WHERE DO TWEED LOCALS DRINK COFFEE?
With three barista daughters, the question –
“Where do you find the best coffee in The Tweed?”
…is hotly debated.
Increased demand for specialty coffee, otherwise known as single-origin, coupled with the rise of interesting new blends, makes for stimulating conversation amongst our gaggle of coffee aficionados.
Then there’s the discussion of milk.
In a family of five, we each have a different preference. Fortunately, our fave cafes in Kingscliff, Casuarina and Tweed Heads stock numerous milk options to suit any fussy household.
So, if you’re anything like us, and have high expectations for your morning brew, then check out our list of coffee hot spots.
1. BARISTA MIA’S TOP PICKS
A true addict and experienced barista, coffee questions are always answered by Mia in our household. So, I asked…
“Why are these your faves?
With a shrug, she replies…
Because I know good coffee. Why else would I pick them?”
For Mia, it’s all about the coffee, the correct measure, temperature, consistency and flavour. Coffee is the hero and decor, service or location are less relevant. Fortunately, her top picks also rate high in these three areas.
So, if coffee is also your top priority, try these…
Stone Studio – Community pottery studio and coffee house on the beachfront at Kingscliff.
Riff Raff Espresso – A small team with big hearts serving coffee in the heart of Cabarita Beach.
Next Door Espresso – Riverside cafe committed to connecting, uplifting and inspiring guests.
2. MR BLUE GINGER PICNICS’ TOP PICKS
- Sipping coffee while gazing at the ocean (at Zinc),
- Chatting with the friendly staff (at Chinny Brew), or
- Watching the coffee roasting process (at Ground Control).
Ground Control – Specialty coffee roaster bringing people together to slow life down for a minute. Wild Thyme Dining in Murwillumbah (a quaint corner cafe) serves this local brew.
Chinny Brew – Coffee + bites from the most Instagram-able little caravan on the Tweed Coast.
Zinc – Hole-in-the-wall, just off the sand, where you can sip and check out the Kingy surf action.
3. STYLIST HEATHER’S TOP PICKS
When you visit Kingscliff, there’s a likely chance that you’ll meet Heather. She’s our founder’s mum and an uber-stylish jewellery designer. As a relative newbie to the region, having moved from Perth three years ago, Heather, and her equally fashionable partner Terry, love a morning dog walk followed by a coffee.
For Heather, a “friendly team that makes you feel like family”.
Plus, “meeting interesting people”, are the keys to a memorable coffee outing.
So if you’re looking for a morning chat, keep an eye out for Heather (with Boston Terrier, Floyd) sipping coffee at one of her faves…
Baked At Ancora – Bringing a little slice of Parisian cafe culture to the waterfront in Tweed.
Choux Box – The place to meet long-term locals or make new friends at Kingscliff’s most iconic cafe.
Salt Mill – Pocket-sized, hole-in-the-wall cafe at the southern end of Kingscliff.
4. DON’T DRINK COFFEE?
Neither does our founder Tania. So, she founded My Daily Chai, a 100% organic, caffeine-free, all-natural chai powder, perfect for making amazing smoothies and delicious lattes. Watch out for an upcoming post on the best chai in the region…this one might surprise you!
LOCALS SHARE THEIR TOP PICKS
“Great little neighbourhood cafe with friendly staff.” ~ Jennifer Wheeler
“Best coffee on the Tweed! Small but perfectly formed!” ~ Maria Bashford
“My favourite cafe. Always good service!” ~ Briana Morriss
Brew & Bake, Kingscliff
“Iced latte’s are the best! My favourite place after exercising”. ~ Hllie Robards
Ground Control Coffee Roasters
“Love that you can see and smell how the coffee is roasted on-site. Hidden Gem.” ~ Bri Linder
“My number one favourite coffee” ~ Karen Kreger
“Hands down the best coffee” ~ Sarah Anderson
Shiny Brew, Casuarina
“Love their coffee after a walk on the beach“ ~ Lorraine Bassett
Salt Mill, Kingy
“It is small but always busy. My daughter still talks about the caramel slice a year later” ~ Bri Linder
Kettle’s On Cafe
“My favourite.” ~ Rhani Torrance
“It’s the best! Great coffee, food, cocktails and amazing staff.” ~ Jo Jackson
“Love Choux Box Café” ~ Gaylia Griffiths
“Choux Box Café!” ~ Alisha Seaton
“Their muffins are from another world. The best I’ve ever tasted…consistently.” ~ Matt Jones
“I love their coffee. They NEVER fail” ~ Gaylia Griffiths
“Choux Box for me too!” ~ Lynley Casey
Zinc, Kingscliff
“Just under the SLSC. Great coffee and cakes and directly on the beach!” ~ Franziska Erthel
“Coffee, dogs and beach, the best way to start the day.“ ~ Kez Robinson
“If I’m in town, it’s Zinc at the surf club” ~ Caely Ray
“Zinc cafe under the SSLC for coffee” ~ Layla Sorlie
Stone Studio, Kingscliff
“Lovely coffee and great staff.” ~ Suzanne Healy
“Best drip coffee you can get outside of Canada!” ~ Angela Younger
QROMA
“My absolute favourite” ~ Gezza J Kt
“Friendly staff, great service, fabulous food and relaxed atmosphere.” ~ Denise Coleman
Earth Pantry, Kingscliff
“I love a Campos Coffee and for me, that’s the drawcard.” ~ Linda D-Astole
Sheoak Shack, Fingal.
“Great coffee, good food and friendly staff.” ~ Karen Rimell
Big Pink Rat Cafe
“The newest coffee pop up in The Tweed that operates from a 1957 Airstream in the centre of M-Arts Precinct” ~ Gunther Ehmann
Stone Studio, Kingscliff
“Lovely coffee, yummy pastries and great staff.” ~ Suzanne Healy
“Best drip coffee you can get outside of Canada!” ~ Angela Younger
“Great coffee and awesome staff.” ~ Matt Jones
Chinny Brew
“Great coffee and their homemade muffins are delicious!!” ~ Briana Morris
“Love Chinny Brew coffee” ~ Chrissie McCarthy
More Foodie Hot Spots
Looking for the best places to eat, drink and enjoy the incredible produce grown and made in The Tweed? Then drop by each week for our Foodie Friday blog posts which shares details of local hotspots throughout the region. In the next couple of weeks, we’re sharing the best breakfast, best pastries and best cocktails. So see you then.
9 TOP FOODIE EXPERIENCES
Because dedicated foodies love choice, we’ve curated
a selection of our favourite dining experiences for you
to enjoy during your stay in The Tweed.
Taste an array of delicious local dishes you may never
have tried. Add stunning views and personal service to
discover why The Tweed is Australia’s best new foodie
region. Bon Appétit!
