Went in yesterday for a cold brew. Asked for a large, and it was presented to me in a clear plastic cup no bigger than a regular sized latte. Filled the cup 2⁄3 full including ice. Total charge — $ 10. Absolute rip off, will not be going back. They also burnt the coffee in the long black I ordered the previous week.
Morenita C.
Place rating: 3 Fairview Slopes, Vancouver, Canada
You would never know it was here!!! Glad I took a good look at Unilocal reviews first. Got to the place after passing by another coffee shop(Bonnie) that looks quite popular with the business attire folks around it. Got to Code Black promptly after that one. Upon descending to the shop you’re hit by its very chic vibe. It’s almost like a nightclub in daytime. The staff looks like they finished their bar tending shift at a hot night club and moved to the day shift at Code Black. Plenty of tattoos and good looks are all in it, along with upbeat music and well dressed patrons. Now to the actual coffee and a raspberry white chocolate muffin I got. The flat white: flavourless. The only thing I felt is the teaspoon of sugar I asked for, but no coffee flavour at all. That’s NOT what I expected here. Upon asking for extra espresso the lovely barista insisted to remake my drink with more coffee in it. That was quite nice. The second, stronger coffee was still lacking. So that means their espresso is just mild… Some like that. The muffin I’d very cupcake like, moist and cakey. It’s not bad, but if you are on a calorie budget then don’t bet on it, the oil content is very evident. There is free wifi for patrons. Sitting in the café is noisy from the club type music and conversations around, not pleasant for anything much. Most people take away and go to work I presume. Sorry Code Black, I wanted to love you but you didn’t do it for me.
Stephen H.
Place rating: 5 Melbourne, Australia
This is actually for the pop-up store in Southbank. This delightful caffeine stand in the lobby of the IBM building is always bustling with busy office workers, and it is easy to see why after grabbing your first coffee. By far the best latte I’ve found in Melbourne, and with plenty of seats in this open foyer, its a good place to take a laptop and get some work done. They also sell some snack which all look great. If you are in the area, definitely stop by.
Michelle W.
Place rating: 4 Melbourne, Australia
Being based down this end of Collins Street, I am not really spoiled for choices on coffee that is within a 3 mins walk. The narrow staircase down this little gem reveals a clean deco, some seatings and enough space for people to wait for their take-away coffees. They have always done my coffee right, so I am happy. They have a small selection of pastries and bagels which I haven’t tried but they do look appetizing enough on one of my naughty days!
Georgina M.
Place rating: 5 Melbourne, Australia
Stumbled upon this while wandering the city. Might be a hole in the wall but it didn’t disappoint. Will come again next time I’m in the city.
Hugh M.
Place rating: 4 Northcote, Australia
Yep that’s the place. If you’re thinking where the heck is this place? after spending umpteen minutes walking bemused and lost up and down a 10 metre patch of Collins street trying to locate code black. It’s located at the basement level of a heritage building just shy of the intercontinental hotel, down some very steep, tight stairs, perhaps designed for a dungeon. Inside it’s light airy and open, and a good escape from the hustle and bustle outside. Great coffee with all the usual suspects, plus pour over and filter. A great little cakes cabinet is on display too. High;y recommend amongst the ever growing number of high calibre coffee outlets in Melbourne’s CBD.
Alan F.
Place rating: 5 Melbourne, Australia
The have the location here, that’s for sure! I’ve always been a big fan of Code Black Coffee, and this latest addition to their shops is no exception. Snuggled down a tight little stone staircase directly on Collins Street, right by the Rialto, you enter a completely different universe with the centre caffeine-wizardry-station surrounded by big steel beams. There’s a smattering of tables and chairs around the place with a great long — and deliciously comfy — bench seat toward the back. The coffee speaks for itself: bold, rich, strong. I’ve always found that a good measure of any coffee is to try it as a long black first, and these alchemists know how to make it good. There’s also a glass cabinet by the cash register that has a standard fair of sweet snacky goodness that will go great with any coffee. No regrets whatsoever!
Samuel L.
Place rating: 5 Melbourne, Australia
Coffee snobs will not be disappointed. Have you ever wonder where you’ll stumble across that one cup of brew that’s the best, the most perfect cup that you’ve ever had … until you stumble across that next new venue that topples the last. Well, Messrs St Ali this is my new venue for a quintessential long macchiato. A dangerously steep staircase must be navigated to reach caffeine nirvana. Once in the basement you’ll see a very small selection of boxed sandwiches, slices and pastries together with two large Espresso machines and staff. The staff, who are very helpful and knowledgeable, will take your order and invite you to take a seat at one of the many small booth style tables whilst they perform their magic.
Mel P.
Place rating: 4 Melbourne, Australia
At first I almost couldn’t locate this spot. Until I spied the iron gated stairwell, with floods of people spilling out with their take away coffee ups in hand. This must be the place. Down the stairs you will find Code Black Coffee in a basement fit out, pumping out their own delicious blend of coffee. A pokey basement this is not, there’s plenty of space down here — with tables tucked tightly along the edges and back of the coffee island in the middle. When it’s quiet, it looks like an odd waste of space — but no doubt the large empty concrete spots fill to the brim in the mornings with workers waiting for their fix. The fit out means it’s a little loud for a coffee meeting(even when less busy), but not impossible to have a conversation. The staff are friendly and service is fast, the coffee is spot on, and you can buy beans and equipment for home. Another great addition to this end of the city that is now filling quite nicely with great coffee options.
Jean B.
Place rating: 5 Melbourne, Australia
Seriously smooth and sophisticated set up here! With an air of New York styling. Head down the stairs and into coffee lovers heaven. The area is bright and welcoming without being café cliché. With a variety of code black blends on offer this is the place to be for a more discreet work(or pleasure. No judgement here) meeting. The staff are knowledgable about the coffee and quick to get it out, in style. A small cabinet holds a variety if sweets to tempt even the most adament IQS cult member. Tuesdays and Wednesdays see a guest appearance from DoughBuoy doughnuts. Certainly destined to be another Melbourne cult following café.