Make the most of your mornings in Byron with our guide to Byron Bay’s best coffee spots.

Is there a better morning ritual than a steaming cup of coffee paired with an ocean dip? Not when you wake up in Byron Bay. The coffee-drinking community in the Northern Rivers (as with the entire community itself) is strong, vibrant and nurturing – expect great coffee served with welcoming smiles. Whether it be in Byron town itself, or a bit further afield in Brunswick Heads, Mullumbimby or out in the hills, we have rounded up our favourite spots to visit. Just remember, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a decent coffee past 2pm – the best spots open and close early.

Espressohead

Slip behind the main bustle and you’ll find a quietly kept local secret at Espressohead. This community-focused cafe has been extracting very good brews for years to keep locals well-caffeinated. Served to complement their house blend is an array of breakfast and lunch menu items, from the surprisingly delightful smashed peas with poached eggs to a zingy and savoury Vietnamese pancake. Once you go, you’ll be inclined to keep this one all to yourself.

Address: 7/4 Middleton Street, Byron Bay

Bayleaf Café

This always-busy spot is drenched with sunshine in the morning and may require a short wait for a table. Sip on Bayleaf’s own coffee blend crafted by Blackboard or for those who don’t partake in the bean, opt for a matcha latte or a roll-call of delicious teas. There are breakfast and lunch options to go alongside and the people-watching has a very Byron vibe.

Address: 2a Marvell Street, Byron Bay

Folk

A side-step from the town centre, charming Folk is a beautifully Byron spot where locals gather for caffeine-fuelled catch-ups. Perch under a leafy canopy in the lush garden and soak up the sunshine as you pair your cuppa with something from the wholesome-leaning menu. Inside it’s all wood tones and welcoming energy from 7.30am to 2.30pm every day.

Address: 399 Ewingsdale Road, Byron Bay

The Salty Mangrove

By evening, this cute hideout in the northern locale of New Brighton slings cocktails and chef-y plates, but by day it’s gently overrun with beachcombers and toddlers spilling babycinos. On Tuesdays when the New Brighton market is in full swing across the road, it’s a popular spot to refuel post-shop. The coffee is very good indeed and the array of baked goods and deli-style snacks are equally delicious.

Address: 50 River Street, New Brighton

The Byron Bay General Store

On the southern end of town, The Byron Bay General Store, a cool cafe set in a historic building, beckons with its casual vibes and good coffee. Grab a picnic table under an umbrella and watch the world go by as you take your time over a delicious breakfast of chilli scrambled tofu or sticky date waffles. You can even stay onsite at the beautifully styled The Villa General.

Address: 26 Bangalow Road, Byron Bay

The Top Shop

Up the hill from town, The Top Shop, housed in a 1950s-era renovated milk bar, is a Byron icon. Spilling onto the grass while you wait for your coffee and bacon and egg roll at this slick operation is almost a bucket list experience. The grinds are good and the menu is all comforting classics of burgers, shakes, smoothies and some fresher options, but watching the constant throng of locals and tourists roll in and out is perhaps the highlight here. Open from 6.30am to 3pm.

Address: 65 Carlyle Street, Byron Bay

Woods

If you’re venturing into the sweet hinterland town of Bangalow, you’ll need to fortify your perusing with a good coffee. Direct yourself off the main street to Woods, where the beans are from local roastery Moonshine and the food is ethical and local. Set in a pretty, white weatherboard cottage and frequented by stylish locals, take in the Bangalow ambience as you tuck into cafe classics.

Address: 10 Station Street, Bangalow

The Kiosk

If you’re after a morning brew to wake you up pre- or post-beach stroll, your top pick should be The Kiosk at Clarkes Beach. This oceanside cottage is part high-end restaurant, part kiosk, but for casual caffeine walk-bys, go directly to the small hole-in-the-wall. The Kiosk is helpfully located at the start of the walk along the headland to Wategoes Beach and up to the Cape Byron Lighthouse, so if you’re walking for enjoyment rather than fitness, hit the trail with your takeaway and join the Lycra-clad throng.

Address: 2 Massinger Street, Byron Bay

Sparrow

A local favourite, Sparrow offers delicious Allpress coffee on the go. With a cute hole-in-the-wall outpost on the main street of Bangalow and a bigger corner space in the heart of Byron town, Sparrow is known for its super-friendly and fast service.

They have different types of milk and dairy substitutes on offer, as well as a few croissants and pastries for the road. An essential stop. (They also have locations within McTavish, and in QLD in Burleigh Heads, Nobby Beach and Port Douglas as well).

Address: 1/47 Johnson, Byron Street, Byron Bay; 1A/32-34 Byron Street, Bangalow

Baker & Daughters

Baker & Daughters is a happy place to be. Owners Beck and Matt are gorgeous people and always deliver coffee and their good honest food with a smile. Proudly serving Ona coffee – their ethos is simple – connecting great people with great coffee. This is another local favourite (the queue outside all day says it all). Not only great coffee and consistently excellent service, but delicious bread and baked goods as well.

Address: 28 Burringbar St, Mullumbimby

Daily Counter

Daily Counter has been a mainstay in Brunswick Heads for many years now. Sarah and her team serve up Allpress coffee with super friendly smiles. They also offer a small food menu as well, think granola, croissants, and bagels. Open 5:30 am-12 pm.

Address: 15 Tweed St, Brunswick Heads

Roadhouse

Another local favourite, Roadhouse (or “the Roadie") in the morning is known for its excellent Allpress Espresso coffee and other warm tonics and drinks that are perfect to kickstart your morning. Try their “Magic Mushroom" spiced hot chocolate – it’s amazing.

Address: 6/142 Bangalow Rd, Byron Bay

Byron Moonshine Coffee Roasters

Byron Moonshine Coffee is a lovely family business out in the Byron hinterland in the charming village of Federal. The premium specialty coffee roaster is renowned for its fair trade and organic coffee, supplying beans to many of the cafes throughout the region. If you spot the Moonshine Coffee logo, expect a consistently good cup of coffee.

Address: 447 Federal Dr, Federal

High Life

Follow the music to High Life Byron Bay for a reliable brew of Allpress Espresso. Faithful regulars also come for the selection of warm tonics and delicious organic and seasonal food on the menu.

Bun Coffee

Bun Coffee has been roasting coffee in Byron Bay since 2005. The boutique, specialty roaster sources organic, fair trade, or rainforest alliance beans and its takeaway cups and lids are also fully compostable and biodegradable. Lovely people and great coffee – find them in the Byron Bay industrial estate.

Address: 17/1A Banksia Dr, Byron Bay

B Smoothie Bar

In February 2023, B Smoothie Bar moved into a stunning new space in Habitat. Still serving its exclusive Bare Blends smoothies, they now offer coffee by Marvell Street Coffee (a local roaster that started roasting back in 2009 in a small shop on Marvell Street in the heart of Byron Bay). Open until 3 pm (a rare late afternoon find).

Address: Habitat/5 Easy St, Byron Bay

Tones at Sōko

Find Tones at Sōko tucked away in the Byron Bay industrial estate. This little slice of industrial paradise has outdoor and indoor seating and in addition to excellent coffee, you can also grab a quick breakfast or even a bunch of beautiful Braer flowers (a florist that shares the same space).

Address: 4 Acacia St, Byron Bay

Originally written by Georgia Hopkins with updates by Lara Picone

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