Tuggeranong brunching: 4 spots for southsiders
I'm a southsider at heart, and I've come to learn that Tuggeranong locals don't have to live in Braddon or make the trek across the parkway to have a delightful brunch experience.
Here are four locations for a good caffeine hit and wholesome brunch experience in the deep South.
The Public Place, Chisholm
It’s hidden within the hustle and bustle of Chisholm shops, but if you look closely you will see the impressive graffiti art and brightly coloured drums out the front.
Inside is an impressive polished concrete floor, with punk-rock furnishings such as paint splatters, UV wire lighting and a steel-netted ceiling. Woah, man! But it’s not as trippy as it sounds. An exposed kitchen allows you to watch the friendly staff prepare food and load up the oven with their homemade pies and pastries.
Redbrick coffee is the bean of choice, with bags lining the back wall available for purchase. The locally roasted coffee compliments the diverse menu which includes a vego brekkie, beetroot bruschetta, winter porridge, vegan ragu, burgers, salads and kids menu.
Smoothies, speciality shakes and freshly squeezed juices are up for grabs, along with 14 different hot chocolate flavours. We’re talking turkish delight, salted caramel, mars bar, gingerbread and many more. Yum.
The Public Place is very family friendly, with lots of seating and lounges available inside and out. It’s buzzing on a weekend from 7am - 3pm, and open bright and early weekdays from 6.30am - 4pm. Located next to Coles.
Common Grounds, Gowrie
Common Grounds is a bustling café located on the corner of Gowrie shops, serving the always tasty Campos Coffee, and spectacular breakfast and lunch options that will be sure to please the whole family.
Inside, a large feature wall covered in funky black and white artwork spills across the room, leading to an outdoor area with umbrellas and gas heaters to cater for all weather.
Image: @commongroundsgowrie
Crispy Nutella french toast, moist Canadian hotcakes, breakfast bruschetta served on Sonoma bread and a spicy columbian hash are just some of the brekkie options available. If you're after something less fancy, maybe a classic eggs benny or bacon + egg roll will do the trick.
Image: @commongroundsgowrie
If you miss the breakfast rush, or prefer the 'lunch' part of 'brunch', then you can indulge in a good ol' burger, buddha bowl, pulled pork loaded potatoes, fish and chips or a light salad.
Breakfast is served until 11.30am weekdays, and 12.30pm weekends. Lunch is offered until 3.30pm weekdays, and 2.45pm weekends.
Dog and baby friendly too!
Krack'd Peppa, Rose Cottage, Gilmore
Nestled on the Rose Cottage property established in the late 1860s, Krack'd Peppa is truly a hidden gem. A cosy fire sits in the corner, with corregated iron sheets and wooden panels gracing the walls. It exudes a true Australian country farm vibe.
Patrons can dine inside, or tucked under the covered outdoor patio. Wooden pallets are assembled outside near a small playground, perfect for a casual cuppa while the little ones play nearby.
Image: @krackdpeppacafe
Image: @krackdpeppacafe
Adore Tea and Grinders Coffee are served with a generous breakfast and lunch menu. Fluffy ricotta hotcakes, smashed avo, butterscotch brioche french toast, and Pialligo-smoked bacon to name a few.
Eggs benny. Image: @krackdpeppacafe
Lunch from 11.30am offers an exotic mix to tempt all tastebuds, such as fried chicken and beef burgers, snapper fish, Nasi Goreng and Mediterranean calamari salad. If you can't decide, you can let the staff decide for you with their 'Just Feed Me' menu option.
Crispy french toast smothered in maple syrup, banana + bacon. Image: @krackdpeppacafe
Located on the left side of the Rose Cottage entrance, Corner of Isabella Drive and Monaro Highway.
Open Wednesday - Sunday, 7.30am - 4pm.
Espresso Room, South.Point
Espresso Room has quickly turned into a favourite coffee stop for Canberra locals, with four locations dotted around Canberra. Proudly serving locally roasted ONA coffee, the newly renovated South.Point location is constantly pumping. While popular for providing takeaway coffees for the Tuggeranong public servants and shoppers during the week, they also offer plenty of seating for a dine-in experience.
Pouring ONA. Image: @espressorooms
Green shrubbery and leather lounges sit below dim industrial lighting, where you can enjoy both house blend, single origin and filter coffee options (if you feel like being fancy).
Fresh pastries, muffins and sweet breads are available, along with hearty toasties, sambos, nutty muesli with yoghurt and pressed juices. If you're an ONA coffee fan, you can also buy a bag of beans to take home with you.
Image: @espressorooms
Located just inside the shopping centre next to Target, you can park in the outdoor carpark next to the Good Guys and enter through the doors near Phat Panda if you don't feel like walking through the shops.
Open from 7.30am - 5.30pm weekdays (8pm Friday nights), and 8am-4.30pm weekends.