Reviews here are based on my personal view and are to be used as a guide only. Should you visit one of these places I would love to hear your experience and provide it below in order to give a balanced opinion.
I would love to be able to visit every place in each town that provides coffee but unfortunately I have limited time. I endeavour to drink as much coffee as possible in the time I have in each town - I know it's a hard job but someone has to do it!
If I missed your favourite spot during my visit please tell me about it and I will record your review. I will visit those I missed on my next visit and update accordingly.
If I have not been to your town yet and you would like me to review a particular place please email me and when in the area I will drop on by.
I would love to be able to visit every place in each town that provides coffee but unfortunately I have limited time. I endeavour to drink as much coffee as possible in the time I have in each town - I know it's a hard job but someone has to do it!
If I missed your favourite spot during my visit please tell me about it and I will record your review. I will visit those I missed on my next visit and update accordingly.
If I have not been to your town yet and you would like me to review a particular place please email me and when in the area I will drop on by.
Keith
Daline's Cafe and Snackbar
30 Hender St Keith SA 5276
****** Best presentation*********
A nicely presented mugaccino with an after dinner mint on the side. Nice froth that was not too thick providing a substantial amount of coffee. I felt it could have been a little warmer, but then I like to drink my coffee 'HOT', taking the time to savour the taste, relax and enjoy the environment. The decorative star on the top gave the cappuccino the nice little personal touch when it came to presentation.
The atmosphere within Daline's is warm and inviting with separate rooms, away from the main serving area, to sit and relax. It has a warm tourist feel with the tables being adorned with aerial views and photo's of the local area. Whilst waiting for our meals we read of the local Emu farm industry and enjoyed browsing the nearby notice board. Those around us seem relaxed, also enjoying their environment whilst chatting. My only criticism is that it is a little crowded when taking a pram, with little room to place the pram in the seating area.
Initially only entering Daline's to purchase a coffee we soon found ourselves having one of their hot Emu rolls. Having never tasted Emu before we hesitantly sunk our teeth into our roll, not sure what to expect.Still today we debate whether it tasted like corned beef or ham but came to the agreement that it was a pink salty meat. The roll in itself was fresh and consisted of cheese and sweet chilli sauce. I did originally order the works with bacon, onion, cheese and Emu but upon arrival only received the basic. When this was bought to the attention at the counter they were very apologetic and refunded the difference.
When in Keith Daline's is definitely worth a visit even if just to try a little bit of Australia - Emu.
Morning Loaf Bakery
Corner Makin and Hender St ****** The Winner on taste, space and service ********
Definitely my favourite coffee destination in Keith S.A. I was originally drawn into this bakery by the smell of the coffee and my nose did not fail me. Although the presentation was not as good as Daline's, the coffee was a lot hotter, allowing me to savour the taste, smell and atmosphere. No saucer was provided and I had to leave the table and get my own spoon from a self serve area which was a bit of a downfall. Without a saucer I was left nowhere to put my spoon when I had finished with it but directly on the table.
To me a good coffee must not only warm my insides but allow me to sit with my hands wrapped around the cup warming the hands and the soul. This coffee definitely allowed for this.
We also ordered an iced chocolate and a choc banana milkshake which passed the test of the taste buds. Both were very creamy with a satisfying flavour. The iced chocolate contained a good balance of milk, ice cream and cream. When I enquired about a small milkshake for my 3 year old they were more than happy to oblige, only half filling a milkshake cup to make her feel as important as the others.
The bakery is large with plenty of room to move around when busy. The atmosphere is friendly and inviting with soft music to sooth. A Kidz Biz room kept my young one amused and allowed me to drink and relax in peace. This room is easily accessable with the pram and secluded from other areas so you do not have to worry about your little one annoying other guest, yet still within the eating area of the building to allow for atmosphere.
The Makin' room is a another great idea provided at this bakery which allows the customer to make their own instant tea and coffee to their liking.
Should you wish to take your furry canine friend with you an outdoor area is provided, on the kerb, at the front of the shop where you are quite welcome to sit with your friend. This of course only works when the weather permits.
Of course who goes to a bakery with tempting the taste buds with a cake or two. Being a liquorice fan I just had to try the liquorice slice - Do they make it by the box full? The kids sunk their teeth into the Mars Bar slice and also were not disappointed.
When in Keith I highly recommend stopping in and grabbing a cuppa at the Morning Loaf Bakery. I was so impressed I went back the next day for a take away.
To me a good coffee must not only warm my insides but allow me to sit with my hands wrapped around the cup warming the hands and the soul. This coffee definitely allowed for this.
We also ordered an iced chocolate and a choc banana milkshake which passed the test of the taste buds. Both were very creamy with a satisfying flavour. The iced chocolate contained a good balance of milk, ice cream and cream. When I enquired about a small milkshake for my 3 year old they were more than happy to oblige, only half filling a milkshake cup to make her feel as important as the others.
The bakery is large with plenty of room to move around when busy. The atmosphere is friendly and inviting with soft music to sooth. A Kidz Biz room kept my young one amused and allowed me to drink and relax in peace. This room is easily accessable with the pram and secluded from other areas so you do not have to worry about your little one annoying other guest, yet still within the eating area of the building to allow for atmosphere.
The Makin' room is a another great idea provided at this bakery which allows the customer to make their own instant tea and coffee to their liking.
Should you wish to take your furry canine friend with you an outdoor area is provided, on the kerb, at the front of the shop where you are quite welcome to sit with your friend. This of course only works when the weather permits.
