Cart 21 Cafe & Lunch Bar

I recently swung by Cart 21 Cafe & Lunch Bar in Forrestdale, and it's a solid spot for your coffee fix. Tucked away on Cartwright Drive, this place is open bright and early at 5 am and wraps up its day around 2:30 pm during the workweek. It's closed on weekends, which might be a bummer for some, but maybe that's when the staff get to enjoy their own coffee somewhere else.

As someone who hops around different coffee joints in Perth, I'm always excited to find a cozy spot that gets the basics right. Cart 21 ticks many essential boxes. The outdoor seating is a standout. On a clear Perth morning, it's a fantastic spot to soak up the sun while sipping a cappuccino. Dogs are welcome here, so I've seen a few regulars bringing their furry buddies along. It adds to the laid-back vibe of the place.

Cart 21 is wheelchair-friendly, which is refreshing to see. The wheelchair-accessible parking, entrance, seating, and toilet facilities mean it's easy for everyone to drop by without hassle. It's thoughtful, and you don't always find that.

I tried their brunch offering, and it was solid. The menu isn't fancy, but it's got the staples you'd expect: sandwiches, wraps, and some breakfast classics. If you're rushing off to work or just popping in for a quick bite, there's a steady flow of takeaway options. Oh, and they deliver too, but I haven't tested that out yet. Might come in handy for those lazy days at home.

The cafe's got a bit of an industrial feel inside, which is fitting given the area. Around Forrestdale, it's mostly a mix of residential and light industrial zones. Nothing too distracting, but it makes Cart 21 a bit of a hidden gem for those in the know.

Beyond the cafe scene, Forrestdale's got a few cool spots to visit. Just a short drive away, you've got Forrestdale Lake, a serene spot if you love nature. It's a nature reserve and can make for a peaceful walk, especially during the cooler months. If you're into bird watching, this place is quite a find!

Back to Cart 21, the coffee itself is pretty good. Not the best I've ever had, but it reliably gets the job done. With that average rating of 4.2 across 76 reviews, I'm smack in the middle of those views. It's a folksy place, where the staff seem to know the regulars by name. Most customers appear to be locals or workers grabbing a quick coffee and meal on the go. That's maybe why it feels less touristy and more like a part of the community.

In terms of other nearby spots, Forrestdale Business Park isn't far off. There's a steady rhythm of construction and business expansions happening. The area is growing, which might explain why this café attracts a bustling crowd, especially during weekday mornings.

Parking here is straightforward too. There's plenty of space, and if you're just swinging by for a quick takeaway, you won't have to worry about circling the block.

One thing that I noticed right away was the friendly staff. They seem genuinely happy to serve up your coffee with a smile, and that goes a long way in my book. It's those little things that often make a place stick with you.

Given its location, Cart 21 even makes for a good spot for a casual meet-up or a laid-back work session. I've seen a few folks typing away on laptops, sipping their lattes while occasionally glancing up at their screens. The crowd tapers off as you get closer to 2 pm, so if you're seeking a more quiet atmosphere, it's perfect nearer to closing time.

For those passing through or working nearby, Cart 21 delivers on what you need most: a quick, satisfying coffee fix with a side of simple, tasty brunch options. It's not trying to reinvent the wheel, and sometimes that's exactly what you want from your neighborhood coffee spot.