Melbourne Post 10
Although I usually dont post more than 2 pics of a place in my posts, this one place deserves 3, it is one of my favourite cafes in Melbourne. Actually, the coffee at this place really isn't that fantastic, well it's drinkable, better than your average coffee... but the great thing about this place is just that it's got a cool vibe/decor about it, the location is awesome and it appeals to me as a book and coffee lover.Check out Mr. Tulk:
Yes to the left side of the room there are stacks of books, there is a communal bench in the middle with lamps that people can read/study under. There are round stand-alone tables, square tables up against the walls, big windows, wooden floors, its just a perfectly laid out place.Service is not overly friendly but quite efficient, plus the serving staff tend to be rather good-looking.
The book theme is fitting because the cafe is actually inside the State Library of Victoria, a fantastic building that I've posted photos of twice before, I think. I forget who exactly Mr. Tulk is, the first curator or something, but anyway the guy is an important figure in the history of the Library. As you can see the cafe also has an outdoor seating area with umbrellas and it serves alcohol too for those so inclined, perfect.
This is the street view of Mr. Tulk with La Trobe St on the left and the Library on the right. This is a very nice looking street because it is so wide... and gives a good feeling of the mix that Melbourne has, in terms of cafes, historic buildings and skyscrapers... plus trams!
Excuse the lack of clarity in these pics but they were taken in very low light with a high ISO setting on my camera. This is the Melbourne Supper Club, most certainly one of my top 5 bars in Melbourne, if not my favourite. This place is as old as the hills and has been there for ages. It has an old-school wooden decor, an encyclopaedic wine list which has everything under the sun, reasonably well priced cigars and a selection of rather strange but tasty bar snacks, such as party pies and peking duck.
The place is more or less perfect for a random drink at all hours. It's open from 8pm to 5 or 6am, I forget, and the best time to go there, in my opinion, is just around 11pm... if you intend to stay for at least a few hours, because it's very easy to while away hours here talking to some good friends about any old thing. The music is not too loud, but engaging. The conversations happening all around are not disturbing, but add atmosphere. The (table) service is absolutely flawless and the best service you will ever get in any bar. They have a variety of seating arrangements, including a smoking and non-smoking section, old school couches and round tables (soon to be opening up a rooftop smoking area when the anti-smoking regulations kick in). It doesn't get much more perfect, really, than this place. The only detracting factor is the fact that one often has to wait to get a seat as this place is popular and they totally do not take bookings. However, even waiting on their stairway is an experience in itself and I've never spent more than 10 minutes there so it's not a big deal...
Well that's it folks. Only two places mentioned here but they are two of my absolutely favourite places in Melbourne, and two places I've patronised many many times, and still am not sick of them...
Labels: food+drink, melbourne
posted by LX @ 3:53 AM
Comments: 5
