The Eastern Bloc is a Eastern European-themed family-friendly cafe in Coburg and I’m told by a reliable source, it also serves the best coffee in the area.
Even though it’s set amongst some rather dingy and dated shops, the location is perfect for commuters as it’s next to Coburg railway station, a bus stop and the Upfield bike path. The periodic rumbling of Metro Trains makes it particularly appealing for little trainspotters!
The cafe is a project that combines the cultural heritage and professional training of the couple that own it. Chef Jason Sennitt is originally from New Zealand and his partner Vanessa is Slovenian and Serbian. The Eastern Bloc takes Soviet era paraphernalia and Eastern European fare as its inspiration and gives it a contemporary Melbourne twist.
The decor is kitsch and amusing, from Red Army vinyl albums to Polish art posters, from Russian signage to babushkas. You’ll even find babushkas merrily grinning at you from inside the toilet light!
The breakfast menu runs all day and lunch starts at 11am, though if you ask Jason nicely you may be able to order lunch items for breakfast. In which case don’t miss the amazing ‘Reuben Redux’ with the house-smoked peppery pastrami sandwiched between Brasserie Bread seeded loaf, sauerkraut, pickles, Russian dressing and a side of potato salad or fries ($15). It’s halal too!
Find Hotels and Airbnbs near the Eastern Bloc, Coburg
For breakfast we also try the dumplings which are likely to make it to the main menu this winter. They’re sort of like an Asian style dumpling with a thin pliant skin housing a smoky eggplant and mushroom filling, served with a large scoop of sour cream ($15).
The wurst special, which also turns up periodically in the menu, is a bargain at $12 with two fat German sausages in a roasted pepper, onion and feta sauce and four slabs of buttered Brasserie Bread sourdough.
If you’re after a sweet treat some of the cabinet offerings are made in house and some from Brunswick company Cherry Cakes. Unfortunately I find them all either a bit hard or a bit stodgy and not of the same ‘wow’ factor as the main meals.
The coffee is made with Allpress beans on a La Marzacco machine and I recommend the chai from Prana Chai which is made with real chai leaves, not powder.
For kids there’s a collection of toys and books to rummage through in the front room, the back room has cool couches and a cowskin rug, there are several high chairs and the outside area facing the Upfield path provides opportunities for (limited) roaming.
The entrance does require a little manoeuvering with the door to get in a pram but it’s just a small step to get inside. Note you can’t get the pram into the small bathroom.
The Eastern Bloc offers families a cafe experience that’s a little different beyond the ubiquitous poached eggs and smashed avo cafe menu. It’s a place that welcomes kids and the toy set up, the train-spotting opportunities and excellent food have meant that it’s our go-to whenever we’re in ‘Coolburg’.
HOT Tips:
- Pram access with single step;
- Numerous high chairs;
- Standard menu suitable for kids;
- Toys and books;
- Toilets very small;
- Free street parking on Bell Street and surrounding streets, though can be busy on weekdays with commuters parking;
- Next to Coburg railway station, bus stop and Upfield bike path; and
- Short drive to Harmony Park playground.
The Eastern Bloc, 133 Bell St, Coburg (03) 9354 8830
Mon – Fri: 7am – 4pm
Sat – Sun: 8am – 4pm
