Anybody who is privileged enough to call Geelong home (please also see: ‘Geetroit’, ‘G-bangers’ and ‘G-town’) will know that Pakington street (affectionately known as Pako by the locals) is the go-to destination for a quality feed, good coffee, and the esteemed phenomenon known as the ‘hung brunch’.
Pako is lined with kilometres of cafes and endless all-day breakfast possibilities, which often presents too difficult a dilemma for those who are experiencing a variety of hangover symptoms. Hence, for the benefit of those poor souls who cannot grasp the will to live until at least midday, we present to you the top ten Pako all-day breakfast destinations for the perfect hangover recovery. These little gems will be waiting for you with their arms wide open and poached eggs at the ready.
Please note: you can be assured that all cafes on this list offer excellent, soul-reviving coffee.
Pakington Pantry is flourishing with their own unique menu and chilled, friendly atmosphere. Here the large menu consists of food that is simple but comforting and of a very high quality, with many ingredients sourced from local produce.
The hero here is the ‘Hangover wrap’ with bacon, gruyere cheese, egg, confit onion, smashed avo, tomato relish and béarnaise sauce, best accompanied with one of the delicious freshly squeezed juices.
Other tempting choices include the middle eastern spiced Shakshouka eggs, the Boston baked beans, the buckwheat yogurt berry pancakes or the brioche chai-spiced french toast. The lunch menu is also extremely mouth-watering.
Tip: The hangover wrap. Always. Or the breakfast burger. Or the porridge.
Address: 3/328 Pakington Street, Newtown VIC 3220
Opening Hours:
Weekdays 7.30am to 3pm
Weekends 7.30am to 3.30pm
This converted warehouse looks as if it were built purely for Instagram. It boasts a large open area out front (occasionally used for outdoor cinema screenings), complete with repurposed pallets, fake grass, multi-coloured fairy lights and the occasional pop-up shop— followed indoors with clean, rendered concrete flooring, pale oak finishes, hanging industrial lightbulbs and artistically-arranged pot plants.
The straightforward but memorable motif can be found everywhere on cushions, scented candles, and of course the famous takeaway coffee cups that can always be found in photo uploads. Oh, and the food. The food and coffee is pretty darn good.
Tip: The ‘matcha maiden’ green tea latte with almond milk cannot be missed. You can even snag some of the matcha powder yourself to take home (if you’re quick enough).
Address: 24 Pakington St Geelong West VIC 3218
Opening Hours:
Weekdays 7am to 3pm
Weekends 8am to 2pm
One word: complimentary hash browns. (OK, maybe three words.)
Raj’s is the perfect stop for a cheap, fried fix-me-up. It’s also a good idea when loose change is all you have left (due to the absurd amount of drinks you thought were a good idea the night before). Come here for your bacon and eggs, toasties, burgers, focaccia, souvlaki, steak sandwich, pasta, chicken parmy, the list goes on. Really friendly staff and massive servings.
Tip: Don’t expect any raw-vegan-wholefoody superfoods here. It’s not that kind of place.
Address: 220 Pakington St, Geelong VIC 3218
Opening Hours:
Monday to Saturday 6am to 6pm
Sunday 6am to 3pm
Rushbrooks is your homely, comforting cafe with a retro feel — like a cross between your mother’s kitchen and an American style diner. This little spot has everything covered; everything is made on site and everything is available takeaway. Try the eggs benedict with toasted english muffins, grilled Berkshire ham and poached Spring Valley eggs; the ricotta pancakes with caramelised apples and cinnamon cream, or if you’re up to it the ‘Rushbrooks Big Brekky’ with everything you can imagine.
Including the hash brown. If you’re regretting the 4am Maccas run however, try the house muesli with organic berry and rhubarb compote. It’s delish!
Tip: If you first arrive and it seems super full; don’t worry — there’s a spacious courtyard and second dining space out toward the back.
Address: 149 Pakington St, Geelong West VIC 3218
Opening Hours:
Daily 7am to 4pm
63 Degrees has something on the menu for everybody. This cafe/restaurant gives off really trendy vibes (please see: smoothies in jars and menu items listed in hashtags). For the healthy vegans, paleos, and general health-food trend addicts, you have choices like the ‘Morning grain salad’ (or should we say the ‘#morninggrainsalad’) with quinoa, wild rice, toasted almonds and chai soaked raisins, or the ‘Paleo super salad’ (yes, it includes kale).
They also sell the local ‘Revitalive’ cold pressed juices and smoothies — such as the vanilla almond, which is actually surprisingly delicious and a drink that everybody can enjoy, not just your vegan raw superfood folks. If you’re looking for something more traditional, you’ve got your loyal smashed avo, eggs any way and ‘#thebigbrek’, which of course comes with the trusty hash brown and baked beans. Those who are craving a little bit of grease can try the Nasi Goreng, the Korean sticky BBQ beef, the fried popcorn prawn tacos or the burger of the week.
