Brother Albert

It may be set on a drudgy outdoor arcade on one of our busiest roads, but this cool little outpost is a surprise package. Plants in large pots, painted-metal furniture and coffee bags stuffed with pillows for lounging make it a good spot for a Paul Bassett coffee ($3.20) that comes with good body and a chocolate caramel finish. Single origins rotate each week from the futuristic Mirage machine, unless a dandelion soy latte with honey can lure you astray. The brioche turned banana and peanut butter toastie is good beach food, as is a killer chilli cheese dog or corned beef hash for lunch.