Deluxe Espresso Bar

Well renowned as a Wellington ‘institution’, Deluxe Espresso Bar is a good-things-come-in-small-packages kind of place. Open till late in the evening, this has for years been a popular coffee spot with young and old, hipsters and working folk – anything goes. A small space, the brightly painted tables and retro red chairs take centre stage against a white washed wall backdrop. Cool paintings line the walls and eclectic music can almost be heard before you see the place. The colour inside sprawls out onto the street, with outdoor tables bathed in sunlight providing a prime spot for Courtenay Place people watching.

There’s a grungy feel about Deluxe – in fact, you almost feel as though you’re stepping into a student flat; after all, you’re literally right amongst the kitchen where you’ll see cooking, coffee making and dishwashing going on. No wonder so many people say this place feels like home.

The staff here are friendly and cool. The kind of people that make you smile when you’re feeling like shit, and if it’s not their singing, dancing or banter that makes you smile, the fact that they often have your coffee ready by the time the EFTPOS machine says “Accepted” certainly will. Made using Havana beans it’s good coffee to boot. And, if you roll a double six at the counter you get your coffee for free; an extra roll of the dice if you get a double of any number.

Serving only vegan food, the edible options won’t leave you disappointed (they’re made by the clever folk of Maranui Cafe and Queen Sally’s Diamond Deli) – think spelt flour pie, black bean salad, tempeh wraps and cupcakes topped with maple walnuts. So good to have a little slice of the Lyall Bay Cafe scene in the city centre.

Not hard to find – find the Embassy Theatre and you’ll find Deluxe. You’ll also find yourself there for a while.