Finally, only for the brave hearted and those seeking lifetime glory, the ‘Brekkybomb challenge’; six scrambled eggs, six rashers of bacon, six slices of cheese, and six hash browns all smothered with a lather of house chutney and nestled within a 15 inch turkish pide. Try it if you dare.
Tip: If your head hurts too much to make conversation, save yourself and take advantage of the substantial array of current magazines and newspapers that are readily available.
Address: 140 Pakington Street, Geelong West VIC 3218
Opening Hours:
Daily 7am to 5pm
This homely little hide-out is a well known Pako classic. Literally a cottage, this converted house-turned-cafe can be found at the river end of Pako, easily identified by the white picket fence, verandah and bright red door. Complete with the wood-panelled flooring, quintessential brick fireplace and home-style decor, this place serves up simple, but spot on comfort food.
Here you can find heartwarming classics such as oat porridge, eggs benedict and the brekky burger, more adventurous items such as the ‘crispy shredded hash brown’ or if you’re craving something sweet there’s the waffles with honeycomb butter, grilled banana and ice cream. For those who can’t handle solids, the Bloody Mary or the ‘Hairy Lemon fizzy hangover drink’ (for an amicable three dollars) are always available.
Tip: Try the amazing milkshakes, especially the caramel one.
Address: 359 Pakington Street, Newtown VIC 3220
Opening Hours:
Daily 8am to 4pm
The new kid in town, Geelong West Social Club (or G.W.S.C as displayed on the retro motif) is the modern, minimalist answer to your hungover woes. Only open since January, this place is already off to a great start.
Come here for your simple staples like fresh sandwiches (try the ‘Geetroit Reuben’: pastrami, sauerkraut, pickles, mustard and cheese on a brioche bun); toasted muesli, chia pudding, breakfast bagels (such as the avo mash with moroccan dukkah, danish feta, lemon lime and mint), or toast with a choice of condiments. You can even get your Nutella fix on a bagel or toast of your choice.
Tip: Go for something different and try the PB & J on a bagel – it comes with pretzels!
Address: 1b Yuille Street, Geelong West VIC 3218
Opening Hours:
Weekdays 7am to 4pm
Saturdays 7.30am to 2pm
This quirky little number resides just off Pako along Preston St, and is housed inside an old, graffitied industrial shipping container. Alongside the herb garden pallets, grassy surroundings, sandpit and milk crate seating you’ll find delicious food, such as the ‘Mexican Breakfast Tortilla’ with chilli, lime, coriander, scrambled egg, chilli jam and avocado, or ‘Dr Marty’s Crumpets’ with black cherry compote, chocolate dust, pink mascarpone and Persian fairy floss. Never fear, classics such as the cherished smashed avo (with confit garlic, lemon and local feta on organic spelt toast) are also available.
Tip: As tempting as the menu is, don’t forget to check the display fridge as the daily sandwiches are mind-blowing (and available toasted). Go half and half with a friend so you can try two without appearing too greedy.
Address: 77a Preston Street Geelong West VIC 3218
Opening Hours:
Weekdays 7am to 4pm
Weekends 7.30am to 4pm
Fresh, handcrafted gourmet burgers. Need I say more?
These little babies are made to order using only the highest quality chicken breast fillet and 100% grass fed Australian lean beef. These burgers are indeed gourmet, but contain just the perfect amount of relish, aioli and melted cheese to satisfy your grease-craving tastebuds —with a little bit of rocket to ease your conscience.
You can’t go wrong with the time-honoured ‘Number One’; beef and cheddar cheese with salad, relish and aioli, however if you’re feeling sophisticated you can go for something a little more fancy like the ‘Number Thirteen’ with camembert and basil pesto.
Tip: If you don’t think you can stomach much, go for the mini-burger; the perfect amount of satisfaction for that little bit cheaper. Choose the take-away option if sunny outside, and enjoy a picnic down by the river in the fresh air.
Address: Shop 1, 328 Pakington Street, Newtown VIC 3220
Opening Hours:
Daily from 12 midday
The biggest challenge you’ll face with Winter’s is what to choose on the menu. This multi-award winning cafe has always been ever-popular with the locals for its consistent supply of relaxed vibes and delicious food.
Their current summer menu features eye-catching temptations such as the ‘son-in-law eggs’ with house made prawn toast, smoked eggplant and kimchi; the large selection of toasties (such as the soft shell crab brioche with pickled papaya salad and ponzu mayo), or the yogurt pancakes with peanut butter ice cream and warm berry sauce. The always-reliable ‘eggs your way’ with additional extras also makes a faithful appearance.
Tip: The highly sought-after tables out on the sidewalk are a select few; so grab one if you can and enjoy the sunshine.
Address: 330 Pakington St Newtown VIC 3220
Opening Hours:
Daily 8am to 4pm
What better way to cure a hangover than with a big, big breakfast at one of these 10 places along Pakington Street. If you’re a frequent visitor of these places, what’s your favourite hangover dish to have? Let us know in the comments section below!
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