Review Tom Thumb - Melbourne

Sam Crester

Coffee is ok, but the service definitely doesn’t come with a smile. The vibe is generally cold and lukewarm at best. Learn to smile more people, it’s better for business!

Michael Davidson

This tiny cafe was right next to our hotel so we stopped here on our way out for the day. Had a hard time deciding on the selection of food because it all looked so good. As it was breakfast, I went with a bagel and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The Chai Latte I got was alright - not bad, but not amazing either. Want to come back here to try a few of their sweet things!

Faith Toh

Good coffee, nice seats on the sidewalk to rest weary feet. Order fast, because they're in the middle of a business area and there's a long line of busy professionals needing their caffeine fix. Having said that, the staff was still patient and accommodating while we took the time to select our Pottery for the Planet mugs. They're AUD $40 here. A nice departure (and one of a kind souvenir) from the ubiquitous Keepcups.

Mick

Aptly named, Tom Thumb is a vibrant cafe for coffee enthusiasts. Talented staff and exciting snack options. Very enjoyable!

Julz Nyoto

Great coffee, the cafe uses St. Ali organic "Feels Good" blend. Tasting notes: Mandarin, raspberry jam, chocolate truffle.

Todd Burton

A nice little hideaway, good coffee and simple pasty menu

Big Jaddy

The owner and primary coffee maker in this coffee shop is one of the hardest working guys I've ever met. He volunteers his time to communities every weekend and pursues his hobbies passionately. He brings that same level of craftsmanship and excellence to his coffee shop and his coffee. Be sure to check it out!

Adar Schneider

How am i the first Google reviewer? This place is great!! Seriously good coffee, with a desert bar that's definitely to be reckoned with . Not a ton of space, but if you can find yourself a seat upstairs it's a great place to post up to read or chat. Conveniently takes cards and now has this new pay-with-your-cup partnership. Friendly staff and good location. A+, guys.

Minjue Jojo Chen

Served by an angry lady! Absolutely made my day. Coffee price higher than grand hyatt, and throw all her negative attitude to you... Worth the money🙄

Mustard

3.5 Good Tom Thumb is a narrow coffee shop that has a handful of bagels on their menu, coffee and tidbits. Funnily enough, they use 5 & Dime Bagels in which they’ve got a location opposite to their shop in Collins Place. We grab a table upstairs and our coffees arrive, my latte was really smooth and naturally sweet. Served in mugs and the extra few cents goes to the extra volume (at least that’s my perception). For bagels it doesn’t get more cookiecutter than the lox, smoked salmon and cream cheese. Very textbook, what makes it fantastic is the dense chewiness of the bagel with all those lovely sesame and poppyseeds. It did feel a tad on the small side (I’ve griped about this before) but satisfactory. Comes with a wedge of lemon because lemons make everything better. Not a bad spot but if you want more variety, pop over next door. For coffee however you can’t go wrong here either.

Gee

Always wanted to try the coffee here and sit upstairs looking on to Flinders Lane. My strong cappuccino was ok but I found it a little milky. Not the best in the area, by far.

Molly Koorn

took a date here and it was really nice ! we went at about 12 so it wasnt super busy. The staff were really nice and the food and drink was amazing ! a good iced sweet tea if u ask me

Jubbin

The coffee isn't too bad, but it's no where close to the best in the area. Being on the Paris end of town you are spoilt for choice, and this just isn't up there. Where it really falls is the attitude of the staff working there - I've been here a couple times to give it a fair score - but the attitude is bad and the ego's remain high. That's the beauty of Melbourne though - you're free to take your business elsewhere, which is exactly what I will do.

Jack Lin

The food was great! Great coffee and all that. Lovely service. Good atmosphere. Not too many patrons on their laptops. ps: owner sucks at Tekken, does too many b3

Bianca

PROS Good coffee.good service.cute little place that also has a nice little selection of baked treats. CONS None at all FYI Location is great for exploring popular street art areas like acdc lane and staff are helpful in regards to different art locations.

Piggyeatalot

I love the energy in this place- everyone is so friendly and bubbly - they wake up the tired salarymen and women souls. Lol So I keep walking past it and they always have so many people waiting outside, so I gotta try it! I had the breakfast wrap with fluffy scrambled, ham and avocado and it’s really yummy. I quite like their coffee although prefer the smoother style of Axil/ Bonnie.

