Deluxe Espresso Bar
Monday7:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Tuesday7:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Wednesday7:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Thursday7:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Friday7:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Saturday8:00 am – 3:00 pm.
SundayClosed.
Well renowned as a Wellington ‘institution’, Deluxe Espresso Bar is a good-things-come-in-small-packages kind of place. Open till late in the evening, this has for years been a popular coffee spot with young and old, hipsters and working folk – anything goes. A small space, the brightly painted tables and retro red chairs take centre stage against a white washed wall backdrop. Cool paintings line the walls and eclectic music can almost be heard before you see the place. The colour inside sprawls out onto the street, with outdoor tables bathed in sunlight providing a prime spot for Courtenay Place people watching.
There’s a grungy feel about Deluxe – in fact, you almost feel as though you’re stepping into a student flat; after all, you’re literally right amongst the kitchen where you’ll see cooking, coffee making and dishwashing going on. No wonder so many people say this place feels like home.
The staff here are friendly and cool. The kind of people that make you smile when you’re feeling like shit, and if it’s not their singing, dancing or banter that makes you smile, the fact that they often have your coffee ready by the time the EFTPOS machine says “Accepted” certainly will. Made using Havana beans it’s good coffee to boot. And, if you roll a double six at the counter you get your coffee for free; an extra roll of the dice if you get a double of any number.
Serving only vegan food, the edible options won’t leave you disappointed (they’re made by the clever folk of Maranui Cafe and Queen Sally’s Diamond Deli) – think spelt flour pie, black bean salad, tempeh wraps and cupcakes topped with maple walnuts. So good to have a little slice of the Lyall Bay Cafe scene in the city centre.
Not hard to find – find the Embassy Theatre and you’ll find Deluxe. You’ll also find yourself there for a while.
Words by Matt Paterson & Photography by Alyssa Boobyer
Information not correct? Report an error
Location
10 Kent Terrace, Mount Victoria
Nearby Places
Los Banditos
Los Banditos brings Wellington flavoursome Mexican food, a lively atmosphere, exciting drinks and friendly service.
Tomboy
A small boutique café, cakery and catering business with the feel of a country cottage kitchen.
Squirrel
Nestled near the corner of popular Blair Street, Squirrel offers a warm and inviting haven complemented by a menu that showcases the best of Wellington’s producers and suppliers.
Bats Theatre
Needing no introduction, BATS Theatre is one of Wellington’s cultural institutions.
Similar Places
Wilson Barbecue
Wilson Barbecue has a new permanent home after wowing Wellingtonian's with their food truck delights and pop-up stints. Wilson Barbecue is loudly and proudly “all about the meat”, and their brisket, ribs, and pulled pork, all cooked low ‘n slow, enjoy a richly deserved reputation.
Jean's
Upper Hutt’s Fergusson Drive may often feel like a long, monotonous road, but thanks to its little boutique shops like Jeans, you can find plenty of life and character...
Elements
The tagline and ethos at Elements say it all, ‘Real food, everyday’, and this popular Wellington café is a destination for good reason.
Rich Coffee Roasters
Although the relative new guys on the block, Rich Coffee Roasters are by no means amateurs.