Review 42 Cafe Bar - Moonee Ponds

Thank you for an amazing lunch. We had the breakfast board (gluten free), the Parma and French toast, all delicious and beautifully presented. Great coffee too. And, they have a huge range of loose leaf teas (see the photo of them all) Very friendly and helpful service. A great assortment of gluten free options on the menu. We sat upstairs which was really nice. Looks like a great place for meetings and functions. Don’t hesitate to come here for your next culinary feast.

Very pleasant Saturday breakfast before kickstarting weekend chores. Regular visitor and never dissapointed. Great Mocha, best poached eggs.

Stopped in for breakfast last week before an appointment and had a great meal. Staff were friendly and prices really reasonable for Moonee Ponds. Highly recommend.

Great service, delicious coffee, excellent food. I ordered the Churchill which was a English muffin topped with spinach, smoked salmon, poached egg and hollandaise sauce. The eggs were cooked perfectly, the sauce well balanced and the muffin toasted very well. Recommended.

Currently sitting at the best coffee ive had in Melbourne to date. Staff were amazing and my Croissant was slick, tasty and grilled perfectly! If you don't come here I'll be gaining pounds on the daily!

This cafe used to be owned by two lovely gay men , it has recently changed owners and how very obvious ! When myself and partner sat down to have a coffe we noticed the rainbow flag was taken of there window (everything else was left exactly the same) this is a massive statement to take a tiny sticker off a window ! Myself and my partner we uncomfortable from that point and when we asked why it was taken down ! We simply got told the new owners have different views, that’s fine but to buy a cafe of a gay couple and then take the flag down is a HUGE Statement and pretty much is telling people we no longer accept all walks of life, very disappointing that this has happened and what a way to destroy a business they will loose a fair few customers who once felt safe and welcomed to dine in this cafe !

The staff were friendly however I was incredibly disappointed after ordering the eggs benidict to take away I got home to find out that they had not givin me my hollandaise sauce which is a defining feature of eggs benidict. I called them up about this and their only solution was to have me return to the store to get the hollandaise with no recompense for the waste of time caused by their mistake and by the time i had gotten home my meal was cold and I was all round feeling rather let down with my dining experience. While the food in it self was not bad the fact that they initially failed to provide what had been advertised was a huge let and the fact that there was no attempt to make up for their failure was a huge let down and a bit of a bum start to the year.

Great for small and big groups. You can dine alone too, there's plenty of room for that. Food is great. The staff are great. What's best about this place is that you can do split bills if you're in a group.

I Ordered a 'wagyu beef' burger and a coffee for me and a cheeseburger meal for my son. The service was long and the staff rude. When the food did finally come they forgot my coffee and didn't include chips with the cheeseburger meal even though it is stated in the menu that they are included. The presentation was sloppy and the actual burger meat was beyond repulsive; It tasted like  a disgusting mash of old pork and entrails. The burger meat had lot's of disgusting lumps and chewy bits.<br/>I took one bite and refused to finish, Even my son who literally ate sand once thought it was disgusting and didn't finish. <br/><br/>TL/DR<br/>This cafe is an absolute joke, Do not go here as you will be met with long wait times, repulsive food, and inept staff.

The food was good and served promptly. I didn't really understand the need for the awkward cheese and pickle salad with my scrambled eggs. Was a little cheesy. I wasn't a fan of the sour dough. I struggled to cut it as it was extremely dry and crunchy. The staff were friendly. Prices were reasonable. The overall experience was average.

After 30 minutes of waiting the waiter told us that it would be another 20 minutes wait. VERY slow service. We sat at the top floor over looking the kitchen and couldn’t help but notice all the UberEats orders flying out the door.

Veryyy slow service. Ordered coffees and food. We were told it will be a bit of a wait which is fine. However, 30mins later and one coffee down, we were told it would be another 20 mins wait for the food. <br/><br/>Not recommended place. They obviously prioritise the UberEats deliveries over sit in customers.