Espy Eats

Has Tom Thumb really been around for an age like the reviews are suggesting. I literally only noticed it a few months back. Called past today and into this cute tiny café to order my breakfast on the way to work. I ordered a strong lactose free late and a toasted bagel with jam. The coffee was lovely and strong and I am so enjoying how many places are offering lactose free milk now. The jam on the bagel was so nice it tasted homemade. Well worth calling in. KD

Oj_always_eating

Very cute little coffee shop tucked in Flinders Lane. Not a huge food selection but you mainly go here for the coffee. Coffee is really tasty and service is pretty good. A lot of competition around the area but Tom Thumb is up to the challenge!!

InnerWestWayne

One of the coffee places for anyone who enjoys it. Easily in the top 10 joints in the CBD or surrounds for brew. Lives up to its namesake by being crammed into a shop front roughly the size of a studio apartment.

Gerd Pranoto

This is why I love Melbourne laneways. Found this place by chance and loving the coffee already. Serving Sensory Lab, latte is smooth and milky. $4 for large latte which is very reasonable in the CBD. Definitely coming back here!

Doris Zhang

Just had worst experience here. I was the first in the queue, ordered my mocha before a guy who ordered cappuccino and a girl who ordered long black. However, I got my coffee the last and received Got rude explanation from the barista without apology. The male barister argued: it doesn't need milk to make long black; it takes less time to make cappuccino than mocha. I have been buying coffee my whole life and never had anyone takes order according to the type of coffee. Aren't you suppose to take chronological order? Not to mention, the first time I visited this place, a barista took my coffee to someone else after I told her 3 times that it was my coffee. She did the same thing to my colleague. The barista did not apologise to any of us at all. Paid two visits to this place and all bad experiences. Never going back anymore. We have many choices for coffee and do not have time to waste on bad customer services and aloof baristas.

Squirrel

Iced latte was nice, shame about the assumption that I'd want a plastic straw having specifically asked for a glass rather than a plastic cup, and seeming indifferent when this was mentioned loses you a point. The caramel cakey thing was amazing through...

Whats On The Grill?

Great coffee and my go to coffee vendor when at work. They also do have a small food menu however I have never had any of the food except the granola which is fairly good. Although there is outdoor and upstairs seating, I find it a little uncomfortable and therefore only attend here when getting take away.

Aubrey

Hidden away coffee place with room upstairs to sit and enjoy your bagel and coffee. I had the cinnamon and raisin with cream cheese and blueberry spread. Delicious and the hint of lemon was lovely. However, my almond milk latte seemed to split? And the coffee was very strong due to this.

CS Tan

#vent I made my first visit to this joint yesterday as it was recommended by a colleague. When I enquired about the Pepe Saya butter and jam (because I was obviously intrigued and wanted to try it), the lady behind the cashier was less than enthusiastic and replied with "just a butter and jam". So I ordered a pastrami bagel and a long black instead. Lady behind the counter did not put through my coffee order. After reminded her about my coffee, I waited 15 mins for my bagel, because the gentleman behind the counter couldn't be bothered to call out my name. He said and I quote "Sorry I didn't know your name because I didn't take your order." Just to be clear this was not during peak hour, there were only 2 - 3 customers in the line. Why did I get shitty service and attitude from the staff? I don't know. Perhaps there was an argument between the staff? Perhaps the customer before me was being a jerk? The fact is I paid $13 for a coffee and bagel and got treated like shit. Both the coffee and bagel are average at best. Then again no coffee/bagel in the world would taste good with such service. I am heading back to the Sensory Lab or Market Lane.

Brungiel

Not a bad little coffee joint with a cool upstairs area to sit and escape the city bustle. Coffee is a bit inconsistent - can be pretty good or fairly average in my experience.

Caffiend

Cosy, hip cafe in a cute little building dwarfed by the surrounding metropolis on Flinders Lane. They cut a mean Reuben sandwich and have Doughboys Donuts on rotation. Great coffee, nice vibe.

