Cafe Sofia, Swanson St, Erskineville

Cafe Sofia, Swanson St, Erskineville
Sunday 27 August, 2006

I was surprised to arrive at Cafe Sofia this morning and find there were plenty of tables free. The last time I visited we had to wait a while to secure a table. It's so laid back there, people wander through, stopping to say hello to Paul before heading out the back to the courtyard seating. There's also a good queue for the takeaway coffee so it's action stations in Erskineville.

There's a diverse crowd too - families with small children, friends, people wanting to sit & read the paper alone. Cafe Sofia accommodates. They don't try and rush you and are happy for you to sit and read for hours. The village like atmosphere of Erskineville is representative of the atmosphere at Cafe Sofia.

Having visited once before we knew the drill, secure a table then go and order & pay at the front bar. There are no menus just a massive chalkboard with all the options and it's extensive - eggs, toast, pancakes, burgers etc - and it's a long read.

My breakfast buddy ordered the pancakes with maple syrup and I ordered the scrambled eggs with mushrooms, roma tomatoes and fetta cheese. We both ordered coffees too (it's really good) but these took ages to arrive. It can be hit and miss with the service, but they mean well. The staff are all pleasant and laid back and know many of the patrons by name.

My eggs were average this morning but I splurged on a second coffee and this definitely made up for it.

Cafe Sofia - 7 Swanson St, Erskineville - (02) 9519 1565