If you’re looking for the trifecta eating experience then the Nibu building on Lonsdale is sure to satisfy you from the morning and well into the night. These hidden gems have potentially been under you noses the whole time. While tucked away ever so cleverly, three small venues cannot stay hidden when they pack a punch this big. We are referring to the likes of Kyo Coffee Project, White Chaco and Braddon Brew, each equally as funky as the next.

If you work or live in the area, you’re presumably nutty for these three venues too – and all for different reasons. What they do have in common is a small but effective offering, great nosh, good price point and shared space they have all imparted value into creating a hotspot. Also tucked away and adding personality to the nook is The Barber Shop, Studio 1 which hosts Paint & Pinot each week a convenient bento box lunch spot called Bento Tei and the boutique stores heading into the building.

White Chaco

White Chaco serves up casual Japanese and Taiwanese entrees and mains. It’s the type of place you want to order all the entrées to taste a little of everything – and you can. The price point is extremely accommodating, you won’t leave hungry. Start on some sashimi, popcorn chicken, eggplant a tofu before heading into a curry main.

With room for just over 20 people and an awesome selection of Ramen, White Chaco is as cosy as it gets in winter. Wash down your food with a local wine or ask for recommendations on sake pairings.  Don’t worry they can usually accommodate the lunch crowd and they get through two sittings at night to feed the dinner bunch.

Braddon Brew

Open from morning ’til late with an equal passion for coffee and beer, not many venues can pull it off but Braddon Brew does it well. From custom roasted coffee to an ever rotating keg and tap system with craft classics and limited small batch releases, you’ll feel the love come through the menu.

The Friday after work crowd know this is the place to be. They make classic cocktails exceptionally well and there’s always one – or two-house cocktails you can snag for just $10! For example, the limoncello spritz, genius right? House made limoncello stirred into a palatable cocktail for just $10 a pop.

The food isn’t confusing. In fact it’s exactly the sh*t you want to eat when sinking a few. The potato gems are flawless. The fish tacos delicious and an assortment of burgers and toasties are available to soak up the liquor. They’ll even let you order from their friendly neighbours at White Chaco!

Kyo Coffee Project

Damn good coffee, arguably the best on Lonsdale. They have a solid range of alt milk, including Happy Soy Boy and Oatly and their white Milk is by Little Big Dairy Co, sustainable dairy farmers.

While they aren’t a vegan café, they have some awesome Asian influenced vegan breakfasts and seasonal veggies and pickles goods are definitely heroes on the menu. In saying that, the team know a good B&E rolls is essential and my god they have mastered it.

You can always find a Three Mills baked goodie on hand to accompany your coffee or a homemade cake brought in fresh that day. Simple foods always done well is guaranteed. Expect a bustling vibes from open ‘til close on weekends.