Lana Rajsic

Cute little place on the outside. Guy at the counter was lovely but the guy making coffees didn't even make eye contact. The place is literally the size of a thumb and he decides that getting rid of piles of boxes at 2pm was the right time. I move to one side of the corridor to let him pass and he asks me to go to the other side! WTH. And the coffee sucks for $4.

Generous Serve

cute little place to stop by for a quick coffee and a mouth-watering peanut butter cookie. Long Macchiato passed the test, flat white not hot enough, as requested. Service otherwise was really good.

Duncan Galletly

A brilliant little cafe/ mini eatery- excellent coffee, great service, delicious LOX/bagel and the tastiest granola. Highly recommended and TBH has an edge over the place two doors up.

JZY

很可爱的cafe，小小的很温馨，咖啡不错，最重要的是可以安安静静地坐一会儿看看书看看行人，不会太吵。 A cute and friendly cafe, one of my fav me-time places.

Brylee

I found the staff very pleasant and my hot chocolate was really yum (not amazing or life changing just yum)! Upstairs was really nicely laid out with good space between tables.

Beachie111

Rude arrogant and petulant and this was me just trying to ordering a coffee The 3 words that describe my experience today. So much competition around so Why would you go there. Never got to try the coffee or food because i walked out So can only assume its dreadful too.

Duty Manager

Cannot possibly fault this place. Tiny hole in the wall type cafe with a carefree casual attitude. Have been going a couple of times a week for a year now and not once have i had a less than perfect coffee. The wait time can be a few minutes but worth it as they clearly take care with every coffee they make. The soup is perfect and hot for a cold winters day and i would highly recommend the carrot cake. The staff are friendly and never seem flustered or in a hurry to push you out despite the crowd!

JAAMS

Tiny place with matching seating but the too cool for school attitude becomes unbearable at times. Quality of coffee is pretty good if you don't mind the wait. Sometimes they can be quick but mostly you'll be waiting. Pricing is reasonable.

Ilovetoomnom

A small cafe located behind the Collins Place building, this was the first cafe I tried near my new workplace. They are quite a small cafe but they do have an upstairs area where there's more room. Like Bean Republic, they use really good coffee beans and their service is great - you don't have to wait too long to order and receive your coffee. The coffee didn't have a bitter after taste and is priced around the $4 mark.

TresHungry

Took away a chai tea here. Not sure what leaves they use, but I loved it! I also like how they use loose leaf tea rather than a tea bag. It was late afternoon and they happened to have pastries left over, so the guy at the counter gave me a nutella croissant for free! It was the most decadent afternoon treat you could have. The top was generously slathered with nutella and sprinkled with crushed peanuts, and the inside was filled with chocolate. I microwaved it for a bit and boyyy was it good. The croissant was oozing with chocolate. Very delicious!

Some Like It Hot

Small outlet serving coffee and a small collection of breakfast items. I took the chance to grab a coffee on a Saturday morning as people are waiting in significant numbers on a week day. They have an upstairs area if you want to sit in. I would say the coffee is good but nothing to wait in a queue for. I would attribute the wait to them not having enough staff on. Only two staff members on Saturday, may explain the crowds having to wait.

Dougie Thompson

On my way to a CBD meeting, traffic jam on the south eastern cleared JUST in time to find a car park, and get my boots on the ground with 20 mins to spare.... Coffee time! I don't get coffee in the CBD very often, especially the Spring st. end, so I looked for trendy types clutching unmarked coffee cups.... I spotted a gaggle of chattering cup carriers bustling out of flinders lane, and following the flow upstream, soon spotted where they were coming from. Tom Thumb indeed! Anyone who is familiar with the wee protagonist of the children's story will remember that he was very small indeed, an apt description of this aromatic hole-in-the wall venue. A thicket of well-dressed creative types surrounded the footpath and overflowed into the street, but the three staff embers seemed to be making good headway, every minute or so an order would be slapped on the front counter, a name called out, and instantly spin around and dive back into the fray. I made my meeting with 5 mins to spare, delicious coffee in hand, and added a new coffee stop to my list. A successful morning's work.

