Bookplate
Great ambiance (stained glass inside, lake views outside). Nice place to sit and read outside of the lunchtime rush.
Fairly consistently good coffee, but don’t order a large unless you have had a recent medical checkup as it comes in a soup bowl. I had a go when I had a morning free and gave up after about 45 minutes.
After a few days of good cappuccinos I then got a pretty much undrinkable one. Atmosphere is good, some tasty snacks to enjoy and the free wifi is definitely a bonus.
Coffee is consistently OK, yummy little things to have on the side or for lunch. Can always find a seat even if it is busy as people are generally willing to share the comfy couches. Free wi-fi is handy too.
A visit to Bookplate is more for the atmosphere than the coffee - which is strictly average. You can, however, enjoy the ambience of Canberra retirees bathed in the warm glow of light through stained glass, while congratulating yourself on your taste in cultural institutions. Also, can be ridiculously busy on weekends.
The National Library’s café serves some tasty espresso accompanied by a small menu of exquisitely made dishes. Nice and quiet with plenty of space. Free WiFi. Chinotto.
Nearby cafes
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Paperplate
11 Parkes Pl, Parkes ACT 2600, Australia
Paperplate normally does slightly better flat whites than its upstairs cousin Bookplate, depending who’s on the machine, and has a range of cheaper food options. They only have paper takeaway cups so the coffee drinking ritual is less pleasant, but ther…
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Questacon cafe
Mall Rd W, Parkes ACT 2600, Australia
OK for a tourist cafe. My flat white came out in a latte glass rather than a cup, which at least warned me that the milk was superheated. Not bad after it cooled off a lot but awfully milky (maybe it was a latte after all?)
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Biscotti Bar
Reconciliation Place, Parkes ACT 2600, Australia
Longish wait for a short macchiato, but they got it right in the end. Just to show coffee in tourist spots doesn’t have to be cruddy.
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Café in the House, Old Parliament House
18 King George Terrace, Parkes ACT 2600, Australia
My soy chai latte was fine, a tad expensive but not surprising. The staff was super friendly and the cafe has a nice vibe.
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Pork Barrel Café
King George Terrace, Parkes ACT 2600, Australia
Pork Barrel Café enjoys some nice surroundings, situated in the park across from Old Parliament House. I enjoyed a well-made piccolo latte. Service was a bit patchy, particularly given we were the only group in the entire café.
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NGA Members’ Lounge
National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Pl, Canberra ACT 2600, Australia
The coffee here is fine, although not amazing. The staff are generally helpful and speedy although if you go at lunch time expect not only a wait but also a shortage of tables. Fantastic view though.
