Restaurant

Skinnys Eatery

107 Gilbert Rd, Preston VIC 3072, Australia

Recommended by 6 people

Updated

Find Skinnys Eatery

107 Gilbert Rd, Preston VIC 3072, Australia

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HoursMonday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Skinnys Eatery

Housed in a 1930s milk bar, this Preston institution trades standard brunch tropes for chicken salt hash browns and diner-grade comfort. Morning regulars crowd the Gilbert Road tables for pastrami egg sandwiches, fried chicken English muffins, and vodka parm subs. Plant-based crowds dig into roasted carrot bagels smeared with sunflower cream, alongside a well-reputed vegan hot chocolate. Pour a batch brew or spike an espresso with house-made salted vanilla syrup.

  • Diner-Inspired Comfort: A retro milk-bar menu ditching standard avocado toast for chicken salt hash browns, pastrami egg sandwiches, and vodka parm subs.
  • Thoughtful Plant-Forward Fare: Plant-based visitors rely on sunflower-cream carrot bagels and rich vegan hot chocolate alongside quality batch brew.
  • Distinctive Coffee Pours: House-made salted vanilla syrup elevates well-pulled espresso alongside local cold drinks and tea.

What's On at Skinnys Eatery

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

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Choose Skinnys Eatery

Discover why locals flock to Preston's favourite retro diner and coffee spot.

  • Nostalgic Milk Bar & Diner Comforts

    Skinny's recreates the nostalgia of an old 1930s milk bar with American diner-inspired comforts like crispy chicken salt hash browns and pastrami breakfast sandwiches.

    Four words. Chicken salt hash browns. That’s right, right at the top of Skinny’s menu are their hash browns, and for good reason. I love a hash brown, and these were soooo crispy and tasty.

    Julia Ellul
  • Indulgent Handcrafted Subs & Sandwiches

    Beyond typical cafe fare, the kitchen turns out rich, indulgent subs and hot sandwiches like meatball subs and vodka parm sandwiches served on crisp, pillow-soft bread.

    Shared the meatball sub and vodka parm sandwich. Both were saucy indulgent works of art. The art was crispy on the outside but soft and pillow like in the inside.

    Trishen Moodley
  • Signature Salted Vanilla Specialty Coffee

    The team crafts house-made salted vanilla syrup, balancing sweetness and salt to provide an unforgettable specialty coffee experience.

    What really sets them apart though is their salted vanilla syrup. It’s genuinely next level. The subtle sweetness with that hint of salt creates this incredible depth of flavour that turns a great coffee into something memorable.

    Nichole Durbin
  • Thoughtful Plant-Based & Vegan Creations

    Catering thoughtfully to plant-based diners, the menu delivers creative options such as pickled zucchini bagels, roasted carrot spreads, and decadent vegan hot chocolates.

    I had the vegan option of the pickled zucchini bagel and a batch brew coffee and both were phenomenal.

    Rochelle Bux
  • Sunny, Relaxed Social Gatherings

    Outdoor sunshine and shared green beans and sandwiches make Skinny's a welcoming neighbourhood retreat for relaxed catch-ups with friends.

    Sitting in the sunshine on an autumn day with some friends is an activity only made better by enjoying some delicious sandwiches and green beans at skinnys.

    Ally
  • Genuine Neighbourhood Hospitality

    A welcoming crew treats both newcomers and regulars like old mates, fostering an unpretentious community hub where locals feel right at home.

    The staff make everyone feel like regulars, the coffee is excellent, and the food is simple but delicious. Unpretentious, friendly and the kind of cafe I’d like to live close by to.

    Brigid Lynch

Other favorites

Sides, sweets, and specialty sips to accompany your meal

  • Chicken Salt Hash Browns

    right at the top of Skinny’s menu are their hash browns, and for good reason. I love a hash brown, and these were soooo crispy and tasty.

    Julia Ellul
  • Donuts

    the ever-changing doughnuts are special

    Carl Enser
  • Vegan Hot Chocolate

    The vegan hot chocolate is probably the most delicious thing I've ever had.

    Aisling Wood
  • Fries

    the fries and English muffins/sandwiches are delicious

    Jasmine Viviana

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful details and distinct menu twists that make every visit memorable

  • House-Made Salted Vanilla Syrup

    Specialty coffee can be elevated with house-made salted vanilla syrup, balancing subtle sweetness with a savoury hint of salt for distinct depth.

  • $1 Batch Brew Refills

    Batch brew orders come with $1 refills, giving coffee lovers an easy top-up during their visit.

  • House Brown Sauce & Weekend Donuts

    Brunch staples are paired with house-made brown sauce and rotating weekend donut specials alongside evolving seasonal surprises.

  • Thoughtful Vegan Creations

    Plant-based diners can enjoy dedicated treats like vegan hot chocolate as well as creative vegan bagels made with sunflower cream and pickled zucchini.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book a table in advance?

Tables are walk-in only as Skinnys Eatery does not take reservations. The cafe is popular and regularly busy, particularly on Sunday mornings around 11am, so you may need to wait for seating. Seating is intimate inside, with extra tables outdoors in good weather.

What kind of food is on the menu?

Expect retro milk-bar and American diner-style comfort food rather than conventional cafe fare like avocado toast. Regular favourites include crispy chicken salt hash browns, pastrami egg and cheese sandwiches, fried chicken English muffins, and meatball or vodka parm subs.

Are there vegan and vegetarian options available?

Yes. Alongside dairy and meat items, Skinnys provides thoughtful plant-based options, including creative vegan bagels (such as roasted carrot with sunflower cream or pickled zucchini), vegan hot chocolate, and plant milk coffee options.

Is the cafe dog friendly?

Yes, dogs are welcome, with pet owners frequently visiting and outdoor seating available along the street.

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