Brunch Addict

“There is something to be said about tiny cafes, bars and restaurants set ups. Unlike their bigger counterparts who have the headache of worrying about decor themes, symmetry and dead spaces; smaller locations can bring out the best experience. Because of its small size, it’s more likely that the decor is focused, clear and alonged to the overall experience – think Brother Baba Budan. There is also a greater chance of having an authentic connection with the brand and its owners. So when Miss SL suggested Tom Thumb for brunch – measuring a merely eight square metres – I was excited to see the offerings this popular corporate coffee and bagel spot had to offer.

Pravy

Great little gem close to flinders street. Had the salted caramel cronut and mocha. Reminds me of mary street bakery in Perth. Awesome customer service and lovely coffee. Highly recommend it.

SpiceMike

A perfect wee hole in the wall type coffee place where ...yes...the focus is the coffee. They do it with a relaxed class... And behold all followers who buzz to this hive seem happy :-)

Vikrant Chaudhary

Good coffee. Found this gem just around the corner from my office. Polite staff and good service adds to the amazing coffee. Also have filter coffee for those who prefer it.

Fortheloveofsnacks

Ah! The staff are so moody! Coffee is average, always shut early, don't have food arrive before 7am and they don't share my excitement for cronuts! I feel like an outsider everytime I go here.

Pau

We visited this quaint little "hole in the wall" ( it actually has an upstairs too) quite by chance as passer byers on a cold early in June, afternoon. We both thoroughly enjoyed our quick experience, mulling with the 'city suits' keen to grab their last coffee for the day. A very uber cool feel, with great melbourne welcome and service. Very tastee little lamington to top the most enjoyable afternoon coffee. Real nice. Gotta love Melbourne.

Matildanelson80

Great coffee. I love this place its relaxed easy and the food and coffee are delicious

Eat.more

December 16, 2014 eatingdiaries In between Christmas catchups, work functions and getting ready to head overseas (5 more days!), I've managed to slip in some naughty treats (bar the fact I'm on a semi-paleo diet) Dirty dumplings have become a work tradition for Friday lunch - and amazingly we managed to snag a big table at Shanghai Street for plates of boiled dumplings, wonton, fried pork buns and xiao long bao. Always consistent, always cheap and we always over order. Recently discovered Iced Filter coffees at Tom Thumb, right around the corner from work. I cheat by adding a splash of milk but its so refreshing for a warm summer day, especially now they have these gorgeous wooden tables outside. Went to check out Trailer Park for friday lunch - and was very nearly discouraged by their front of house, who told us they weren't seating anyone or taking orders :( Luckily we persisted, and our orders came out in 10 minutes! I'd ordered the original burger with brioche and melty cheese. It was delicious but I'm not sure it was worth the hype. Unfortunately, the fries were overpowered by a complete smothering of sea salt. The desserts do sound tempting though, and the decor was kitschy with caravans set up so perhaps worth a repeat visit.

I Have A Reservation

Undecided. It's hard to put a finger on it... but a tom thumb..... oh dear, so dry, so sorry. Coffee here is not very consistent - sometimes good, many times burnt or bitter. Some staff member always has this attitude problem. I don't get it, maybe he just needs a coffee to pick up his day too. Oh wait..

James.mcwhinney

The Best Cookies in Melbourne!. The Peanut Butter cookies are ridiculously goof!

Borat

Good. Great coffee and great breakfast

Gazzler

If you like your overpriced coffee served with attitude - this is the place for you! There is one particular to cool for school sourpuss who always seems to be on shift - I think there are enough great coffee options in this part of Melbourne to get service with a real smile elsewhere. Chill darling.

Intrepidh

A delight. It's not just the great coffee that I love about this place, it's squeezing up the tiny staircase to enjoy it in the loft-style space; a snippet of Lisbon-Paris-Vienna on Flinders Lane

Bukko Boomeranger

Good coffee, crazy busy, pricey. Tom Thumb is an appropriate name because this tiny place is finger-sized. I had to walk in sideways because it was so crazy busy with people from the surrounding office towers. (Go up the stairs in back if you want to sit and sip. The baristas will run your coffee up there to you, too.) The office workers must be drawn by the quality of the coffee. The foam on my flat white was so packed with coffee flavour that I thought I was drinking a short black when I tasted it. Not that that's a bad thing! Overall the taste was not overpowering, and the baristo managed to combine the microfoam with the espresso so well that I couldn't tell where the liquid started vs. where the froth ended. As other reviewers have noted, the quality comes at a price: $4 for a 12-oz. flat white, and $4.50 for one of the Oreo cookie-type pastries. Interesting, that -- mint chocolate biscuits around tan caramel ganache. Yes, I pulled it apart and licked the centre. Everybody has their own Oreo-eating style...

