EQ Cafe & Bakehouse | Civic

EQ Cafe & Bakehouse | Civic is a neighbourhood cafe located on Northbourne Avenue in Braddon, ACT. The venue forms part of the EQ Cafe network, which has multiple locations across Canberra and the surrounding region. Open on weekdays from 6:30 am to 4:00 pm, the Civic branch serves breakfast, lunch, artisan coffee, and baked goods in a relaxed setting. The cafe offers dine-in, takeaway, delivery, and click-and-collect options for customers looking for a quick meal or a casual spot to meet friends.

The Civic location is situated in the Cox Building on Northbourne Avenue, close to the Canberra CBD and the Braddon precinct. EQ Cafe & Bakehouse promotes a specialty coffee program alongside a menu that includes breakfast classics, salads, sandwiches, and house-made cakes. The business also provides catering services and whole cakes to order, making it a practical option for office meetings, functions, and everyday dining. According to Google Maps reviews, the cafe holds a 3.1-star rating based on 18 reviews, with customer feedback highlighting both popular menu items and areas where the experience has been inconsistent.

Menu Highlights at EQ Cafe & Bakehouse | Civic

EQ Cafe & Bakehouse | Civic presents a menu built around fresh, quality ingredients and straightforward flavour combinations. The cafe markets itself as a go-to breakfast spot, with options ranging from classic egg dishes to wholesome bowls and indulgent waffles. The menu also includes gourmet sandwiches, salads, and a range of baked goods baked in-house. The specialty coffee program is a central part of the experience, and the venue promotes its offering as a place to start the morning or enjoy a relaxed lunch.

Breakfast Favourites

The breakfast menu includes eggs prepared in multiple styles, avocado on toast, and waffles. Reviewers on Google Maps have mentioned items such as toast and bowls when describing their visits. The "Long coffee" was noted by one customer as good, suggesting that the cafe attracts both coffee-focused patrons and those looking for a full meal.

Salad Bowls & Signature Items

A frequently mentioned item in Google Maps reviews is the three-step salad bowl. One reviewer described it as a generous portion at a reasonable price, with customers able to choose a base, salad type, and protein. This customisable option appears to be a draw for lunchtime visitors who value portion size and flexibility.

Cakes & Baked Goods

The cafe offers a selection of cakes, pastries, and breads that are available for individual purchase or as whole cakes to order. The bakehouse component of the business is a defining feature, with the in-house bakery providing a range of sweet and savoury items. The venue promotes whole cakes and tarts through a dedicated ordering pathway, suggesting that take-home desserts and celebration cakes are part of the offering at EQ Cafe & Bakehouse | Civic.

The Dining Experience at EQ Cafe & Bakehouse | Civic

The Civic location is described as having a cosy atmosphere, suitable for both solo coffee breaks and informal catch-ups with friends. EQ Cafe & Bakehouse | Civic offers dine-in service, takeaway, delivery, and a click-and-collect option, providing flexibility for different customer needs. The cafe also accepts table reservations and offers a catering menu for events, indicating that the business serves individual diners as well as groups and corporate clients.

Service & Ordering Options

Customers can order directly at the counter, click and collect via the EQ Cafe website or app, or opt for delivery. The availability of an online ordering app (listed on Google Play and the Apple App Store) supports a streamlined pick-up experience. The booking system also allows for table reservations, which is useful during busy weekday periods when the cafe is open for breakfast and lunch.

Atmosphere & Layout

The cafe is situated within the Cox Building on Northbourne Avenue, a busy thoroughfare in Braddon. The setting combines a commercial ground-floor location with a casual, friendly interior. Google Maps reviews do not provide extensive detail on decor, but the emphasis on a cozy atmosphere in the website copy suggests comfortable seating, warm lighting, and a layout designed for both quick visits and longer stays.

