All roads in ‘The Parks’ lead to a coffee shop
Whether you are a resident in ‘The Parks’ of Joburg or happen to be passing through and a guest in one of the charming airbnb’s in the area 😉, then you will know that all roads lead to a coffee shop. If you are taking a walk in ‘The Parks’, simply need a WFH coffee break or perhaps a meet up and catch up with a friend, you have definitely come to the right space.
Here are some of our favourite coffee shops in the area - in no particular order; it all depends on our mood for the day or the route we choose to take.
#1 Motherland
At Motherland, it’s all about “drinking the love” and you don’t have to travel far to discover not just one, but 2 Motherland coffee shops on your doorstep - 7th Avenue Parktown North or 1 Sturdee Avenue, Rosebank.
Friendly smiles, delicious fair trade coffee, a chilled vibe, an urban NY loft-style aesthetic and ‘motherrands’ are all motivating factors to pop in. Of course you don’t have to order coffee (steaming or iced) - you could also try one of their smoothies or crushes. ( Just across the road, is Dough & Co, the sweetest little bakery serving up breads, croissants and pastries).
https://www.facebook.com/motherlandcoffee/photos/pcb.1326568384037771/1326566360704640/
#2 Craft Coffee
Craft beer has nothing on Craft Coffee in Parktown North.
Nestled under one of Parktown North’s 100-year old trees, the entrepreneurial vision is all about believing in the potential of a cup of coffee and combining art and science to produce a world class brew. The roast is smooth and the freshly baked croissants and muffins will have you coming back for more.
https://www.facebook.com/craftcoffeesa/photos/pcb.2246543662243883/2246543385577244/
#3 The Perfect Cup
Perfectly named, The Perfect Cup is tucked away in the heart of Parkview on Tyrone Avenue at the Parkview Lawn Tennis Club. Although it is lovely to wander around the tree-lined streets of Parkview or amble along enjoying Tyrone Avenue’s offering of little shops and cafes, you will want to follow your nose and sit awhile at the Perfect Cup. They call it “a balance of flavour and feeling” and we have to agree. Their flavoured, blended or single origin coffees are ‘just perfect’ with a side serving of spicy poached eggs or a toasted jaffle.
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=799642511734737&set=a.651613779870945
#4 4th Avenue Coffee Roasters
Pretty in pink, 4th Avenue Coffee Roasters is one of Parkhurst’s most bustling little coffee shops. Stopping here for coffee (breakfast, lunch or cake) is all about adding a little bright pink energy, productivity, pleasure and purpose to your day. The ‘Legendary Pink’ is their secret house blend of 100% freshly roasted Arabica beans which results in a complex, full-bodied and velvety coffee experience
(Did you know? 4th Avenue Coffee Roasters was awarded Double Gold during the Aurora International Taste Challenge 2021).
#5 The Fat Zebra
Moving on from bright pink to a bright yellow door just along the road, The Fat Zebra in Parkhurst beckons. The name itself is enough to get you to add it to Google Maps. Owner-run, there is a cosy vibe. The black, white and yellow colour palette and delicious menu - with daily specials - will have you coming back for more than just the coffee.
https://thefatzebra.co.za/locations/parkhurst/
#6 Nice on 4th
You might as well spend the day wandering up and down 4th Avenue, Parkhurst. Nice on 4th is the closest vibe you will get to a sidewalk cafe in Paris. It is also the home of the original egg basket - a seriously trending breakfast or brunch option. Popular for high teas, birthday breakfast functions, kitchen teas and baby showers, this is the place for celebrations. (There have been a few reviews raving about the food but not the service - so we are hoping this has been addressed. We might tolerate a rude French waiter in France - but not in South Africa).
https://www.facebook.com/NiceOn4th/photos/1068329600389717
#7 The Service Station Cafe
Okay, technically not in the Parks, The Service Station Cafe is on the edge of Melville (and it is the first coffee shop you will come to travelling south from Parkview). Free wifi, and Love Books Bookshop just through the door, this is a friendly meeting and hangout place. So grab a book, a coffee and settle in.
And then, just as the clock strikes 12h00, their harvest table comes to life; we’re talking quiches with sumptuous fillings and flaky pastry bases, vegetarian salads to tempt any palette, chicken pie, roasted vegetable pasta etc. Seeing you are already there, you may as well finish off the meal with one of their freshly baked cakes. (We highly recommend the carrot cake).
https://www.facebook.com/servicestationcafe/photos/a.323638281332234/1038665473162841
#8 The Little Deli
Just a short drive into Linden, The Little Deli is an absolute gem. Their freshly baked pies, mini quiches, cakes, pastries and sandwiches are made with love and from scratch - old school. (You have to try a canelé; its mandatory).
If you appreciate ingredients that are sourced directly from local farmers and producers, then this is the place to sit in the garden under the trees and appreciate good food and good coffee. But if you are in a rush, grab a takeaway or one of their handmade frozen meals and 6 free range duck eggs.
This is just a little taste of what ‘The Parks’ and surrounds has on offer when you are looking for your daily brew pick-me-up. It is all about ‘supporting local.’
So take a walk, grab a coffee or sit awhile - either way - you have eight options to start you off and improve your day.