Espresso Cooly

Espresso Cooly is located at number 5 Dutton just south of Kirra Point a block back from Coolangatta’s busy beachfront food strip.

Previously known as Espresso Moto Coolangatta, this popular community cottage café dropped the “moto” and adopted the nickname given it by locals.

Taking advantage of its cottage digs and prime position, Espresso Cooly offers stools at the coffee bar window, covered seating on the deck, plus picnic tables under Pine trees on the front courtyard lawn (perfect if you’ve brought your pooch).  Inside you’ll find rustic but comfy blue-cushioned bench seats under dried cane and palm adorned walls.

If you’re seeking a more secluded spot to enjoy your caffeine hit or tasty snack, there is also a cosy little leafy garden nook atop the accessible ramp. 

Speaking of coffee, the bean of choice is the sweet, balanced and complex AllPress Espresso blend, hot air roasted to ensure you get the same great taste in every cup.

The tasty all-day menu features classic cafe fare, such as omelettes and eggs Benedict, açai bowls (blended with coconut water served with granola) and smashed avo (served with Bakehaus sourdough, poached egg, marinated feta, Egyptian dukka and lemon); as well as more exotic dishes like Huevos Rancheros (Mexican fried eggs, avo slices, house-made salsa on soft tacos) and curry chilli scramble (served with Bakehaus sourdough, baby spinach, Greek yoghurt, shallots and shaved parmesan).  The green bowl is a locals’ favourite, served with sautéed spinach, kale, quinoa, feta, dill, roasted mushrooms, poached egg, dressed in Dijon, lemon vinaigrette with a sprinkle of toasted sesame and chilli flakes.

However, it is the seasonal must-try specials that are the biggest drawcard, such as Cooly fried chicken, the Chicago hot dog, the roast pumpkin bruschetta, the cheese steak roll, the BLT toasted bagel, the chorizo meatball sub, and the number one crowd pleaser – Shakshuka eggs, baked in spicy tomato sauce with chorizo, beans and baby spinach served with grilled Turkish bread.

There is also enticing display of baked good in the counter cabinet and a range of healthy smoothies and fresh rotational cold pressed juices on offer, such as the “red” juice (with beetroot, apple, carrot, ginger and lemon).  The staff are super laid-back and friendly, and they make sure that all meals are served with a hip selection of funky tunes.

Isn’t it time to treat yourself with an Espresso Cooly delight?

By Michaela Lyons