Cabrito Coffee Traders

I really wanted to like this place — my inner hipster (probably not as «inner» as I’d like to admit) loves the style of their setup, and I think it’s their positioning in one of the the few nice lanes in Sydney that gives then so much «Melbourne» in their vibe.
Unfortunately, the coffee just doesn’t live up to the expectations. Maybe I could forgive a less stylish place, but they’re a café and their café is weak and often watery. I hoped it was just me, but after going back a few times and reading the other reviews I can see that it’s not.
I haven’t tried the food here. There’s only a couple of tables inside, but they do have a nice setup outside (with heaters in the winter).

Great coffee, probably the best in the area

Cabrito Coffee Traders is probably best described as a Melbourne hipster café meets Sydney love story.
Hidden down a laneway behind the Circular Quay Marriott hotel, Cabrito has all the elements that one would find in a Melbourne, exposed wooden beams, mine shaft hanging light bulbs, random tins and artefacts and school camp-​style chairs. There’s even a coffee roaster in the corner, a precursive sign of the quality coffee to come.
Visiting in the morning one can expect to find queues out the door from the morning corporate crowd, though the queue moves rather fast. You can also order from your phone beforehand using the Beat the Q app, which accepts credit cards and PayPal and doubles as a loyalty program with a free coffee after every ten.
Food options are a small range of sandwiches, toasties and pastries. Coffee was on point, a testament shown by the crowds. Service has sometimes been a bit hit and miss overly my daily visits but for the most part friendly and positive.
It’s good to see the speciality coffee industry along with hipster-​style cafes growing in other states and Cabrito has done it well.

First off I have to say good coffee. I prefer my coffee a bit darker, but even so this was good coffee. The place is a bit gimmicky which I personally cannot stand, but again it is worth it for the coffee. Not the best in the city, but best I’ve had in that area.

Ah, Cabrito — aka «Hipster» — a popular spot for the local suits to gather and enjoy a delicious brew. Don’t expect to be in and out of here in a hurry, but do expect an expertly prepared coffee and some wonderful personalities.
I changed walking routes awhile back and as a result have been neglecting the joint. I heard they had purchased a new machine for long blacks, macchiatos, and the like to brew these usually piping hot coffees at a lower temperature and lined myself up to give it a whirl. As expected, another fantastic, strong coffee experience. These guys know what they’re doing.
I’ve heard the food is delightful, but haven’t ventured down that path myself. Until I do, I’m fine to keep this as one of my go-​tos while in the Quay. Cudos to them for also being my cheapest option at $ 3 for a regular long black. I’ve always thought it was a bit unfair for cafés to charge me the same as they do for something with milk, but I’m not going to whine too much over $ 0.50. They use Rewardle for their loyalty program as well as having one of their own.
Rumour has it they’re getting a new bean roaster in the coming days– can’t wait to see what they create with that one.

As much as I love the hipster-​chic vibe at Cabrito, the coffee and attitudes here can be hit or miss.
When the owners are running the show, they ooze charm and actually make eye contact instead of grunting your name when your order’s up. Mayj turn off. I’d say ⁷⁄₁₀ times my order is perfect, but I’ve gotten a few sloppy ones more recently. The quality of the espresso is probably top two in the area, but a borderline warm or semi-​full latte can put a major damper on your morning.

Oh snap! CCT have been caught with their hands in the cookie jar, and Cookie Monster is none too pleased! C is for Cabrito, and Cabrito is not for me…
Holy Toledo Batman is he sayin’ what I think he’s sayin’?
Yes Boy Wonder! Cabrito has implemented a temporary refund adjustment.
Cabrito’s main rivals aren’t back on decks till the 14^th Jan, so they’ve gone all hipster doofus on us and engaged in the old price gouge. And that ain’t cool Y’know?
The coffee kings up the street who currently hold the crown, charge $ 4.30 for a velvety large soy latte, whilst Cabrito have tacked on 70c for the no-​change-​from-​a-​fiver colossal caffeine cash grab.
For $ 5 I can literally step pause turn pause pivot step step and be having a jumbo coffee at the Bellacino coffee truck next door? So why do I need Cabrito anymore?

This place. Does not compute. In my head. It’s a freak of nature (in a good way), like a comet that passes by every hundred years and makes you ponder your place in the Universe.
The coffee is great. They have a roaster in the café, but I think it’s mostly decorative as they source their beans from Marvell St. The soy cap ($ 4) punches above its weight class on execution and has a smooth, creamy body with a nice finish. A bit of complexity would be nice, but coffee-​deprived zombies can’t be all that choosey on a Monday morning. GIVE ME. NOW.
It’s the scene that’s odd, and terrific. Hot models manning the register. Tatooed hipsters pulling the shots on the La Marzocco. Cabrito sits in an alleyway with a heritage building location, next to the Marriott, so you get an odd-​ball crowd of tourists, suits, coffee lovers and crunchy vegans who are friends with the staff. I’d pay decent bucks to see all these characters at the same dining table. Well, at least $ 4, so coming here is really like watching a show and getting your coffee for free.