This cafe is hidden, but it's worth seeking out.
After a tip-off from a friend, I followed her directions to find Runcible Spoon. "It's on the same street as Deus ex Machina," she said. "Off Parramatta Rd, closer to Glebe." So I drove the streets of Camperdown , driving past Deus two to three times, my head stuck out the window in search of the cafe. Despite actually driving past the cafe itself two to three times, I was unable find it. So, with a little extra determination second time around, I parked my car and walked the streets, intent on finding this cafe that I was beginning to think existed within a parallel universe accessed via some kind of time-space loop hole.
Eventually, I found it. Hiding down a side alley in a group of buildings/apartments/office buildings, its deck of bright orange chairs stood out against the grey backdrop.
The building itself isn't much, with giant concrete slabs and a tar floor making up the outside deck dotted with plastic orange school chairs and glossy white tabletops. And yet, it's far more peaceful than you would expect (being so close to Parramatta Rd, Bridge Rd and Missenden Rd) and Runcible Spoon have done well with what they've got. The deck has plentiful greenery to make up for their concrete jungle environment and the walls of the building opposite are decorated with street art that makes you grateful for the concrete canvas.
Inside is a little nicer, with a cute espresso bar in front of the machine and a couple of tables. A wooden ladder leans against the wall, its rungs hosting Gourmet magazines. The water station beside it adds to the rustic look, as an outside tap pours waters beneath narrow shelves of cups. Cute and quirky art decorates their walls and as opposed to the plastering of posters you find at some cafes, the posters here are elegantly framed, giving next months Metro gig a sense of historical importance.
The main thing about Runcible Spoon is that the coffee is good. Like, worthy of making the trip good. As Golden Cobra beans keep popping up all over the place with varied results, I was happy to find Runcible Spoon makes the most from these magical beans. Also, the barista is so sweet that you can't help but dream of waking up to his coffee every morning in your family home in the countryside.
The menu, a scrawl of black ink on recycled brown paper, is short but sweet and changes regularly, with the gluten free and vegetarian options clearly marked with their respective (G) and (V). They use organic and free range eggs and prices are pretty standard. read more