Address: 404 Titirangi Rd
Phone: (09) 817 5059
Website: thehardwarecafe.co.nz
We came here because friends had recommended it and we were keen to have a walk around Titirangi village.
Parking was easy, in a carpark behind the village shops.
We walked in and immediately thought why is this place jam-packed when the cafe over the road is empty? The answer: the menu is wide-ranging and there is a nice, homely feel to it.
The most unusual thing on the menu was the mince on toast - described as just like your mum would make "but without the lumps". Nice. We ordered Titirangi toast with bacon, banana, maple syrup and cream ($17); poached eggs on ciabatta with sides of mushrooms and hash browns ($16.50); and a bagel with a side of bacon ($8.50).
The meals were good, generous in size but unfortunately they were far from hot. We should have asked for them to be reheated but we were in a hurry.
The service was good overall but we could have done without the bickering between the couple of staff members behind the counter.
The coffee was good. Hot and strong. The hot chocolate was a winner too.
We recommend if you come here you sit outside in the courtyard if the barista is singing loudly along to the music, as he was the day we were there. Fortunately he can hold a note.
Overall we thought this has to be one of the busiest cafes we've been to in a while. Which might explain why our food wasn't piping hot - as it should be - the day we visited. Top marks for the menu and the vibe though.
