Pause Cafe

Stopping by Pause Cafe in Joondalup is like stepping into my usual coffee routine with a twist. This place is tucked inside the Joondalup Health Campus, which makes it super convenient if you're nearby. Often, I find myself mixing with folks coming in and out of the hospital, from nurses to visitors alike. For a coffee shop located in such a busy area, the vibe is surprisingly chill.

Pause Cafe has options for both takeaway and dine-in. I appreciate that when I'm not in the mood to sit, I can just grab something quickly. Plus, there's plenty of parking, and it's wheelchair-accessible, which is a big plus. Once inside, you're met with an aroma that promises decent coffee, but the reality doesn't always hit the mark.

The coffee here leans on the average side, but it's not bad if you keep your expectations in check. It's not the artisanal brew you find in the hipster joints around Perth. Nonetheless, it does the job, especially if you're just looking to get a quick caffeine fix and move on. They've got the usual suspects on the menu: lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites. Sometimes, they have a few sweet treats and basic brunch options. Nothing too crazy, but it's there if you're peckish.

The opening hours work for those early birds since they start serving at 7:30 am on weekdays. It's your basic 9-to-5 kinda setup, but they close earlier over the weekend. On Saturdays, expect doors to shut by 4 pm, which is also when the cafe rests on Sundays. It's a bit limiting, so plan your visit if you're craving a weekend coffee.

Being located at the health campus means I'm always surrounded by a diverse crowd. Some folks come for a coffee after visiting loved ones, while workers from nearby offices are grabbing a quick lunch. There's room to sit since they've got a decent amount of seating inside.

What I like about Pause is the mixed crowd of locals and out-of-area visitors alike. You meet folks from all walks of life here. It's a simple place, not too pretentious. Dogs are welcome, so you might see someone with a pooch. But, if you're here for an Instagram-worthy snap, this might not be your spot.

Just outside the cafe, Joondalup offers more. Lakeside Joondalup Shopping City is close by, a handy spot for shopping. You've got adventure golf, and the Yellagonga Regional Park nearby offers nice trails. If you're up for some leisure, Aquamotion isn't far either, perfect for a post-coffee splash in the pool or gym session.

The staff at Pause Cafe are generally friendly, but service can vary based on how busy it is. Sometimes you catch them in a rush, and then other times, you might get a friendly chat if it's quiet. I've seen them do well under pressure, and their priority seems to be getting people their orders quickly.

One downside is the atmosphere can feel a bit blah at times. It's not the cozy nook you might expect in some cafes. It's more of a functional space—a spot relying on its prime location rather than charm. Still, for a functional space, they make an effort to keep it neat and tidy.

The surroundings at Pause Cafe make it more interesting than the cafe itself sometimes. Just a short walk off the campus, you have Neil Hawkins Park. The park has lovely green spaces to stroll around and even chances to spot some local wildlife.

In the broader scope of Joondalup's offerings, Pause Cafe is serviceable. It's not pioneering coffee arts, but it's near other conveniences. After all, if you need caffeine on the go, it's a decent pitstop. If you seek more vibrant cafe scenes, take a drive around and explore other nearby cafes.

Joondalup hosts diverse dining options, and sometimes you strike gold just by walking around. And there's both charm and surprise in wandering the streets and discovering something unexpected. Some days, I grab my cup from Pause and say that's it, while other days, another cup elsewhere finishes my cafe-hopping.

To sum it up: Pause Cafe is just okay. I don't love it, but I've got a soft spot for this little cafe because it's practical. Nothing extraordinary, but it fits the bill if you're already in the area. If your coffee adventure leads you beyond functionality into the more character-filled spaces of Joondalup, that's where the real discoveries start.