Would you trade a couple of duckbills for a taste of something heavenly? Well, I did when I ordered Bluestone Lane Café’s strawberry matcha coconut cloud drink. The vegan matcha cold foam’s earthy flavors and notes of sweetness paired with the strawberry base’s fruity punch were incredibly divine. As someone who usually drinks slowly, let me tell you, this drink was so addicting I finished it in under ten minutes. Besides this one stellar drink, Bluestone Lane’s menu has a vibe of its own, from their Bondi Blue Smoothie that resembles a dark clouded sky to their Blue Lavender Matcha Cloud, which is dairy-free. This Melbourne-inspired café is nestled in a charming blue shop and offers ethically sourced and sustainably packaged coffee. Sure, the drinks are a bit on the pricey side, but for the quality, quantity, and good practices, it’s worth it. On my second visit, I had to try the Aussie Iced Chocolate, and trust me when I say it was the bomb. It was a chocoholic’s dream, with velvety, decadent chocolate blended perfectly with a subtle hint of rich espresso flavor, adding just the right contrast.
Bluestone Lane’s calming aura is due to its cozy, spacious seating and nautical color scheme. They even have an outdoor space under an adorable blue tent, carrying the recurring theme onto Hoboken’s streets. With both indoor and outdoor seating options, it’s perfect year-round. But let’s also talk about the service — the staff were super friendly. On my first visit, the barista shared stories of how a group of students ran into their professor while doing their homework for that professor before class in their cafe. The conversational staff creates a welcoming atmosphere, encapsulating the true Australian spirit! The real magic of Bluestone lies in how quick the service is. I had just ordered when they called out, “One Aussie Iced Chocolate for Prisha.” I was astounded! I’m sure the guy who made my drink had some superpower because I have never seen such quick service. Even when I ordered my strawberry matcha coconut cloud during rush hour, I still received my order in just seven minutes.
Their Google Reviews rave about the customer service, and while there are a few complaints about the price, Bluestone Lane doesn’t shy away from addressing them instantly. Their quick and polite replies to reviews show their dedication to customer satisfaction. Not only is it a café but also a brunch spot, offering a variety of healthy and delicious options, like the soft chili scramble with avocado or the breakfast bowl under the menu titled “brekkie originals,” which is Aussie slang for breakfast. The pancake and sweets menu is to die for! They have some of the most mouthwatering options — imagine fresh lemon ricotta pancakes topped with fluffy ricotta, sour and creamy citrus curd, and tart raspberries. Absolutely, utterly scrumptious! Don’t even get me started on the gluten-free banana bread served with whipped ricotta, fresh berries, and roasted pecans drizzled with locally sourced honey. Another nice touch is how they mention each menu item’s food restrictions, like soy, dairy, gluten, and eggs, along with the calorie count, making it easier for those with food allergies. It’s safe to say that Bluestone Lane has become my reliable go-to café, and I’m happy to pay the price if it means supporting a shop that promotes ethically sourced coffee. They partner with coffee farmers in Africa, Asia, and South America and are involved in every step of the sourcing process. It’s rare to find a place so well-rounded in customer service, sustainability, and ethical practices, which is why this café resonates with me more than many others. Its menu is inclusive and healthy, offering vegan and non-dairy options while bringing that authentic Australian touch. Next time I visit, my friend has convinced me to try Vegemite, and for Bluestone Lane, I just might — even though I dislike Vegemite.