This cafe focuses way too much on Uber Eats than the customers dining in. Uber Eats is their priority. We waited 30 minutes for the food then the waiter said it will take another 20 minutes. We decided to leave.

This cafe used to be owned by two lovely gay men , it has recently changed owners and how very obvious ! When myself and partner sat down to have a coffe we noticed the rainbow flag was taken of there window (everything else was left exactly the same) this is a massive statement to take a tiny sticker off a window ! Myself and my partner we uncomfortable from that point and when we asked why it was taken down ! We simply got told the new owners have different views, that’s fine but to buy a cafe of a gay couple and then take the flag down is a HUGE Statement very disappointing

Our go to cafe when we are in Puckle street..great service...good coffee..love the French toast...Steve (owner)always up for a quick chat,the waitress Zoe is really friendly and prompt with order..other cafes on Puckle st but we always come here

Looking for a coffee in Puckle Street this cafe appeared to have a good rating on Zomato. Generally I just try a random cafe but there was limited choice and I wanted a good coffee. <br/><br/>I was going to get a t/a but the War on Waste (ABC) was on my mind haha so we decided to sit in and have our coffee. That's 2 less coffee cups for landfill. <br/><br/>The service was really friendly and the coffee was really good. They had some fun artwork on the walls so I've taken some pics for you. <br/><br/>Good coffee, sunny day. I'm happy! Haha

Stumbled across this place by accident, prices were great and the Club Sandwich was full of flavour however the coffee was a little bitter - Gluten free options available,<br/>worth checking out if you need a quick bite.

Just finished brunch with a very good sensation, I gladly recommend this place due to the good affordable food, great location and warm service.

DISAPPOINTING. This cafe was our traditional cafe for a New Year breakfast, and one we had been to many many times during the year. Today we also had our 4yo son. We never got our meals. We had coffee, and watched empty tables become full, people ate their meal and had left and we were still waiting for our meal. We witnessed at least 4 tables being served and completed (from our limited view). Our son was asking for food, and we were all hungry. We asked where our meal was and was told it was just busy and we would have to wait our turn, we had waited over an hour so far. We were granted a free juice, which we waited another 20 minutes and watched as it sat on the bench unattended. So we became our own waiter. Even after drinking our juice we watched as order after order was delivered. We understand mistakes happen, but at least then make us a priority. By the time we decided to leave, they hadn't even started our meals. When we told staff (I'm guessing the Manager or even the owner) that we were upset and going, we were again told they were under the pump and we just had to wait our turn, they never listened and admitted they made a mistake, and seemed like they didn't care at all. Such a shame that a cafe that once had history in our life is now the history of a shit start to the new year. But it won't shake us... off to another cafe.

I can see why this cafe is popular - there's something to please everyone (lots in the "safe" category), reasonably priced, good location on Puckle St. I visited at about 12.30pm on a Saturday and I grabbed the second-last seat - it was very busy. My chicken caesar wrap and chips took a while to come, but the coffee came within 5 minutes. Coffee was good, wrap was fine, chips were hot, crispy, delicious and well-seasoned. They did a good job looking after all of the customers and seemed genuine when enquiring whether I enjoyed my meal. For standard cafe food, you could do a lot worse. Check it out if you are in the area.

Pleasant surprise. Puckle st could do with more Cafes like 42 cafe & bar. We had the calamari and chicken strips, both were yummy. Friendly and attentive staff. Will be back for sure.

Really good coffee, food is stuck a little in the past. Very yeasty processed white bread, which didn't make my stomach happy but the smashed avo w tomatoes and rocket was good. My partner enjoyed his perfectly poached eggs and home made relish but had the same view on the bread. Lots of stock standard options here - eggs Benedict, snitzel, fish and chips. Their clientele seems to be parents and older people and this type of food would make that group really happy.

