DripHouse

I've spent quite a bit of time around Hay Street in Perth. DripHouse is a spot I stumbled upon and quickly added to my favorites. It's a hidden gem smack in the business district, drawing in locals who know what a good cup should taste like. One of the best things here is their flat white – smooth, rich, and brewed to perfection. It's got this way of turning even the most hectic mornings into something bearable.

The place itself doesn't try too hard. It's got this simple, laid-back vibe that just works. You walk in, order your coffee, chat with the barista if you're up for it, and there you have it, your morning coffee fix. The overall decor is cozy but not trying too hard to be 'Instagrammable', which is refreshing. Dogs are welcome, so don't be surprised if you find a furry friend sitting next to you. It's all part of the charm.

There's plenty of takeaway for those on the move, but my choice is to sit in, even for just a bit. You can grab a quick brunch to go with the coffee, too. The avocado toast is decent enough if you're into that sort of thing. Nothing wildly unique, but solid flavors that work well together. They're usually open from Monday to Friday, 7 AM till the early afternoon. Unfortunately, they shut for the weekend, so you'll need to find your caffeine fix somewhere else. I find this oddly charming, though, as it keeps weekends special for the weekdays crowd.

Around this area, you'll find the Perth Mint a short walk away, which is pretty cool if you enjoy some history with your stroll. A bit further along, there's the Swan River. It's more peaceful than I imagined for a city center stretch, perfect for winding down. Elizabeth Quay is also not far. Fancy a longer break to soak in the views? That's your spot. Plenty of bars and restaurants there if you're planning to extend your outing.

DripHouse is also wheelchair accessible, a huge plus in my books. Basic things like this should be standard everywhere. They cater pretty well to those with varied needs, and I've seen families around, likely drawn in by how accommodating they are. Parking is a bit of a hustle, as it always is in busy areas, but if you're taking public transport, the location is pretty easy to reach.

The crowd here is mixed. You get the office workers grabbing their morning fix alongside students hanging around in the afternoon for a change of scene. The blend makes for good people-watching if you're into that. Coffee brings such varied folks together, and it shows here. The staff know some of the regulars by name, which is always a nice touch. It makes a difference compared to other places where you're just another face in the line.

Overall, DripHouse scores high in my books with an average rating of 4.5 from a fair number of reviews. Seems consistent among others like me who've reviewed it. There's a degree of reliability with their coffee and service. No place is perfect, of course, but here, they seem to strive for warmth and consistency, which is what counts.

Being closed on weekends feels like they're missing out on weekend wanderers, explorers, and coffee enthusiasts visiting from out of town. But I can see why they'd stick to weekdays only, creating a sort of exclusivity to their Monday through Friday crowd. Despite this, weekdays are bustling with that morning rush. Regulars dropping by, quick exchanges at the counter, regular tables filled up. It feels like a community.

Overall, if you find yourself around Hay Street needing a coffee fix, DripHouse delivers reliably! It's basic in some ways, but in Perth's busy core, basic works. It's real and unpretentious. Just good coffee, the way it should be.