Restaurant

Short Straw Café

743 Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn VIC 3122, Australia

Recommended by 42 people

Updated

Find Short Straw Café

743 Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn VIC 3122, Australia

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HoursMonday: 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Short Straw Café

Tucked off Glenferrie Road on Mary Street, this sunlit haven pairs inventive morning plates with proper craft brunch cocktails. Plant-filled interiors give way to an outdoor parklet under market umbrellas—ideal for dodging the main strip's foot traffic. Regulars lean toward the Eggs Benny stacked over crisp homemade potato rosti, or the sweetcorn and zucchini fritters alongside a Tabasco-spiked Bloody Mary. Baristas dial in each batch of local specialty beans with care, turning out silky flat whites next to towering breakfast buns.

  • Rosti-Stacked Benny: Eggs Benedict swapped from standard muffins onto house-made, crisp potato rosti hash browns.
  • Daytime Cocktails: A fully licensed bar program pouring Bloody Marys and espresso martinis for weekend celebrations.
  • Mary Street Parklet: Spills into a tranquil parklet with astro-turf and umbrellas just off the busy Glenferrie strip.

What's On at Short Straw Café

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Choose Short Straw Café

Why locals and brunch lovers choose Short Straw Café for inventive plates, morning cocktails, and relaxed dining.

  • Signature Eggs Benny on Homemade Hash Brown

    House-made potato rosti hash browns replace standard toasted bread to deliver a crisp, elevated texture to signature eggs benedict.

    The "Eggs Benny" is truly amazing, a gastronomic triumph, perfect combination of eggs, bacon, homemade hash brown.

    Lavinia Gordon
  • Thoughtfully Crafted Brunch Dishes

    Thoughtfully plated brunch staples like zucchini fritters and poke bowls offer balanced textures and visually striking presentation.

    Well thought out and presented food. Didn’t want to leave!!

    Telly
  • Daytime Brunch Cocktails

    A full cocktail list offering spicy Bloody Marys and espresso martinis elevates casual morning gatherings and celebrations.

    Really great food, drinks and the staff were lovely and accomodating. Bloody Mary's had a proper spicy kick, awesome.

    n ODD y
  • Vibrant Space for Group Gatherings

    Generous seating, friendly hospitality, and relaxed background music create a welcoming backdrop for group get-togethers and weekend occasions.

    Friendly staff and chill atmosphere. Could be perfect for friends and family gathering and coffee chat.

    Mia Lyu
  • Quiet Side Street Parklet Dining

    Outdoor tables extend into a tranquil side street parklet with sun umbrellas away from high-traffic commercial noise.

    Love this side street cafe. Tucked away off Glenferrie Road, this little local is really good.

    Bella
  • Sunlit and Greenery-Filled Setting

    Sunlit side windows, leafy hanging greenery, and warm hospitality provide an unhurried, restorative setting.

    Short Straw is a peaceful open venue which attracts the morning sun down its side windows.

    Espy Eats

Other favorites

Brunch cocktails, specialty drinks, and sweet finishes

  • Bloody Mary

    Bloody Mary's had a proper spicy kick, awesome.

    n ODD y
  • Matcha Latte

    matcha latte and it was so tasty !!

    naledi
  • Espresso Martini

    Actually the espresso martini was just as good

    Espy Eats
  • French Toast

    The French toast is a little sweet but as expected for a sweet option.

    Jess

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful touches and distinctive details that elevate the dining experience at Short Straw Café

  • Signature Rosti Benny Base

    Eggs Benedict is served on crispy homemade potato rosti hash browns with bacon and poached eggs instead of standard English muffins.

  • Local Vodka Brunch Cocktails

    Brunch drinks include craft cocktails mixed with local grain shaker vodka, including Tabasco-spiced Bloody Marys, breakfast martinis with hints of marmalade, and espresso martinis.

  • Astroturf Side-Street Parklet

    Outdoor seating expands from Mary Street into street parking bays outfitted with astroturf and sun umbrellas for relaxed open-air dining.

  • Chilli Oil Scramble & Table Touches

    Tables are promptly set with chilled bottled water on arrival, and scramble orders come garnished with fresh rocket, crispy shallots, and housemade chilli oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there outdoor seating available?

Yes, there is outdoor seating on Mary Street, including umbrella-shaded tables set up in the quiet side-street parklet, as well as a rear courtyard.

Can you order cocktails with brunch?

Yes, Short Straw Café serves morning and brunch cocktails alongside its food menu, including Bloody Marys and espresso martinis.

How does Short Straw Café prepare its eggs Benedict?

Short Straw Café serves Benedict dishes over house-made potato rosti hash browns rather than standard toast or English muffins, with options like bacon or salmon.

Are there vegetarian and vegan options on the menu?

Yes, the cafe features vegetarian and vegan-friendly options, including dishes like zucchini fritters, tofu scramble, mushrooms, and halloumi bagels.

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