Located on the busy Puckle St is this little gem. I went on cold day and it was nice and cosy inside. Very inviting & modern feel. I had the corn fritter stack with bacon which was absolutely delicious. Crispy on the outside and fluffy inside. Topped with a tomato salsa.<br/>The stuff were super friendly and very attentive.<br/>Be sure to check this place out if you're ever in moonee ponds.<br/>I Will definitely go back.

Absolutely my favourite place for lunch! I constantly come here with my sister and dad and are never disappointed. Great juices and great food options and super great service. Love love love!

$17.50 for a tiny pizza!?! It had minimal toppings and the crust edges were burnt. The waitress had no clue about anything. And well, we paid a lot of money for something that I would only give my dog if he had been a very naughty boy.

Just had the corn fritter stack with bacon...I died and went to foodie heaven. .amazing! Lost half a point because the waiter could of been a little friendly...smiles are free....Oh and you have to try the 42 Special juice...delicious

Friendly local cafe that does some mean baked eggs... Good coffee and friendly service! Always a good brunch place after the weekly shop 😊👍🏾

Come here often - our go to brunch place in Moonee ponds. Tentative service, OK coffee, food is great and comes quick and is yummy. Try the Spanish eggs, but expect to sweat - they are spicy!

42 Café & Bar is on Puckle st right near the tram stop in Moonee Ponds. I have walked past it a few times and wanted to try. But never got around to it. And so I did. It was at 4pm and there were a couple tables having coffee. Which is good to see. The service there was friendly and attentive and I loved all the artworks on the wall.

Wonderful and quick service, and it's really good-for-value because the portions are enormous. We were there for dinner tonight and each had two courses. Our starters came quickly after we ordered. Mine was the chorizo & prawns which came on a hot plate -had three prawns and some chorizo slices which were really spicy. Hubby's soup of the day really filled him up - it was potato puree soup, plus two big slices of sourdough bread. He was already a bit full after he finished that. I think it's enough to suffice as a meal for people with small appetites! And it's only $9. For mains I chose the seafood trio. I usually go for seafood if I'm indecisive. Hub had the chicken parma which he couldn't finish. My seafood trio was just enormous in size and I wasn't able to finish it either. In the end we combined our leftovers together in one takeaway box to take home for supper. Taste of the food is pretty standard, probably should've ordered their smokey ribs because they were recommended in previous reviews, but I'm not the biggest fan of eating with hands and didn't feel like having too much meat today. Maybe try that next time!

First visit to this place and very pleased. I had the corn fritters stack with added salmon and  was delicious, a decent service size, fresh ingredients, flavoursome fritters, nicely plated,. All very satisfying. <br/><br/>Their menu is quite varied, with a selection of breakfast and lunch favourites and specials of the day. So, inviting to return. <br/><br/>The place lacks a bit of ambience and a bit crowded, but the service is fast and  friendly and the food good, so it does not matter, really.

We love this place for breakfast/brunch. Their corn fritters are to die for. Salads are super nice as well. Staff are very friendly and helpful and watching the energy there, it is clear they have many returning customers. A fav in Moonee Ponds.

I managed to get a living social voucher. My better half and I went for a dinner date. I asked for a recommendation and ended up with the bbq ribs. They were mouth watering melt off the bone! Definitely recommend! Great service, the staff were friendly and looked after us.

Every so often I stumble across a Perfect 'Culinary' storm, a restaurant or Cafe that ticks all the boxes without being necessarily over the top, a lesson in how to run a restaurant as it were. 42 Cafe & Bar is just that restaurant. Steve and the crew are no less than consummate professionals who as it happens are serving up some of the best ribs you're likely to encounter this side of Texas. So should you be partial to a rack or two, you could do (considerably) worse than to give 42 C&B due consideration when next in the North West. 42 C&B comes highly recommended at around $35-40 for 2 courses + drinks.<br/><br/>---30-7-2015---<br/>My second visit to 42 and still nothing short of fabulous. The ribs are so full of flavour, and are the prudent choice for those in the know...