Of course who goes to a bakery with tempting the taste buds with a cake or two. Being a liquorice fan I just had to try the liquorice slice - Do they make it by the box full? The kids sunk their teeth into the Mars Bar slice and also were not disappointed.
When in Keith I highly recommend stopping in and grabbing a cuppa at the Morning Loaf Bakery. I was so impressed I went back the next day for a take away.
Bordertown
Morning Loaf Bakery
81 North Tce
I actually visited this bakery before visiting the one at Keith. I would not say that I recommend the mugaccino here as it was only just warm and rather strong. I drank it within a matter of minutes and could not warm my hands on the mug. I actually felt unsatisfied. The froth was half the cup, which is far too much for my liking. Presentation was plain, as it was with that at the Morning Loaf in Keith, with no saucer and the need to leave the table to obtain a spoon from the self service area.
The kids had a hot chocolate which came with a marshmallow on the top. The temperature was suitable for them to handle with lots of soft froth, which seems to suit the younger drinker. The chocolate flavour was that of a rich consistency.
The plus side to this bakery was again the large space with the ability to move around unhindered. I did not take my pram on this occasion but am sure that if I had it would not of been a problem. An area is provided, out of the way, where the little ones can play. This included a kids mat, box of toys and table of suitable height.
Whilst there we each had a pie. These were hot and tasty, providing warmth on the cold day.There was a large variety of fillings available to suit all tastes.
The atmosphere was relaxing and friendly. Built around the old police station which is now the tourist infomation centre this bakery has plenty of history. The bakery itself is full of bric a brac from the years gone which leads to much browsing and discussion.
Worth a visit for the nostalgia and the food but not if you want a 'hot' drink.
Barmera
Barmera Bakery
6 Barwell Ave
Barmera SA 5343
* Good take away cappuccino*
Although this bakery does offer outside sheltered seating ( non inside ) I have only sampled their take away cappuccino. The temperature of this coffee was good with not too much head. It was a very strong coffee that may not suit all tastes. On the day that I had this coffee it was freezing cold and raining so it was a welcome comfort.
The service within this bakery was that of average. The staff were friendly but I do feel a little smile would have added a nice touch. Whilst there I purchased a pastie which was also nice temperature and tasty. The pies were also given the thumbs up.
Would I purchase a coffee there again? Definitely. My take away lasted me a lengthy drive, staying warm and did leave me with the ' who drank my coffee' thoughts.
Berri
Alfresco's On The Terrace
* Nice atmosphere*
When in Berri visit Alfresco's On The Terrace for a hot cappuccino with a nice head of froth and a smell that tempts your taste buds before the flavour hits.
Alfresco's is situated in an island setting in the middle of the main road. There is both indoor and outdoor seating. The indoor seating provides large windows so you can relax and watch the world go by. The outdoor seating is sectioned off from the main pedestrian area and is sheltered. We sat outside and even though the weather was cool it was refreshing and relaxing. My toddler was able to run around freely within the seated area, collecting autumn leaves, without disturbing other diners. Toilets are nearby which is also a positive point when relaxing with kids.
I found the only draw back at Alfresco's was the initial service that I received. As a customer I feel the first contact with staff is the most important as it can affect the overall experience. I like a little smile and the welcome feeling when my order is taken and I did not find this at Alfresco's. There was no smile and the vocal expression of the staff member was that of one that gave me the impression she did not want to be there. My meal and coffee was delivered promptly but still lacked a little pizzaz.
So as far as being the best coffee in town goes I would give Afresco's an average. I wouldn't go knocking anyone down for a coffee but the atmosphere is relaxing if you would like to meet a friend and the location is easy to find. Presentation of the coffee was a little sloppy. The coffee had been spilt down the sides of the mug and into the saucer.
Above all a hot coffee with a strong flavour that is worth a try.
Loxton
Spring Leaf Dine In/Takeaway
** A little Gem - great coffee **
At first glance you may give this dine in/takeaway a miss due to the outside presentation. It does not look like the most inviting place, needing a paint job and clean up, but the service was one of the best I have had in South Australia. The lady who served us, obviously the owner, oozed personality and friendliness. Nothing was too much trouble and suggestions on items suitable for my little one where kindly given. The inside of the premises is clean and a lot more inviting that the outside. There is plenty of comfortable seating space, with arcade games for the big kids. Service was prompt and curteous.
This by far has to be the best froth I have ever had on a cappuccino, sitting on the top nicely doing a little dance. Just a small amount to tantalize the palate but as soft as, may I say, 'A babies bottom'. The silky smooth texture left you relaxed with the froth melting in your mouth, carrying through the mood. The coffee itself surprised me. I am one who likes a strong, but not burnt, coffee. The coffee at Spring Leaf seems tasteless and watery at first but soon after hitting the palete leaves a taste of satisfaction and a desire for more. The coffee displayed on the machine and on the cup was that of Griffiths Coffee. A name I will remember for further coffee drinking use.
The presentation of the coffee was the normal average presentation. I did not ask for a mug and was only given a cup but the saucer was deep with no coffee spills.
Whilst at Spring Leaf we treated ourselves to some junk food to set the mood of a day out and about. The chips had just the right amount of chicken salt to satisfy us and my Chico roll was warm and tasty without oozing grease. Our meal was plentiful and good value for money, costing me only $24.00 to feed 4, including drinks. The cost of their cappuccino was $3.20 which is on the cheap side.
Spring Leaf is a little gem of an eatery that proves that you should not judge a place from the outside but take the time to step inside. If you are ever in Loxton stick your head in the door and tantalize your taste buds with what must be the best coffee in town.
