Old Habits Cafe

Inside Old Habits Cafe

Old Habits Cafe in West Lakes is the kind of spot that fits neatly into the weekday and weekend routines of locals who appreciate solid coffee and straightforward breakfast fare. Located on Frederick Road, it carries a quietly familiar vibe that’s easy to settle into — not flashy or overly styled, but with thoughtful touches like wall art and good signage making it a pleasant stop whether you’re grabbing a quick caffeine boost or planning a leisurely brunch.

The cafe’s focus on quality coffees stands out, especially if you’re after an extra strong cappuccino or an iced chocolate on a warm day. These pair well with a variety of breakfast options that go beyond the usual — the berry crumble pancakes and the Cuban special are popular picks, while heartier choices like a chicken schnitzel burger or breakfast wrap give you something more substantial if you’re arriving hungry. The menu also supports customization, with extras like buttermilk fried chicken, haloumi, and avocado allowing you to tailor your meal.

Old Habits feels like a local regular rather than a tourist hangout, attracting a mix of people—from early risers needing a solid start, to couples sharing brunch, to travelers passing through who appreciate a welcoming atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where the service is attentively friendly without being intrusive, and you might catch staff singing along softly to the radio, adding a human touch that breaks the usual cafe routine.

Parking is straightforward here, which helps keep things low-stress, and the interior offers a quieter alternative to the busier lakeside venues nearby. Whether you’re dropping in on the way to work, meeting a friend for a relaxed weekend meal, or wrapping up a road trip with a well-made eggs Benedict and a similarly well-crafted coffee, Old Habits provides a dependable, unpretentious setting with enough variety to keep regulars coming back.

Best times to visit: weekdays for a calm morning coffee or weekend brunch when the pace is a little slower. Great for anyone who values quality breakfast classics with a side of friendly familiarity.

Highlights & Local Essentials

Highlights

Serves great coffee

Has great tea selection

Popular for

Popular for breakfast

Popular for lunch

Good for solo dining

Good for working on laptop

What they serve

Serves coffee

Serves healthy options

Quick bite

Serves small plates

Serves vegan dishes

Serves vegetarian dishes

Best for

Serves breakfast

Serves brunch

Serves lunch

Has catering

Serves dessert

Has seating

Accessibility

Has wheelchair-accessible car park

Has wheelchair-accessible entrance

Has wheelchair-accessible seating

Parking

Free of charge street parking

Free parking lot

Plenty of parking

Local Moments in Photos

Find It on the Map

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

7:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Tuesday

7:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Wednesday

7:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Thursday

7:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Friday

7:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Saturday

8:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Sunday

8:00 AM - 2:30 PM

What Locals & Travelers Say

298 Reviews

Nico Miller

06 Jan 2026

Owned by the same operator for 10 years now and keeps the cafe running in a friendly manner and a very charming place to mark your local/regular spot to eat out or sip a quick coffee. I enjoyed a double shot latte and a sweet lemon meringue cupcake with great texture and fresh character. A quiet Little mail which posted good signage and had some great parking. I liked the artwork on the walls, displays of small bites to eat, open facing kitchen and use of soo throughout the cafe for tables, benches, wall covering etc

Paul Martin

05 Jan 2026

Friendly staff. Great service. One of the best toasties I've had. Very good coffee. The breakfast dishes i saw going to the tables looked scrumptious. Recommend 100%.

Alexander Watson

29 Dec 2025

Beautiful brunch with my partner we both moved out meals and coffee was great! Recommend this place !

Fran Cormack

26 Nov 2025

We called in on the way to the airport. And what a great way to end a long weekend exploring Clare Valley. The eggs benny were DELICIOUS. And, check out the coffee. As good as anywhere I've had in Australia. We even got to hear the staff singing along to the radio. Legends!

Susan Taylor

25 Nov 2025

What a great spot to enjoy a delicious coffee and a tasty bite to eat! The friendly service makes it even better.

Ngoc Anh Nguyen

15 Nov 2025

I LOVE EVERYTHING HERE This café gives me the local vibe which is so special. I love the warm atmosphere, the decoration, and the open space so much!!! Suitable for every occasion: brunch, catchups or gatherings (big groups may contact them in advance). The girl at the register and the girl serving tables were so sweet and lovely I got my order shortly although it was a beautiful Sunday, and the place was so so packed. Highly recommend the Avo Toast - flavourful and delicious *chef’s kiss* Almond Cappuccino was also very nice Will definitely come back

Davo Zillas

11 Nov 2025

Fantastic Food. Friendly Staff. Couple of high chairs available. Really enjoyed our family brunch!!

April

24 Sep 2025

I recommend to try this lovely cafe,the food is so delicious,the staff are friendly and polite and the coffee to die for, the young lady made me a take away the other day lovely young lady with a beautiful big smile made me a take away cap it was so yum. Great place to meet up with the girls for a coffee anytime of the day. Who ever young lady is with big contagious smile makes best coffee ever keep up the good work guys.

Inside Old Habits Cafe

Highlights & Local Essentials

Local Moments in Photos

Find It on the Map

Openings Hours

What Locals & Travelers Say

298 Reviews

More Local Spots to Explore

Charlie & Chu’s Cafe

Abyssinia Restaurant & Lounge

Maresias Bakery

Bon Café Amore

Bean & Beyond (previously Jolt Parkhurst)

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