The beef burger. Wow I have no words. The perfect Sunday hangover feed !! <br/>

I find this cafe to be quite average. It isn't bad, but it isn't great. Menu is standard, food is good and coffee is average. Wouldn't stay away, but wouldn't rush back either.

Good service and food. We had dinner there tonight. The ribs and steak were very good. Desserts and coffee were also enjoyable. We would definitely come back.

Best place on puckle.. Great service, friendly and welcoming staff, AMAZING coffee, highly recommend. Quick service too. :)

So I stumbled into Cafe 42. It looks nice from the outside, menu sounds good. The barista looked competent even. I ordered my usual skinny flat white which arrived quickly. I could tell just by looking at it that it was going to be really average. It move

So expensive. I found 42 cafe very expensive. A coffee, juice and two omelettes with extra cheese and tomato was $65.00!!!<br/>Ridiculous I will not be back.

Great food. Impeccable & extremely friendly service.<br/>Will definitely be coming back.

The best cafe on Puckle. As an avid cox plate goer, each year we have some breakkie somewhere on Puckle st. After trialling many a place, It's taken 7 years to find this place & it is brilliant. Service impeccable, food delectable. Servings massive. I didn't even have a coffee but can only assume it's up there.

Friendly staff and fast service. We were there on a Sunday morning and they were so polite and fast with their service. We had cutlery and water as soon as we ordered food and the coffees were amazing. Would recommend their Pancakes with Berry compote if you're hungry and looking for something sweet! Next Sunday morning i'm there I want to try pretty much every brekky item! Thanks guys for an awesome experience

Friendliest cafe I've ever been to. We were there on Sat 23 August for lunch. Three adults, four children, one in a pram. The gentlemen serving were awesome. Polite, fun and so attentive. It was a pleasure to be there and the food we ordered was delightful. Thank you so much for the experience.

Waste of money and time. I ve been there 23 Aug Sat for breakfast.. after the give my very simple order which is vegetarian breaky plate I did wait 40min to receive it. 42 cafeteria is so loud u can here dishwasher washing, carrying plate and cutleries no gentle at all ! Food just normal average but price is expensive than other cafeterias ..also no attention front of the cashier to pay bill I did wait nearly 10 min!!

Cute barista in the overalls makes awesome coffee. Everyone's always super nice here and the food is consistently great!

Corn fritters, 42 special juice and some good mates. Can't see a better way to spend a lazy weekend morning.

Spanish eggs to die for!!!! Great service

An accidental find last Saturday, we wandered down Pickle St and stumbled upon 42. We opted for all day breakfast and weren't disappointed. I've recently discovered how much I love corn fritters for breakfast over usual eggs, so they were my first choice. They were slightly overcooked, but this gave then a gorgeous crisp-ness. Topped with salsa, avocado and smoked salmon in generous portions, we'll certainly be back for more.<br/>Service was prompt, and the meals were reasonably priced. It's giving our current brunch local a run for it's money.

Do not order the burger UNLESS they change the Meat. I ordered the burger and the meat was processed and disgusting (worse than the cheapest coles burgers). I wish I ordered something else as the other food that came out looked amazing. I did try to present my feedback about the burger being "not very good" and the member of staff looked annoyed that I had been so frank and said NOTHING back to me - (we had already paid for the meal so I wasn't telling them to get money off or anything just friendly feedback and suggestion to change the burger meat.) Got me so annoyed about it I had to write it on this website in case the owner/manager reads this and takes my advice. I am only trying to help your business.

Breakfast or lunch, it's great!. I haven't had a meal here that I havent absolutely loved. The fritter stack for breakfast is Devine and the club sandwich is amazing. The coffee is some of the best around.

