There’s one thing that starts a day on the Whitsundays, and that’s coffee in Airlie Beach. Inspired by Melbourne’s world-renowned coffee culture, Airlie Beach coffee shops offer a place to unwind, people-watch, or grab a great cup before heading on an adventure.
What exactly makes the best coffee in Airlie Beach? It combines careful preparation, high-quality equipment, and a welcoming ambience that transforms a simple cup of coffee into a memorable experience.
How Airlie Beach Coffee Is Made
“I’ll have a flat white,” you say to the barista.
You watch the barista freshly grind the coffee beans before you, weighing them to the gram and compressing the grounds. They insert the coffee into the Italian espresso machine, and chocolatey liquid streams into the cup below.
While the coffee is flowing, the barista steams triple the amount of milk, and the quiet sound of the steaming grows louder and louder. The barista taps the milk on the counter and pours it over the espresso.
“Here you are,” the barista hands you the flat white with a smile.
You take a sip. It’s the best one you’ve ever had.
What Makes Sidewalk Cafe’s Coffee Different?
A good cup of coffee at Sidewalk Cafe is not just about the barista’s skill but a process that starts with growing, sourcing, roasting, and blending the beans. This unique process, combined with the right equipment and ingredients, results in a coffee worth experiencing.
The Beans
The Grinder’s Foundation Blend is the basis of our Airlie Beach coffee. Washed Arabica beans from Costa Rica, Papua New Guinea, and Mexico contribute to its sweetness. The beans from Brazil add a creamy body to the coffee. This blend is medium roasted, which optimises its flavour profile. The result is a smooth, balanced cup with a lingering sweet finish, perfect for black and milk-based coffees.
The Roasterie
Grinders Coffee’s history dates back to 1962 when it was first established on Lygon Street by Giancarlo Giusti. Known as the forefather of Melbourne’s coffee culture, Giancarlo created an iconic coffee experience that we’re proud to bring to our cafe.
The Equipment
At Sidewalk Cafe, we use a San Remo F18SB espresso machine. Yes, we waited months for it to arrive from Italy, but it was worth the wait. We’re not just nerds about our espresso but also the milk. This espresso maker model has excellent steam pressure and precise milk temperature control, giving the steamed milk a silky-smooth texture necessary for a good flat white, cappuccino or latte.
The Details
It’s true that most Airlie Beach cafes have espresso makers and maybe even a good blend of coffee beans. We take the details even further. Every shot is weighed to 22 grams. Tamping pressure is set to an exact measurement after testing what makes the best cup. We time our shots to ensure the espresso is balanced. It doesn’t matter which of our baristas is behind the counter—you know you’ll have a good coffee.
Our regulars rave about the consistency and quality of every cup, and we strive to ensure the best coffee experience for every customer.
The Setting
Anyone who has sipped espresso in Italy or ordered a cappuccino in a French café knows that the environment is just as important. A delicate blend of ingredients, Italian equipment, and consistency will only get you so far—you need the setting. Sidewalk Cafe offers the perfect mix of delicious coffee and stunning views, making it the ideal spot to relax and savour the moment. It’s easy to enjoy the view of glistening water, palm trees, and sailboats in the distance. While we offer takeaway coffee and dine-in service, we recommend enjoying your coffee like the Europeans do—slowly, lovingly, and with gratitude.
Looking for an Airlie Beach Coffee?
Stop by Sidewalk Cafe for an Airlie Beach coffee that satisfies all your cravings. Our menu includes a variety of breakfast and lunch options and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
