Top Cafes of 2016 - Bendigo

Everything about El Gordo was so promising - the beautiful little laneway, such a surprise in Bendigo's often bland retail landscape, the warm friendly welcome and excellent service, the "No. 1 in Bendigo" rating... Pity the coffee let it down - my espresso was bitter and thin, my partner's latté no better - these were not terrible coffees, but they were not good either. Ok, a top café should never let its standards drop, and I frequent several places in Melbourne and even a couple in nearby Castlemaine where I have never had a bad coffee - so to be fair I went back to El Gordo a few days later to try again. Sadly, the two espressos were not even as good as the first time. The search continues... I have yet to have a really good coffee in Bendigo, but I have many more places to try.

Coffee was terrible needs serious work was so so sour and then the second one was watery... figure that El Gordo?

Tasty coffee and attentive staff

Nice coffee house attentive staff nice environment but coffee was cold, sour and bland. Lots of other better coffee in town.

Coffee is consistently decent, food is also good but not as enjoyable as it used to be. Service is what lets this place down lately, the cheery vibe has been lost and the essence of hospitality doesn't seem to be so well understood by new owners- this is reflected by staff who are less personable & jump on you when you walk in the door telling you what to do- regardless of whether you're a regular or new face.

“The one with the caravan in it” More than just a pretty face, Cortille is nailing some great coffee and great food. Plenty of good seating inside and pleasant spots out front, they really do the AXIL Coffee justice. To find a fault is that it’s noisy, the floors, walls, ceilings don’t do much to dampen the sound of the chatter ... so don’t take your nanna here or she’ll struggle.

Axil Coffee you are not doing this awesome little cafe it's own justice give them a decent coffee to serve or some more training. Great venue just missing that mouth smacking coffee!

Coffee was good bit served too cold. Should have asked for a little warmer

A great coffee on the go

Coffee was good and consistent but very small tight space, staff missing that cheerfulness and for such a shop with so many other venues why not roast your own coffee....

Great tasting coffee, very smooth 👌🏼

I rarely make it to Bendigo, but when I'm here, my first stop is always this cafe. Smiling service and good coffee.

Amazing Doppio one of the best I have ever had and service was the best we have received in Bendigo still a stand out to the rest!! Well done Brewhouse!!