Beetroot (closed, now Hardware Societe across the road)

With Melbourne’s endless supply of lunchtime destinations, it helps to have a couple of defining points. At this Hardware Lane café, there’s no shortage of enthusiasm or cheer embodied by the eccentric manager with a peacocking pork pie hat. You might also need his cheer and support to lose some weight in an impromptu boot camp to squeeze yourself between tables. Turn your butt correctly to avoid the gluts hanging over someone else’s table. It’s a visual menu, behind a lit glass box are burgers, frittatas, quiches, pies and sandwiches all with a gourmet touch. A chilli chicken burger with tzatziki is healthy but lacks flavour, the patty is very moist mince that barely holds together underneath a good looking coating but needs more heat. It solves the problem of the lunchtime hungers but won’t help you get back pass the tables.


2 / 5 yums!
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Where? 123 Hardware St, Melbourne, VIC
What? Dishes average $12