I kept thinking Cornersmith was called Cornerstone. I kept meaning to go there and never making it. But I finally made it the morning of the Sydney Food Bloggers Picnic last month, and I wasn’t dissappointed.
Cornersmith is the kind of joint that’s closed for pickling on Mondays. Yes, really, I didn’t get that from some kind of Hipster’s Encyclopaedia of cafe descriptors (remind me to write that, if I ever get a chance). They do all kinds of locavore/DIY things like buying backyard produce and making their own jam. They have a beehive on their roof! Basically, they’re the cafe equivalent of a Portlandia sketch.
All this and more means that I was there with bells on at whatever time it was that Saturday. Cornersmith is right by Marrickville station, which is super convenient for someone like me who hates buses. It’s got great decor, clean white walls, jars of pickles adorning the counter and a good mix of natural timber and understated vintage furniture.
Me and my mate order and pay at the counter and nab the only free table. Our toast/coffee/toast/macch order comes out at $32, and I realise there must be a mistake. That’s the problem with order-and-pay-at-the-counter with somewhere as busy as Cornersmith – mistakes are bound to be made. Our bill gets downgraded to a much more reasonable $19, phew!
I’m a fan of the coffee and I’m a fan of the vibe, although Saturday morning is pretty hectic. I’m enjoying my Mecca macchiatto, apparently my friend’s mocha is no slouch either. The menu is simple, a lot of toast-and-toppings on offer, with many tthings made on site – from honey, to pickles, chutneys and jams. Cornersmith strives to be self-sufficient. They also sell their products, and other peoples’, instore.
The reviews have generally been positive and I can see why, although they’ve also been victim of some pretty harsh graffitti, with ‘yuppy scum’ painted across the storefront and the windows bashed in. All in all I will definitely return if I’m ever in the hood.
Cornersmith
314 Illawarra Road
Marrickville NSW 2204
(02) 8065 0844
Tuesday to Friday 6.30am – 3.30pm
Saturday and Sunday 8:00am – 3:00pm
Monday – closed for pickling
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17 Responses to Cafe review – Cornersmith, Marrickville
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I am liking the sound of this place and their quest to be self sufficient. Might try it on a less hectic day of the week though by the sounds of it.
Anna @ the shady pine recently posted…Easy Indian
Marrickville has so many great restaurants and cafes. And this place looks particularly yummy!
Any cafe that makes their own preserves deserves a visit IMO.
Gaby recently posted…Review: Scrambled
I really like the look of this place. I wish we had more (than two) cafe like this in my area. And shame on those stupid vandals…makes me cross!
Miss Piggy recently posted…est., Sydney
Maybe time to relocate to the inner west? : )
Oh, their facade is so cute – looks straight out of the late 80s or something. Love the casual look of the inside too.
Tina@foodboozeshoes recently posted…Xanthi: Go for the ouzo, stay for the food
I’ve said it a few times already … one day I’ll drag my arse here. Esp with you approving the coffee
john@heneedsfood recently posted…Nonya by Ginger & Spice – Haymarket
Maybe a coffee tour of Marrickville is in order…
LOL at Hipster’s Encyclopaedia. This cafe looks awesome – I love that they make jam and have a beehive
Chanel recently posted…Super Easy Sorbets & Ice-Cream
I didn’t even know about the bee hive until recently. What a zany idea!
Just checked it out today. I only had time for a take away coffee. Great coffee. Love the decor (especially the ceiling) and the menu looks quite good. Big fan of their efforts to be self sufficient. Need more of this. Looking forward to trying out the food.
That’s a great place to have a coffee..
Guia recently posted…movers Chesapeake
Finally managed to go for a visit today…it was bucketing down so I thought I might actually get a table. It was still busy but managed to get a seat and wasn’t disappointed. Service was very friendly & quick. Coffee was magnificent and the brekkie was top notch. Simple, but very tasty.
Finished up with a slice of their homemade poppyseed roll – sensational! Just like mum used to make.
[…] There you’ll find a micro-garden of herbs, fruit and veggies, with chickens no less, giving Cornersmith a run for its money in the made-from-scratch steaks. They also bake their own bread and roast their […]
I live in the ‘hood’ and have been here a couple of times. It does get VERY busy on the weekend. Try the chilli chocolate brownie! It is amazing, just the right amount of chilli with the right amount of kick.
[…] brewing your own beer and cider to from-scratch sourdough to a beehive on the roof, to pickling, canning and preserving, diy (do it yourself) and dit (do it together) food sprung up […]
Love the portlandia reference! and the rooftop beehive (something I’ve lusted after since watching Pushing Daisies)! I will be checking this out soon. Thanks for the review!
Georgia recently posted…homemade marmalade