Howard's Groove Coffee

I've been hopping around the coffee spots in Perth for quite a while, and I gotta say, Howard's Groove Coffee on Howard St is a delight. Nestled in the fast-paced heart of the city, it offers a little escape amidst all the hustle and bustle. Most weekdays, you'll find me dropping by for my caffeine fix before heading off to work. It opens bright and early at 6:30 am, so there's plenty of time to grab a cup before the day fully kicks off.

Let's talk coffee. The brew here is top-notch. You can expect consistent quality every time, a rarity in many places I've been. The espresso's strong without being harsh, and the flat whites are super creamy and smooth. They definitely know their way around a coffee machine. With a rating of 4.8 and over 200 reviews, it seems I'm not alone in thinking this place rocks!

If you want something to munch on, they have a solid selection of pastries and small bites. It isn't a full-fledged café with a huge menu, but what they offer complements their coffee perfectly. I usually grab a muffin or a croissant to start my day. The staff's always cheerful and friendly, which makes my morning routine that much better.

The vibe at Howard's Groove is laid back yet buzzing with energy. The seating area isn't massive, but it's cozy. Plus, it's wheelchair-accessible and even dog-friendly, which adds another layer of warmth to the whole place. Bring your furry friend, and they'll be sure to enjoy it too. On warmer days, sitting outside is a treat, and you can watch the city wake up around you.

It's worth mentioning their takeaway service. If you're like me and sometimes need to dash, you can grab your coffee and be gone in no time. And if you're around the area, they do deliveries too, which is a lifesaver on those super busy days.

On the downside, they're closed on weekends, which is a bummer because who doesn't want weekend coffee plans? But considering their stellar performance during weekdays, I'm willing to forgive them for needing a break. Perth's CBD can get pretty hectic, and finding a good spot open on weekends isn't too hard, thankfully. But when Monday rolls around, there's no question where I'm heading.

If you're up for exploring a bit more, Howard St has some other neat spots around. Not too far off is Elizabeth Quay, where you can take a nice stroll by the water. A bit further, you can hit up Kings Park, a perfect spot for an afternoon walk or a picnic with a stunning view of the city.

Getting back to Howard's Groove, it's a place where people from all walks of life seem to gather. Business folks, chill students, local residents, you name it. The atmosphere is welcoming without being over the top. It feels like a community spot where everyone's in on the little secret of how good the coffee is here. There's something about hearing milk being steamed and beans being freshly ground that adds to the charm.

Parking? Surprisingly not a nightmare. There are a few parking spaces nearby, and they've got a wheelchair-accessible car park too. In a city like Perth, easy parking is as important as the coffee itself.

The area around Howard St is generally buzzing, being in the city center and all. So, if you fancy a little retail therapy, Murray Street Mall is close by. Shopping is always a good excuse for more coffee breaks!

For the digital nomads out there, Howard's Groove might not be the ideal workspace if you're looking for lots of outlets and free Wi-Fi. It's more of a grab-and-go or sit-and-sip kind of joint. But that's part of what makes it unique. It stays true to what it does best: excellent coffee with no fuss.

If your mornings need a little more groove, you know where to find it. For us regulars, it's already a key part of the daily routine in this bustling part of Perth. If you live around or are just visiting the city, swing by and you might just become a regular too!