[Melbourne, Australia] You can almost walk past and miss Journal, but thanks to 4Squares, I found one of the most excellent cafes at Flinders. I would call this the ‘Library Cafe’ as it is housed within the City Library and Council of Education building.
There is no obvious sign that there is a vibrant café right behind these dark yellow walls, but yellow words spelling “Journal” on its glass windows. Go in through the sliding door at the side.
The dark interior looks like it can be a club at night. Yet there is a strong feeling of reading room charm here. And its crowd – tertiary students reading their texts, executives grabbing a cuppa, and business people having quick meetings – makes this the place to people watch. Or you can choose a seat by the window looking out Flinders Street.
The Journal Café downstairs serves great coffee and simple fare which you can check on its blackboard; while the Canteen upstairs offer simple Italian style cuisines and New York Delis.
Amidst the great breakfasts, salads, bruschetta, and specials, I had an egg and ham roll which was more than what I expected. This tastes better than it looks – fluffy bun which is a delight and goes easy on the teeth.
The ham and cheese croissant with its buttery fragrance, is an example of how you can make simple things taste delicious and right.
And its coffee is better than good. This café has all the right energy. Journal is an absolute charmer.
Journal
253 Flinders Lane (Near Degraves Street) Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia (Nearby Stations: Flinders St),Tel: +61 3 9650 4399
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri (7am – 9pm), Sat-Sun (7am-6pm)
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