Lunch Break

If you’re after a quick and hearty replenishment of the energy supplies in West End, then look no further than Lunch Break. The clientele are predominantly tradies on their lunch breaks (sorry to use that term, but in all fairness it really was lunchtime and it was their break). They also cater for breakfasts (OK, so basically anything that involves the breaking of something), serving up a mammoth all-​day breakfast, with Segafredo coffee ($ 9.95). It is simple, canteen-​style food, so expect huge servings of whatever you order (from barramundi to rumps and sandwiches).

When I lived in West End I was mainly working from home, and when I needed a quick break — a ‘Lunch Break’ even — I’d stroll to the café down the road to refuel. For a long while I resisted stepping foot into Lunch Break, but after a while I came to find their exclamation of ‘COLD DRINKS. SANDWICHES. HOT FOOD’ painted in bold, Arial capitals, oddly endearing. They were a no-​frills café, and they weren’t afraid to show it.
If you order a burger with the works, expect to get the works. The burgers are wrapped up deceivingly tight; once you unwrap them they are so gigantic you can barely fit your mouth around them without dropping salad everywhere.
There are the classic hot food options as well, including: kabanas, pies, sausage rolls, and takeout containers of stir fry. But if you’re after something a little healthier there’s the option of fresh sandwiches and rolls too. There’s also a giant selection of drinks — from energy beverages, to flavoured milks and bottled juices.
This café is a popular pit stop for construction workers stationed at the various developments along Montague road. There are a few tables inside the café, and a few sheltered sitting areas outside, but I wouldn’t stop here for a peaceful coffee.