Herald Rating: 4/5
Address: 8 Drake St, Freemans Bay
We came here because it's an easy city-fringe meeting point. There are usually plenty of parks and the coffee is consistently good.
Parking was a matter of nabbing one of the six designated spots directly out the front. We arrived at 9.30am and I got the last one. Ginnie just missed out but parked in a $1 per hour pay-and-display on Drake St.
We walked in and thought Allpress was full of well-dressed women and men in sharp suits. This is clearly a favoured local for the many businesses in the area, and the open plan space means it's conducive to people-watching.
The most unusual things on the menu are the Italian-style sandwiches - the tramezzini with provolone, cheddar and chives ($6.70) or the schiacciata with pumpkin, walnut and pecorino ($10.50). It's not a mind-blowing menu for cooked brunches but one of simple classics, such as muesli, toast (with a selection of toppings) and egg and soldiers.