Coffee House 138 Maffra “ Clean Comfy Classic Café with Coffee, or Coffee with Cafe”

Coffee House 138  is at  138 Johnson Street,  Maffra  3860      Ph:   03 5147 2220

Open:     Mon- Fri 8am to 3-30pm.   Sat & Sun 8-30am to 2-30pm 

It is three years and a change of owner since my last review so about time for a new one. Towards the end of the main street in the country town of Maffra is Coffee House 138, street parking in the service road outside, close to the end of the shopping strip a bit easier to find, than in the middle of town.  Access is good, al fresco seating outside under a wide veranda so you can sit at your leisure.

Inside  a simple yet effective relaxing décor which adds to the ambience of the place. Seating is comfortable with tables accommodating from 2 to 6, but can be made to suit. There is couch style seating and this adds to that “sit back and relax” feel about this classic country café. The front window, which can open onto the street in the hotter months,  a great idea.  Seating is well spaced and you do not feel crowded at all. Table service is provided and full accessibility at this venue with unisex facilities provided which were spotless and include a baby change table. Coffee House 138 is fully licensed adding to the venue’s appeal, for those who wish to indulge.

Menu:  A comparatively small but well-rounded and diverse lunch menu, and I will be well rounded if I manage to try it all!. I was a bit late for brekky....next visit.  Maffra Cheese melts of three choices of flavour tops the bill, then a variety of salads, Portuguese Chicken, Warm Lamb, and  Soy & Ginger Calamari. Lentil Patties with Sweet potato cater for the non-meat mob, and Arancini Balls are house made. Herb Crumbed Gummy and Chips and old favourite, then Pulled Pork Sliders or Chicken BLAT. Of course a Gourmet  Burger, I was tempted but next time perhaps, with sides of wedges or beer battered fries.  Oh yes and the Duck Spring rolls, can’t forget the duck!  As I said, well-rounded and a good variety which should cater for all tastes.  Nothing over $20 so good value here.

Experience:    Our as usual, unplanned lunch was relaxing enjoyable aided by being met almost immediately by a friendly staff member who showed us to an available table and in a flash had provided the menus and water with glasses, always a good start.Left  in peace while the coffees were made, to consider our choices and in good time our  lunch orders were taken with a smile. In a short while our meals arrived, I was a tad hungry as I had spent the morning at the local Maffra Car Museum, another love of mine and another blog to come! Back to the food!

Chicken Cheese and Avocado melt, sounds simple, it is, and just once in a while simplicity is best. Here was no exception. Two good sized pieces of bread, Turkish or similar, layered with a good serve of choice chicken cuts which were tender and juicy, avocado sliced in bite size portions and then covered with a combination of Maffra Cheeses. Cheddar which has a good sharp taste and its own specific style was superbly mixed with a Red Leicester which is a creamier style and tended to offset the sharpness of the Cheddar, what a great combination, and once toasted enhanced the flavour even more. Served with a small amount of rocket dressed in balsamic it was a tasty well served and filling lunch. I was only able to steal a couple of the “boss’s" chips, and they were crisp and tasty too, twice cooked I would say but all good from my perspective.

Talking of the “Boss”, she enjoyed her Chicken BLAT, it certainly looked good, there was none left for me to sample, which is a good sign, but I did manage a quick taste of the garlic aioli, and was pleasantly surprised.  I was told it was very tasty fresh and chicken again melted in the mouth. Bread a little hard to cut at the base abut that is usual these days and down to the Baker ! Coffees were good too, aromatic and not burnt, there again hot enough to be enjoyed at length.

Summary:     Simply said, a great lunch, in a clean, comfortable, relaxing venue serving quality food, with an accent on local produce.  Staff are friendly and professional. What more can you ask for, keep this up and this venue will succeed , good value for money. Suggest if you want to ensure a table of your choice ring ahead and book. Go on take a trip to Maffra.