Nelly’s

Great place. Good coffee, lovely brekkie including great eggs. Nice selection of sandwiches and soups. Staff are great, and their sweet stuff is very good and is home made.

I’ve been here several times for coffee, brunch and lunch. The staff are very friendly and it is never too crowded or stressful. I generally go for one of their special rolls with hummus or a posh sausage sandwich. They’ve recently updated their menu so I will will going in soon to try their sweet potato falafel. Afterwards, check out the eco-​friendly shop Small Changes next door for local vegetables and other bits.

Nellys had previously been on my radar from time spent living in the D6/​8 area over the past few years. There, I always felt they were fighting a tough battle by clambering for attention amongst a myriad of independent cafes that seemed to be cropping up monthly. Situated, where they are, in Drumcondra, save for a couple of other neighbourhood cafes, they seem to have more of a presence.
Located within a sort of cultural centre for the area, the café is small and unassuming. It shares the wider space with various small businesses including a little specialist food shop and it seems the laid back, earthy vibe is consistent throughout the building. I had been in once or twice for a takeaway coffee and liked the no frills layout. The open plan kitchen looks directly out to a small dining room, littered with kitsch tables and chairs.
On this occasion, I was sitting down to their appetizing brunch menu. Having done the brunch thing to death around the city, I am always surprised to find new takes on classic dishes. Nelly’s don’t deviate too much from the norm, but enough to stand out from some of their competition. Both of us opt for the cheesy scrambled eggs on sourdough with bacon and avocado. The simple introduction of the eggs as ‘cheesy’ may have influenced my mildly hungover choice, but nevertheless, they hit the spot.
The eggs were perfect and the bacon and avocado (more of a guacamole) were also delicious. The coffee was somewhat forgettable but the friendly service and relaxed atmosphere made up for that.
I would say that in an area somewhat lacking in original brunch-​serving cafes, Nellys is most certainly worth a visit.

I’m mad about this little spot in Drumcondra: small enough menu of sambos, salads, coffee and cake but the food’s fresh and delicious, staff are lovely and the space itself, while tiny, is lovely to spend time in. Good value, too!

Since my first review I have been back here a few times for coffee. Oh sweet Jebus the foundation of any good coffee shop is COFFEE and decent coffee at that… unfortunately Nelly’s seems to be lacking that lately. This mornings latte was a lukewarm milk and coloured water affair. Himself’s Americano won’t be giving Nescafe a run for it’s money any time soon
However I will say the carrot cake was devine. But seriously guys up your coffee game!

Staff really need to up their game. Ignoring customers, indifference and plain being rude won’t bring customers back. Food is great pity about the staff.

Me and my wife shared an irish breakfast and scrambled eggs with cheese. And for finishing, a piece of lemon and courgette cake and chocolate cookie. Everything was really good and we will come back for sure!