bridge suggests that they've realised something that the other eateries at Westfield Geelong have missed.
A customer shopping at a chain supermarket for household items may not be in the market for the supermarket's signature blend of coffee. They serve up some great burgers and Axil coffee at their custom bridge cafe. It's for this reason that they're considered one of Geelong's finest cafes. In business every day of the week.
95 Malop St, Geelong.
The Usual Suspects
So, if you're a local of Geelong, you might not automatically consider Torquay to be a part of your city. A reader who has made it this far into the article may not be from Geelong. We think this is one of the best cafes in town because of how close it is to Geelong and how quickly you can get there by car.
The coffee beans used in the grinder typically originate from the shop's roaster. The Usual Suspects Torquay, on the other hand, is a specialist in South American beans, and Ross roasts each bean to order in front of the customers. regarding the table!
There is also a vegetarian menu available, with all items prepared with care and using only the freshest ingredients available, many of which are organic and locally sourced. In business every day of the week.
4 Baines Crescent, Torquay.
Mister Miller
For many of us, grabbing a cup of coffee is a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the day, a chance to pause for a moment and gather our thoughts. The last place you want to be during these times is a busy cafe where the staff is scurrying around, the music is blasting, and people are noisily crashing their plates. What you need to have a better time is available at Mister Miller's.
It is because of this one-of-a-kind service that they have been named among Geelong's top cafes. They, too, have a full schedule, but they seem to be in no hurry. Despite their fame and popularity, they have maintained the peaceful atmosphere that comes with their picturesque setting. The private paved arcade, which is angled away from the traffic flow and features a water fountain and some vegetation, makes this possible.
Find them at 111 Pakington Street Geelong West.
Courthouse Cafe
If you're in search of Geelong's busiest coffee shop, look no further than the Courthouse Cafe. It used to be well-liked as a cosy hangout for catching up with old pals over a cup of joe. Here was the place to be if you were a lawbreaker.
Geelong's current courthouse was built near the train station, and the building that once housed the courthouse was converted into the Courthouse Cafe.
Byron Bay coffee appears to have been served at Geelong's Courthouse Cafe for "20 to life," and the location makes it a favourite among city workers. Its absence was keenly felt during the 45 million dollar renovation period.
It reopened in 2012 looking even better than before, much to our relief. Long a local favourite due to both its excellent food and relaxed ambience, this cafe deserves its high ranking among Geelong's best. Avail during the working week.
60 Little Malop St, Geelong.
Conclusion
Geelong has some of the best surf breaks in the world and a vibrant arts community. Nearing its peak in 1985, Ford Motor Company employed over four thousand people in Geelong. Since the factory closed in 2016, the city has been making concerted efforts to reinvent itself. There is a top CBD cafe called The Joint (Brew Bar) that serves the most exotic coffee and tea blends from all over the world. For the best Pako coffee in Geelong, head to the West End.
The 63 Degrees Cafe has successfully established an ethos-informed ambience. In the cafe, they only use eco-friendly products and seasonal, regional fare. The Little Green Corner is a symbol of Geelong's commitment to minimalism, local commerce, and environmentally responsible business practises. In Geelong, Coffee Cartel Geelong is one of the top ten cafes. Paleo and vegan lunches and desserts are abundant.
To create Bulletproof Coffee, grass-fed butter and nut milk are used. The Winter's Cafe in Geelong is on the shortlist for best local cafe and best local cafe for food. If what you're saying is correct, then Freckleduck Geelong possesses every desirable trait. The King of the Castle Geelong West now resides in a repurposed panel shop. There is a digital list of the best cafes in Geelong, and Analogue Academy is on it.
Because its clientele shares our appreciation for tasteful yet practical furnishings, Awkward has quickly become one of Geelong's most popular cafes. Brunswick-grown coffee beans are used in both the King of the Castle and the Dirty Rascal. The rise of Pakington Street as Geelong's cultural centre has not been without its share of criticism. The "butcher" (Butcher) shop on Skene Street in Newtown, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, has been closed for many years. Beginning Espresso and Cooking Business.
An abandoned historical building in Geelong has been renovated into an eye-catching cafe. One of the best cafes in Geelong is Mister Miller's. The private, cobblestone walkway is tucked away from the main thoroughfare and furnished with a fountain and some plants.
Content Summary
- Geelong has a thriving arts scene and some of the best surf breaks in the world, but the city is best known for its association with Ford Motor Company.
- Geelong is home to twenty cafes, each of which is essential for a full experience of the city.
- The West End of Geelong is where you will find the best Pako coffee and places to work in secrecy or hold business meetings.
- Atmosphere-wise, the 63 Degrees Cafe is in line with the values it espouses.
- Turning a rundown weatherboard cottage on Newtown's Pakington Street into a bustling cafe was a brilliant use of the location.
- Finding Kilgour Street Grocer and Cafe in Geelong was a wonderful surprise.
- Using that street equipment, it was able to break into Geelong's top ten best cafes.
- They consistently place among Geelong's best cafes thanks to their excellent coffee and convenient location near a number of cool secondhand stores.
- FreckleduckFreckleduck Geelong is home to Five Senses Coffee, a popular spot in nearby Melbourne.
- Both the best local food and best coffee awards have finalists, and one of them is Winter's Cafe Geelong.
- The only thing we have to do is print this out for them, and Analogue Academy is already on the digital list of top cafes in Geelong.
- However, now that Blue Door Espresso Geelong has been open for business for about seven weeks, it seems like the former cafe is entering a new phase.
- The "butchers" (Butcher) on Skene Street in Newtown, which is on the national register of historic places, has been closed for business for a long time but is now undergoing restoration.
- The Flavor of Blue Door Coffee The city of Geelong is expanding rapidly.
- Mister Miller's has what you require for a more enjoyable time.
- In the courthouse, at the cafeteria
- It's hard to beat the Courthouse Cafe if you're looking for Geelong's most popular coffee shop.
- Courthouse Cafe in Geelong appears to have been serving Byron Bay coffee for "20 to life," and its convenient location has made it a favourite of city dwellers.
FAQs About Geelong
Geelong is ideally located on Port Phillip Bay and the gateway to the famous Great Ocean Road. Situated only 75km southwest of Melbourne and as the most populous city in regional Victoria, Geelong offers a range of economic and lifestyle opportunities.
Geelong is a very liveable city with a relaxed lifestyle. It is close to beaches and the countryside, yet Melbourne is only an hour away. Geelong has affordable housing, is not as congested as other cities and has great healthcare and recreational facilities.
Geelong is famous for sport and leisure, with the second oldest Australian Football team and great opportunities to play a wide range of sports. As one of Australia's largest urban centres, Geelong provides the perfect environment for work/life balance.
Geelong is close to the stunning Great Ocean Road and copious surf-friendly beaches. This city is in transition, but its tourism potential is vast. It's worth paying a visit to see what it can offer.
Geelong is the second largest city of Victoria, Australia, and a major port on Corio Bay (an extension of Port Phillip Bay). Founded in 1837, its name derives from the Aboriginal word jilling, which means “the place of the native companion,” referring to a long-legged water bird.