Park Street in North Carlton is the revamped version of the beloved Green Park. There cafe and restaurant has new owners, a new look and a new menu, while still offering one of the best family-friendly cafe experiences in Melbourne.
Our cycling-loving family love the big windows facing out onto the Capital City trail bike path and the adjacent playground which has also had an upgrade.
The interior is light and bright, with a long leather banquette along one wall, numerous communal tables and a bar area with stools and cosy booths for singles or groups (though they tend not to seat families there).
The venue is open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The daytime menu is split between all day breakfast and a lunch menu 11-3pm.
My waffles with PX braised beef cheek, cavolo nero and fried egg is a solid and satisfying dish, with melting slabs of meat atop a crispy waffle ($19). The Park Street pie changes daily and comes with salad – it’s good without being particularly remarkable ($16).
The prettiest dish and the one most fought over are the coconut hotcakes, topped with roasted pineapple and a lime mascarpone ($18). The pancake is particularly fluffy and perfect slathered with the creamy sweetness of the accompaniments.
The kids menu features five items – waffles, egg and soldiers, toastie, chicken burger and pasta ($8-$9). The toastie I request on sourdough and is substantial.
The only downer is that during our weekend visit the service and food is very slow. Might have been just-opened teething issues but fortunately the kids discover the shelf with picture books and toys.
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The playground next door is also a drawcard – particularly as you can still sit at the cafe while the kids play. The playground is more suited for toddlers, with lots of low-rise and fairly gentle equipment. Nevertheless Baby 2.0 and Lady AB still enjoy themselves.
Park Street has all the makings of a lively, friendly, neighbourhood hub where you can grab a coffee or settle in for a classy dinner. It is very popular with local families and well worth a special trip from across town too.
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HOT Tips:
- pram access;
- numerous high chairs;
- kids menu;
- kid-friendly standard menu;
- change table in disabled toilets;
- toys and books;
- next to playground;
- short walk to The Little Bookroom children’s bookstore and other stores in Nicholson St;
- free 1 hour parking on Park Street and Nicholson St;
- walking distance to #96 tram; and
- next to Capital City bike trail.
Park Street, 815 Nicholson Street, Carlton North (03) 9380 5455
MONDAY – TUESDAY 7:30 AM – 4 PM
WEDNESDAY-SUNDAY 7:30 AM – LATE (KITCHEN CLOSES AT 10 PM)
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