Awesome corn fritter stack with bacon. Great way to start the day

A friend recommended this cafe to me. I had the corn cakes with a side of poached eggs & a coffee. It was delicious. I will be returning.

Only 4 cafes open on puckle street, so understandable that it would be busy. Greeting was friendly and coffee was alright. However, waiting 40 minutes for food with no explanation is unacceptable. I had corn fritters, which were pretty doughy but ok. Partner had vegie breakfast; over-cooked poached eggs, spc baked beans, and frozen hash browns, but the rest was alright. Will be back to fuel as soon as they reopen...

Delicious!!!!!!all ingredients tasted so fresh! Yum

The service here has been fine in my experience. It appears reviewers might need to take some initiative which is very often the case at a busy cafe at busy times (i.e don't stand by the magazines for 10 mins not making eye contact with anyone and then get annoyed you haven't been seated). Also the food and coffee are outstanding and the service is unpretentious and friendly which keeps me coming back.

Service: 5/10 Food: 8/10 Coffee: 6/10 Atmosphere: 5/10 Cool place but a but generic. Attracts the gay community being the only gay owned cafe on Puckle St however this could be improved by adding some gay artwork perhaps or magazines, brochures etc to the rack adorned with Women's Weekly mags. The food was yum. Coffee is a bit hit and miss and service is friendly but slow which is the biggest downfall. A little bit of fine tuning required but otherwise a trendy gay owned restaurant to have a nice feed.

Friendly service and very yummy food. My favourite cafe in Moonee Ponds. Loving the new menu.

Not Cool. Went in here on a Sunday afternoon with some friends, 1st we sat outside waiting for about 10 minutes before I went inside to get some menus for the table. The gentlemen (looks to be the owner) said he will be with us shortly to take our order, we then waited another 10 minutes and then I suggested that we moved inside to be served. We then ordered some coffees as we waited for our meals. I had the club sandwich which i felt was quit bland, the fries that came with them were so dry, Put me off the whole dish. Friends had the Full 42 brekky and was not impressed at all. First coffee I had was fine but the 2nd coffee was way to hot. Charging 50c extra for another shot of coffee is not cool, I mean thats a joke! Quite a cool little place if they got their act together and started acknowledging customers instead of fluffing around. Won't be back anytime soon.

Good, fast service. Had lunch there recently on a Saturday and the place was packed. Food service was very quick. Staff were attentive and helpful. Food was good as was the wine and coffee. Definitely recommend 42.

Loved it!! Great chicken salad that I had and wedges. My friends ceaser and my other friends chicken and avo sandwich looked yummo. Get around it cafes ... Freshly squeezed juices are in! (great money makers for businesses) So healthy and so yummy! Definitely going to visit 42 again before I leave Melbourne. Great service too :)

Service can be very hit and miss. Sometimes awesome, others slow with incorrect orders. If you arrive right on 12, or pre-order, your lunch will arrive within a decent time, much later, expect a wait. The food is what keeps me coming back: the club sandwhich is possibly the best I've had. Chicken strips are also great for something light.

Coffee is very hit and miss... Food is fairly tasteless and often just slopped on a plate with a side of chips and salad... The staff however are consistently friendly and attentive.

Awesome cafe with relaxed and casual atmostphere. Staff are professional yet friendly and the coffee is excellent. Great place to chill out with some soup and read one of the trash mags provided!

Best coffee on puckle street and cheap nice food

A lovely place to go if your felling happy the staff are so polite to everyone and the meals are great fast but effective for someone that needs a breakfast or lunch.

42 Cafe and Bar on Moonee Ponds busy Puckle street is the top pick for regular locals. The food at 42 is some of the freshest and tastiest you will ever eat and with most meals under $15, 42 is unbelieveable value. I highly recommend the chicken, avocardo, sundried tomatoes on Turkish bread. 42 is open everyday and some evenings, they have an upstairs function deck, and can also book the whole place out if needs be. The best cafe on puckle street!