Tardar Sauce

Tiny cafe Good coffee (sml strong latte was $4). They also have little cakes and biscuits. Seating upstairs for about 10-12 people. Quick service.

Croissant Lady 91

Worth the calories. Had the oreo cookie with salted caramel cream filling ($4). The friendly bearded server suggested for me to have it with a cup of milk and packed me on to go although I told him I have milk back at the office. Quote : '' but this is good milk ''. Nice touch! Will definitely return for the Cannelés I saw perched on the bench!

Social Butterfly

Lovely coffee but pricey. The coffee - skinny latte - was very good, but pricey at $4. The server told me they have two shots per small cup. I'd probably go back.

Jon Bennet

Tastefull. Crumpets and perfect coffee. wat is there to complain about. 4 buck for a perfect coffee that educates the palate . truffle butter and vegmite crumpetes .how can u complain . everywhere is pricey but at least its worth it . every time i can ill pop in for a coffee and banter .

Melbourne Local

Yummy crumpets.... Little Tom Thumb didn't disappoint. Although the coffee was on the pricey side it tasted great and the homemade crumpets with jam were to die for - delicious!

Hi God It's Me Vodka

I love the coffee here it's consistently good and great to have somewhere down the "Paris End" that does it well where many other places are lagging behind. I had the pulled pork and piccalilli sandwich for lunch which was delicious! I'm a fan of the Duchess so I was relieved that this little hide away has lived up to my expectations. The staff are welcoming and there's no attitude with your morning brew. To the disliker... I'm happy to pay a bit extra to have a guaranteed good coffee I can enjoy to the last drop... There's nothing bitter about this little gem

Mr Darcy

Cheery, light-filled and delicious. Very attentive and engaging staff. We will definitely be back for a pre-work treat!! A real find.

Epicurean

Pricey. Not sure the fine folks of the Melbourne brunching scene did any market research of the coffee culture in The CBD because $4 does not a daily coffee make. $5.50 for a very dry lamington and with other sweets priced similarly you're parting with $10 for a cupcake and coffee.

Fish

The Business. Tom Thumb is a new addition from the owners of Clement at the South Melbourne Market. The place is only small but is does deliver the goods. Chris (owner / barista) pours his heart into the place and makes a mean coffee. They have small bites available and are soon coming with a breaky menu I hear. There is upstairs seating for about 12 and it provides a nice setting to feel like you're out of the city. No doubt i'll be heading back soon for a smooth cappuccino.

Christopherlwhelan

Fruity Guatemalan. I had an excellent experience today. I had a Guatemalan magic, which was bright and fruity, and an excellent gruyere and truffle toastie to complement it. Plus a nice chat with the baristas!

Piccolo

If you appreciate your coffee steer clear. So called Barrista looks like she was making a mess. Nevertheless, along with 2 colleagues thought we'd give it a try. Coffee was subpar. Also they forgot my colleague's cookie order. Went to pay and it was 4 bucks a coffee. Seriously overpriced. Three strikes and you're out. Not returning. And to top it off the Barrista referred to our coffees as 'milky coffee', wtf.

Joanna Chan

Food is simple and fuss-free with a small array of bread options, crumpets, porridge and muesli to choose from. Salad and soup make up the lunch choices.

Lisa Holmen

Join the hordes of suits waiting eagerly for their morning coffee at Tom Thumb, a hole-in-the-wall style establishment on Flinders Lane. The coffee is superb. There is also a quiet retreat upstairs with a few tables if you want to sit in and enjoy their delicious goodies.

Forksake

From those trendy fella’s who brought us Clement Coffee and Dutchess of Spotswood — This ‘hole-in-the-wall’ espresso joint has got it all going on...

Fatboo

The other surprise was discovering the hidden upstairs seating section, where you can enjoy your coffees with a small menu of pressed toasties, sweets and snacks.