Are you An early bird? Here are your 6am brekkie options

Do you have to get up at first light for work and feel like you're the only one on Earth out of bed? It's cold, dark and you need something to get you going for the day. Well, you can thank the coffee gods for these locations that aim to do just that. You can even stay in the warmth of your car.

Kickstart Expresso Drive-Thru, Fyshwick

Just quietly, this is one of my favourite places in Canberra. Hidden in the carpark of the Good Guys in Fyshwick, sits a large shipping container on wheels, decked out with wooden crate panelling and a large glass case full of fresh fruit. As the front swings open, a covered drive-thru laneway is created and a buzzing group of smiling faces wait to greet you from the other side.

The family-owned business serve consistently great Toby's Estate coffee, fresh juices, bacon and egg rolls, raisin toast, fresh sambos, Bungendore pies, homemade muffins and slices, and their famous vegemite + avocado toast.

Open first thing from 6am weekdays, and 7am weekends.

Sidenote: As a new mum on maternity leave carting around a sleeping baby in the car, Kickstart was my go-to caffeine fix. Absolute life saver.

Lazzari Brothers Espresso, Kambah

For the southsiders, you can pick up a freshly brewed Veneziano cuppa from 6am. Once known as the fabulous Shabby Attic, Lazzari Bros has continued the legacy of bringing great coffee to the heart of Kambah.

For the tradies who can happily chow down a pie at this time of morning - you're in luck. Homemade pies are available, as well as toasted croissants and sambos. If you have a sweet tooth, try the mini cheesecake or some toasted banana bread.

Hearty all day brunch is also on the menu such as boston beans, smoked salmon, chorizo and poached eggs and good old bacon and eggs on sourdough. Keep an eye out for the changing daily specials such as potato and pumpkin hash, corn stacks and quiche with salad.

With a new look and large deck with seating out the back, you can choose to sit down or grab something on the go.

Located at Carleton Street shops, on the corner of Carleton St and Boddington Cres.

Open 6am-5pm weekdays, 8.30am-4pm weekends.

3 Degrees Coffee, City

For those up early in the heart of the city, head to the famous Bailey’s Corner where you will find a delightful, bright white space on the corner of the arcade entrance, next to Bookmart. With an edgy fitout and a large display of fresh pastries and cakes built into the counter, 3 Degrees will be sure to provide you with what you need to get through the day.

Epic bacon and egg rolls, burgers, bagels, scones, doughnuts and hot dogs are on the menu, with freshly brewed Canberra favourite, Redbrick espresso.

Who doesn’t love a juicy burger? Image: @3degreescoffee

Open from 6.30am weekdays. Closed weekends.

DOP, City

What was once Bean in the City, located near the fountain of the Canberra Centre, is now the fabulous Italian-inspired DOP cafe. Their approach is about providing bold flavours and simple Italian street food cooked in the state of the art kitchen on site.

Italian flat bread filled with seasonal produce, custard-filled pastries and hand-rolled pasta are on offer to grab and go. If you’re after something more substantial, a daily special is usually available, which may be pork crackling, porchetta, or another kind of Italian delicacy.

Open from 6.30am-3pm weekdays. Closed weekends.

Laneway Espresso, Dickson

Laneway Espresso is the sibling of Kickstart Expresso in Fyshwick. The established hole in the wall is next to a conveniently placed laneway where you can pull up and run in. They have a similar menu to Kickstart, but you can choose to enjoy your order sitting on some of the rustic wooden crates or stools out the front if you’re not too strapped for time.

Smoked lamb pide, classic chocolate slice and berry-filled muffins grace the counter next to lush green plants that hug the coffee machine. They have a drinks fridge full of bottled water, soft drink and Canberra Milk if you’re in a hurry and want to wet your whistle!

Open everyday 6am-2pm weekdays, and Sunday from 7am.

Articles