Frankies Place

I come to Newcastle a few times a year from Sydney. They call Darby street the Surry Hills of Newcastle. Came for a late breakfast today (29^th dec) and it was moderately busy. We found a table outside straight away. Served within a few minutes, and our coffees came within 10min. Our food on the other hand came a little later… 35 minutes later, 45 after ordering. They did not do much to redeem themselves. Benedict: All ingredients were piled on top of each other, meaning I had to deconstruct and reassemble again. Spinach was sautéed (not blanched or steamed) and overcooked. Benedict is not hard to make and even harder to screw up. If it weren’t for the wait, I’d probably not mention this and move on. I hope management read this so the next time I come, things are better.

Just arrived here to get takeaway coffees and it shows how modern Newcastle has become.
Located on Darby Street, the design layout of the place is kitsch and edgy like a place you would find in Melbourne. Definitely recommend coming here for food and/​or just a coffee.

This place has changed owners and lost some of its diner-​done-​gourmet menu. But there are some good interesting dishes.
The décor is excellent. Really fun and well done. My favourite seat is at the bar outside, perfect for people watching.
Occasionally I’ll have a frappé or something a little fancy. I like the Bloody Mary frappé, but it’s not for everyone. The coffee is campos and consistent.
Just like everything on Darby, 10am-​2pm on the weekends this place is insanely busy. Keep that in mind and be patient if your food is a little slow.

Our order was delivered to the table on a book. The Magic Pudding to be precise. Frankies Place was already pretty up there in terms of cool, but I think their latest serving trays will leave a definite hipster taste to your coffee.
Regardless, it remains one of my «go to» cafes when in Newcastle for a consistently good breakfast (try the salmon — you’ll never turn back) and a coffee. There’s a gorgeous outdoor courtyard or upstairs area to dine in. Be warned though, this is one popular lady so she fills up quickly during peak dining times.
On my last visit I feel like they’d maybe changed ownership as although still good it didn’t pack as much of a punch and the whole book serving was a new thing. Frankies’ don’t disappoint me now!

So good! The Austrian lemonade is lovely, the staff is delightful!
I highly recommend the fish sandwich — basically, the best fish burger you will get in Newcastle. The lemon tart is also amazing to both look at and eat. Avoid the apple and fragipani tart, as it is dry and uninteresting.
Overall, a place I really love to visit.
EDIT: Recent meals haven’t been crash-​hot — ‘hot’ dishes served tepid, with stale corn chips and underriped avocado. The chips were undercooked and soggy. I’m hoping it was a bad day, but maybe Newcastle Decay has taken another victim.

Quirky little café that has a good feel about it. Simple, unpretentious food, friendly staff and some good tunes.