Customer Reviews & Ratings

EQ Cafe & Bakehouse | Civic currently holds a 3.1-star rating on Google Maps, based on 18 reviews. The feedback reflects a mix of positive and critical experiences. Positive comments frequently mention the salad bowls, the coffee, and the convenience of the location. The three-step salad bowl is described as a hit, with one reviewer calling the portion generous and the price appropriate. Another customer noted that the long coffee is good.

Critical reviews highlight significant inconsistencies in food temperature and pricing transparency. One reviewer reported receiving a pie that seemed to have been reheated multiple times, describing it as "absolutely disgusting," while fries were partly lukewarm. Another customer expressed frustration about a $2 surcharge for juice without ice, describing the fee as unreasonable when the juice already cost $9 with ice. These reviews suggest that while some menu items and the coffee program are well-received, there are inconsistencies in food quality and pricing that have affected the overall rating. The cafe's responses to these reviews are not publicly visible, but the feedback indicates that the business would benefit from focusing on consistency in the kitchen and clearer communication about extra charges.

EQ Cafe & Bakehouse | Civic in Braddon

EQ Cafe & Bakehouse | Civic is located at G-4, 70 Northbourne Avenue in the Cox Building, Braddon, ACT 2601. The Braddon area is known for its mix of residential apartments, offices, and a growing food and drink scene along Lonsdale Street and Northbourne Avenue. The cafe sits within the Canberra CBD fringe, making it accessible to office workers, residents, and visitors to the city.

Parking in Braddon can be a consideration, as street parking is available but may be time-limited in the surrounding blocks. The cafe is well-served by public transport, with the Northbourne Avenue corridor providing frequent bus services and the Alinga Street light rail station a short walk away. EQ Cafe & Bakehouse | Civic offers wheelchair-accessible entry, as indicated by Google Maps attributes, and provides dine-in, takeaway, and outdoor seating options.

Hours & Contact

The cafe's operating hours are Monday through Friday, 6:30 am to 4:00 pm, with the venue closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Bookings can be made through the EQ Cafe website, or customers can reach the Civic branch directly at (02) 6112 8617 or via email at civic@eqcafe.com.au. The online ordering system supports click-and-collect, and delivery is available through third-party services.

Catering, Functions & Cakes at EQ Cafe & Bakehouse | Civic

Beyond everyday dining, EQ Cafe & Bakehouse | Civic offers catering services for corporate and private functions. The catering menu is accessible through the brand's website and includes a selection of sandwiches, salads, pastries, and beverages. The cafe also accepts custom cake orders, providing whole cakes and tarts for celebrations and office events.

The functions service can be arranged by contacting the Civic branch directly. While specific catering packages are not detailed on the location page, the EQ Cafe network has standardised offerings that can be adapted to group size and dietary requirements. Customers interested in catering for a meeting or event should contact the cafe to discuss menu options and delivery or pick-up arrangements. The click-and-collect and delivery channels further support these services for time-pressed customers.

What Sets EQ Cafe & Bakehouse | Civic Apart

EQ Cafe & Bakehouse | Civic is one of more than a dozen EQ Cafe locations spread across Canberra and the Russell precinct. This network allows the Civic branch to draw on shared branding, supplier relationships, and menu development while maintaining its own daily operations. The in-house bakery is a distinguishing feature, supplying the cafe with fresh bread, pastries, and cakes throughout the day.

The combination of specialty coffee, a customisable salad bowl program, and an in-house bakery creates a varied offering that suits breakfast, lunch, and takeaway purchases. The venue's weekday-only schedule aligns with the office and commercial rhythm of the Northbourne Avenue corridor. While Google Maps reviews indicate opportunities for improvement in consistency and pricing clarity, the positive feedback for specific items like the salad bowls and coffee points to strengths that regular customers recognise. The cafe's acceptance of credit cards and the availability of wheelchair-accessible entry are additional practical benefits mentioned in Google Maps attributes.

If you are researching cafes in Braddon or the Canberra CBD, comparing EQ Cafe & Bakehouse | Civic with other nearby options on Ilistify will help you make an informed choice based on menu, location, and verified customer reviews.