In Melbourne's CBD, a tiny cafe called Palace Coffee has become a daily spectacle, with queues of over 50 people snaking down a narrow laneway every morning. Locals have documented the scene, with one resident posting on Facebook: 'I counted in excess of 50 people waiting outside for their orders. The coffee must be good. Busy barista.'
Despite its unassuming location on Ridgway Place, the cafe has quickly become one of the city's worst-kept secrets. A staff member revealed: 'We've been open just over a year and we're averaging about 850 coffees a day.'
Regulars praise the smooth system, with one customer noting: 'You step in and get hit with the warm scent of fresh espresso and toasted pastry… My flat white was silky, the espresso was syrupy and clean.' The pastries, including banana bread, croissants, and cardamom buns, also receive high praise.
Palace Coffee fits into Melbourne's laneway culture, where the best spots are often hidden. Its appeal also lies in the Australian willingness to queue for quality, as seen at other popular venues like Sundays Bondi and Common Supply.
