Restaurant

The Stables Cafe Est 1889

58 Service St, Bairnsdale VIC 3875, Australia

Recommended by 57 people

Updated

Find The Stables Cafe Est 1889

58 Service St, Bairnsdale VIC 3875, Australia

Directions ↗
HoursMonday: 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM Thursday: 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM Friday: 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM Sunday: Closed

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

Plan your visit

About The Stables Cafe Est 1889

Set in an 1889 brick stable, this Bairnsdale spot pairs dialed-in coffee with sharp seasonal cooking. Locals drop in for an order of Magic coffee and settle into the roomy timber interior, where tables stay spaced far enough apart to dodge the morning clatter. The kitchen runs a lean, rotating menu that skips cafe clichés for house-made hash browns, chilli prawn scrambled eggs, and churros toasties. Outside, shaded umbrellas in the courtyard give travellers and dog owners an unhurried stop right off the highway.

  • Seasonal local brunch: Short, rotating seasonal menu turning out chilli prawn scramble, churros toasties, and house-made hash browns.
  • Restored 1889 stable: Housed in an 1889 building featuring original architectural bones and generous space between tables.
  • Dog-friendly courtyard: Spacious outdoor umbrella seating that warmly welcomes dogs and road trippers.

What's On at The Stables Cafe Est 1889

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

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Diners Choose The Stables Cafe

Historic character, locally sourced seasonal brunch, and relaxed outdoor dining in Bairnsdale

  • Inventive Seasonal Brunch Menu

    The kitchen emphasizes creative morning fare highlighting local produce with a rotating seasonal approach, from chilli prawn scramble to halloumi fritters and inventive breakfast bowls.

    the dishes are imaginative, creative, and celebrates the seasonal produce rather than whatever’s available year-round.

    Vinny Brown
  • Expertly Crafted Specialty Coffee

    Patrons consistently single out the cafe for exceptional, expertly pulled coffee and house-specialty chai prepared with consistent craft.

    Coffee is always, without fail, high quality and perfectly prepared.

    Vinny Brown
  • Restorative Road Trip Pitstop

    Long-distance drivers and regional road trippers find a peaceful pause with generous comfort meals that break up travel through East Gippsland.

    This makes Bairnsdale a really worthwhile stop in a long drive.

    Cumquat
  • Effortless Transit Break

    Conveniently situated for transit riders and early travellers, offering quick hospitable service close to local connections.

    Also great place to go if you’re a bit early for your train.

    Glen Morrow
  • Atmospheric 1889 Historic Quarters

    Diners enjoy meals within a restored 1889 heritage building featuring original elements and generous space between tables to keep the dining room relaxed.

    it’s nice to enjoy a meal in a historical building with original features.

    Vinny Brown
  • Dog-Friendly Courtyard Dining

    The shaded, umbrella-covered outdoor courtyard warmly accommodates pets and service dogs with ample open seating.

    Lovely dog friendly cafe. The courtyard at the front is spacious and inviting.

    Eliza Ong

Other favorites

Specialty beverages, sides, and lighter bites

  • Chai Latte

    She makes the best chai lattes ever.

    Andie McCullagh
  • House Made Hash Brown

    The house made hash brown is a definite hit!

    Josie Vecchio
  • Magic Coffee

    Also got to try the Magic coffee which was a nice addition to breakfast.

    Jacinta McGrath
  • Crumpets

    (I do recommended the crumpets if you want something a bit smaller!).

    Glen Morrow

Beyond the menu

Memorable details and hospitality touches that elevate dining at The Stables Cafe.

  • Respectful Guide Dog Hospitality

    Staff warmly accommodate working guide dogs and companions, providing a respectful, welcoming stop for travelers before catching regional trains.

  • Order Memory and Personalized Greetings

    Baristas and team members remember regular patrons' specific beverage preferences, crafting personalized chai lattes on arrival.

  • Quirky Seasonal Dish Innovation

    The kitchen designs imaginative, produce-forward items like churros toasties and chilli prawn scramble rather than relying on generic breakfast standards.

  • Thoughtful Historic Acoustic Layout

    The historic interior preserves original architectural heritage while intentionally spacing tables generously to manage acoustic echo and comfort.

Before you head over

Practical dining guidance for timing, seating, and menus at Bairnsdale's historic cafe

  • Plan Weekend Mornings Around Steady Crowds

    Arrive ready for a steady weekend brunch crowd, especially on Saturday mornings, or opt for an unhurried stop during road trips and train layovers.

  • Bring Pets to the Front Shaded Courtyard

    The front courtyard offers shaded seating under large umbrellas and plenty of room, making it easy to dine alongside pets or guide dogs.

  • Sample Rotating Local and Dietary Options

    Explore seasonal dishes like chilli prawn scramble and house-made hash browns alongside inventive vegetarian brunch options and Melbourne-style magic coffee.

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