Dachshund Coffee, Hunters Hill – Rating: 21/25

Dachshund Coffee

Along with the recent refurbishment of the Hunters Hill Hotel comes a new shopping arcade and a six week old café that has certainly started things off with a bang.  Dachshund Coffee brings together the experience of owners Matt Williams, Alex Williams and Rob Stein and the result is a researched, well-running and professional operation that certainly impressed me.  With experience at Anvil Coffee Co, Sensory Lab, Fat Poppy Coffee and Pablo & Rusty to name a few, this crew certainly knows what they are doing.

The kitchen is small but that doesn’t stop DC from producing not only a large variety of dishes but also everything is made fresh to order (no counter-items here)!

As you may have guessed from the name, this establishment is very dog friendly.  While your pet will not be allowed inside, the tables lining the arcade were inhabited by more than a few pooches during my visit.  As a bonus your cup of coffee is on the house if you bring your dachshund along!  I found the clientele to be a mix but mainly young families.  Everyone including the staff were very friendly.  Come summer, Dachshund Coffee have promised outside seating as well as summer-inspired beverages too.

You’ll feel right at home thanks to the welcoming vibe.  The waitstaff wasted no time in bringing water to our table as well as taking coffee orders and it didn’t take long to work out that they all actually have personalities and aren’t afraid of a little interaction (something often missing from locations that I review).

Cappuccino

Flat white

Single origin (Ethiopian)

Speaking of coffee ($3.50), low and behold DC uses a brand that I actually hadn’t come across before!  And it was absolutely delicious.  Fat Poppy is only used by two cafés in Sydney and I am certainly glad to have visited one of them.  If you live or work nearby, I wager that you would make this your new standard cup!  The single origin cup, sourced from Guji, Ethiopian was a unique harmony of flavours, deep with toffee elements.

Some other fantastic-sounding offerings available on the drinks menu are milkshakes (dark chocolate, salted chocolate & peanut butter, double choc fudge, strawberry or caramel, $6.50) and a smoothie (nut butter, kale and Urban Hives Honey, $8).

House-made jaffles

House-made jaffles (inside)

Jaffles have definitely become one of the staples of the small-kitchened cafés.  DC’s version of this snack is the house made jaffle ($7.5) and it comes with ham, loads of stringy cheese and a savoury housemade relish.  If I was making it at home I would layer the outside of the sandwich with butter before putting it in the jaffle iron but I can understand that most people wouldn’t want that!  If you’re after a sweeter version, you can also order the jaffle with Granny Smith apples and cinnamon.

Just eggs

For seconds, I dove straight into the just eggs ($12).  This dish is anything but just eggs!  The two perfectly poached eggs were served on delicious seeded, buttered toast with a mountain of well cooked (and some very crispy) double-smoked bacon and a dash of the housemade relish on the side.  The entire dish was presented and seasoned well showing great attention to detail.  I would definitely order this again.

Frenchie

It has been a long time since I or one of my guests have received a really top notch serving of French toast but that all ended this week when we received this rendition.  DC does it right with their Frenchie ($16.50) starting with the two slices of fluffy, puffy, sweet and well soaked toast at the base, stacks of delicious double-smoked bacon and fried banana which was nicely caramelised.  Add some house maple and we have a classic combination done so well.

Spiced carrot cake with citrus infused cream cheese icing

Sweet pumpkin, caramel and pecan cake

I dare you to wander up to the counter and not walk away having ordered some of the delicious cakes, pastries or other baked goods.  Michele Hales is the head chef and baker responsible for all that you see before you and I can only applaud her creations.  The baked goods change constantly but whenever you decide to visit, you’ll be in for a treat.

Some other delicious-sounding dishes on the menu include brekkie roll (grilled haloumi, egg, greens, coriander and house chipotle mayo, $9, add bacon for $3), avocado (crushed avocado, vine ripened tomato, Meredith Dairy goat’s feta topped with chargrilled corn & quinoa herb tabbouleh, $17.50), A Dog’s Breakfast (poached eggs, double smoked ham, havati cheese, kale pesto, roma tomato and avocado on cooked bread, $19) and the highly recommended kumera hotcakes with goat’s feta, kale, tomato and quinoa salad, poached egg and chipotle aioli ($18.50).

Dachshund Coffee is the new kid on the block that has successfully blown me away by providing the whole package of superb food, friendly faces and a welcoming atmosphere.  I look forward to going back soon…

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Overall Rating: 21/25

Website: http://comesitstay.com.au/ and https://www.facebook.com/dachshundcoffee
Phone:   9879 4619
Address: 64-68 (Shop 4) Gladesville Road, Hunters Hill, 2110

Payment Options: Credit card, EFTPOS, cash