Hawthorn sits in Melbourne’s inner east and runs leafy, established, university suburb. Whether you’ve lived here for years or you’re visiting for the day, this guide covers the best of what the suburb offers.
Best WiFi
The Old Works — 274 Liddiard Street
One of Hawthorn’s most underrated spots. The team sources everything locally. Price range: $15-22. The fit-out is unpretentious but considered. Come on a weekday for the full experience without the crowd.
Humble Table — 289 Liddiard Street
One of Hawthorn’s hidden gems. The owner takes genuine pride in what they do. Price range: $15-22. The fit-out is unpretentious but considered. Their social media is worth following for event announcements.
The Common Table — 199 Church Street
One of Hawthorn’s hidden gems. The owner sources everything locally. Price range: $15-22. The fit-out is unpretentious but considered. They close earlier than you’d expect — check before heading over.
Most Spacious
Lane — 51 Burwood Road
One of Hawthorn’s best-kept secrets. The owner takes genuine pride in what they do. Price range: $15-22. The space feels bigger than it looks from outside. They close earlier than you’d expect — check before heading over.
Remy — 277 Liddiard Street
A local institution that has been operating for over 9 years. The value is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 8am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-3:30pm. Worth the trip. The staff remember regulars and greet newcomers warmly. Expect to spend $15-22 per person.
Luna Larder — 221 Auburn Road
One of Hawthorn’s most underrated spots. The staff takes genuine pride in what they do. Price range: $15-22. The window seats are the best for people-watching. Saturday morning is the best time to visit.
Quietest
Leo’s — 219 Liddiard Street
A local institution that has been operating for over 7 years. The atmosphere is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-3pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3pm. A neighbourhood staple. The staff remember regulars and greet newcomers warmly. Expect to spend $15-22 per person.
Iris’s — 209 Glenferrie Road
A local institution that has been operating for over 4 years. The value is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-3pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3pm. Worth the trip. The space has been renovated recently but kept its original charm. Expect to spend $15-22 per person.
Tall Corner — 62 Church Street
One of Hawthorn’s genuine highlights. The staff sources everything locally. Price range: $15-22. The back area is where the regulars sit. Their social media is worth following for event announcements.
Best Coffee While Working
Lucky Corner — 184 Liddiard Street
Opened in 2024 and already a regular stop for locals. The design is industrial-meets-cozy. Prices are fair for the quality. What sets it apart is the consistency — every visit delivers the same quality. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-4pm.
The Good Bench — 81 Burwood Road
One of Hawthorn’s hidden gems. The staff has been perfecting this for years. Price range: $15-22. The fit-out is unpretentious but considered. Their social media is worth following for event announcements.
Rex’s — 318 Burwood Road
Opened in 2024 and already a regular stop for locals. The space is bright and welcoming. The kind of place you tell friends about. What sets it apart is the consistency — every visit delivers the same quality. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 8am-2:30pm.
Co-Working Nearby
Ava — 160 Liddiard Street
One of Hawthorn’s best-kept secrets. The owner has been perfecting this for years. Price range: $15-22. The fit-out is unpretentious but considered. Saturday morning is the best time to visit.
Blue Works — 58 Burwood Road
Opened in 2024 and already a regular stop for locals. The space is bright and welcoming. The kind of place you tell friends about. What sets it apart is the personal touch — the owner is usually on site. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3:30pm.
Vera Kitchen — 144 Auburn Road
A local institution that has been operating for over 8 years. The atmosphere is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-4pm. Don’t miss this one. The staff remember regulars and greet newcomers warmly. Expect to spend $15-22 per person.
Practical Info
Getting there: Hawthorn/Glenferrie stations, tram 16.
Best time to visit: Saturday for the full buzz.
Budget: A full day exploring Hawthorn — coffee, lunch, activity, and drinks — runs approximately $64 per person.
Parking: Street parking on Glenferrie Road is available but competitive on weekends. Side streets usually have 2-hour unrestricted zones. Public transport is the better option.
Hawthorn at a Glance
| Category | Quick Answer |
|---|---|
| Vibe | Leafy, established, university suburb |
| Coffee price | $5.00-5.50 |
| Dinner price | $35-55 pp |
| Getting there | Hawthorn/Glenferrie stations, tram 16 |
| Best for | Swinburne University, Glenferrie Road strip |
Nearby
- Kew — also worth exploring
- Hawthorn Cafes
- Hawthorn Restaurants
- All Hawthorn Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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