Cafe Bruce

Inside Cafe Bruce

Cafe Bruce sits quietly on Carlisle Street in St Kilda, offering a small but inviting space where the focus is clearly on well-crafted coffee and thoughtfully made breakfast bites. The café’s intimate setting feels warm and approachable, making it a spot where locals might drop in for a morning pick-me-up or a leisurely weekend brunch before heading out to explore the neighborhood.

The vibe here is cozy and unpretentious, reflecting the boutique nature of the space. It’s not crowded or noisy, which suggests it works well for those looking to escape the usual café rush. You’ll find a steady flow of people who appreciate meticulous coffee preparation alongside soft, yet crisp-textured savory muffins—small details that show a genuine attention to craft rather than flash. Parents with little ones, early commuters, and breakfast lovers in the know seem to make this a part of their routine.

While there isn't a vast menu, what stands out are offerings that balance lightness and flavor, especially the savory muffins that keep their crunch while remaining tender inside—a combination that’s surprisingly tricky to get right but evidently nailed here. Coffee quality is high, attracting those who value a solid espresso or filter coffee that’s robust but smooth.

The friendly, polite service adds to the calm, welcoming atmosphere, making it a comfortable place to settle in whether you’re catching up on emails or catching your breath after a morning stroll along St Kilda’s bayside. Given its location, stopping by Cafe Bruce on the way to or from a trip on The Spirit of Tasmania appears to be part of its newer local charm, a casual pause in a traveler’s or local’s day.

For anyone who enjoys a quieter café experience with strong coffee and thoughtfully baked goods, this is a spot to keep in rotation—most appealing in the mornings or early afternoons before the city’s beach vibe takes over.

Highlights & Local Essentials

Highlights

Serves great coffee

Has great tea selection

Popular for

Popular for breakfast

Good for solo dining

Good for working on laptop

What they serve

Serves coffee

Quick bite

Best for

Serves breakfast

Serves dessert

Accessibility

Has wheelchair-accessible entrance

Local Moments in Photos

Find It on the Map

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

7:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Tuesday

7:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Wednesday

7:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Thursday

7:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Friday

7:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

What Locals & Travelers Say

50 Reviews

RYAN HILLSTEAD

29 Dec 2025

10/10 !! Food was tastier than anything I’ve had in Melbourne, coffee was amazing and staff were super friendly, would highly recommend

Andrew Stanley

19 Dec 2025

Wonderful place to relax and have a bite to eat with a lush coffee. Nice selection of sweets and to die for savory muffins. Dropped in on this place while making our way back to The Spirit Of Tasmania.Will be making this a regular stop i am thinking both to and from The Spirit on our journeys in the future...5 Star Food and Service...Thank You Cafe Bruce...A God Send..

Micah

18 Dec 2025

I don’t know anything about making muffins, but I can’t imagine it’s easy to make them so soft and delicious while keeping the top nice and crunchy!

Lori Lewis

13 Dec 2025

What an amazing find sadly on my last day in Melbourne!! I’ll come back just to have his coffee and delicious light and tasty savory muffin.

Mehmet Cicek

06 Dec 2025

I stopped by today with my little one and got a coffee. It was really good. The place is small and boutique, with a warm and cozy atmosphere. The gentleman was very polite and welcoming. Thank you!

I D

29 Nov 2025

We miss Bruce’s coffee! So delicious. If you like strong coffee, this is the place for you. Sandwiches and sweets are yummy too. Nice location and always greeted with a smile. We will be back one day when we return to Melbourne.

Kathleen Fogarty

14 Nov 2025

Only popped in to quell my son’s request for a hot chocolate but I’m so glad I did. Was so nice that the server (possibly owner) was happy to chat and interact with my son. Instantly put my work out school holiday heart at ease lol. There was some jazz in the background playing and an overall relaxed atmosphere. Definitely somewhere you could come to have a relax and read/write/chat. Very cosy, inside fits maybe 20? But as per others photos there is also seats outside and next to the library so you can make a day of it! Will definitely be back. I love finding a place that is warm and kind and that was my experience here. And, while I’m not the largest fan of Genovese coffee but that was a great coffee. One where you taste the coffee not just the milk.

Rizki

07 Nov 2025

Nice local cafe for coffee and muffin, this savoury muffin is awesome!!

Inside Cafe Bruce

Highlights & Local Essentials

Local Moments in Photos

Find It on the Map

Openings Hours

What Locals & Travelers Say

50 Reviews

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