If you choose a place for coffee based on the name, then you’re safe with choosing Espressohead in Byron Bay. It’s definitely a great place for coffee, but it also has a solid all-day breakfast and lunch menu to tuck into while you sip your favourite brew.
Espressohead is one of Byron’s longest running cafés. It’s always been a locals’ hang and I remember back to when it was tucked away in the back corner of the old Woolworth’s shopping centre car park. Back then it was a fantastic spot for coffee and a chat after a morning jaunt to the gym. Now the café is in a quiet spot on Middleton Street, which makes it a fantastic spot for morning coffee or something to eat on your way back from a walk to the lighthouse or a yoga session around the corner.
Espressohead in Byron Bay is open seven days. It’s spacious and all-weather with plenty of footpath and indoor dining options for breakfast and lunch away from the crowds.
I usually start these blog posts with a look at the food menu but this time I’m going to start with the coffee. Espressohead offers all the usual suspects and milks along with a Single Origin coffee blend of the month to keep you coming back to try the next one. There are cold coffee options including house made cold brew and a coffee granita for those hot Summer post beach days.
For other drinks, the house squeezed juices and smoothies are well priced with flavours like the Nimbin Green smoothie featuring banana, hemp protein, kale, baby spinach, mint, honey and coconut water or the Tropical Dream featuring banana, mango, pineapple, coconut oil, honey and coconut milk. There are teas and chais and house made probiotic drinks as well as drinks from the fridge.
The eats at Espressohead are part of an all-day brunch style menu. The meu is seasonal and supports plenty of local growers and producers including Hayters Hill Eggs, The Bread Social, the Clunes Butcher, Bay Seafood Market, Uncle Tom’s Avocados, Blueberry Fields and more.
You can start the day with something simple like sourdough toast with house made jam or dive right into the Burgers and Salads. If you’re new to Espressohead maybe try one of their Espressohead Classics like The Vietnamese crispy rice pancake served with two fried eggs, crunchy peanuts, pickles and herbs is light and colourful and dressed with a chilli lime dressing to cut through the rich eggs and bring life to the herb salad.
Don’t miss the Smashed Peas with feta, salsa verde and poached eggs on toasted sourdough either! For something more substantial the Grilled Chorizo with house made beans, feta and sourdough is robust and tasty. You can Build Your Own cooked breakfat starting with eggs how you like them, then adding all your favourite sides.
For a sweeter option there and porridges and muesli with fruits and the ever popular Buttermilk Pancake with blueberries. If it’s more a lunch offering you are chasing, then try the vegan Brown Rice Salad or the Roast Pumpkin Salad and keep an eye on the daily specials board. The Burger options include beef brisket, haloumi, chicken schnitzel or your classic bacon and egg.
If you have a sweet tooth there is a cake fridge with gluten free and vegan options but the Old School Caramel Slice is ‘full of dairy, sugar and gluten’ for the rest of us!
Espressohead in Byron Bay is a great breakfast and lunch spot that’s a bit off the beaten track and away from the throngs. The table service is always friendly and there is something to please any palate. I love that it attracts a loyal local following. At Espressohead you won’t see too many city slickers hunched around tables on their devices not talking to each other. Espressohead in Byron Bay is a catch-up destination where a friendly local crowd meets for good reason – to enjoy tasty fare with coffee and each other’s company.
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