You’ve probably driven past that leafy corner on Malvern Road a hundred times. Maybe you saw the street-side tables packed on a Saturday morning or caught a whiff of roasting coffee while stuck in traffic. That’s Mr Foxx Glen Iris, a place that’s basically become the unofficial town hall for locals.
Honestly, the Melbourne cafe scene is exhausting. It’s usually all neon lights and "deconstructed" nonsense these days. But this spot? It’s different. It feels like it’s been there forever, even though it’s only been about a decade. People call it a "hidden gem," but let’s be real: if there’s a twenty-minute wait for a table, the secret is definitely out.
Why People Keep Coming Back to Mr Foxx Glen Iris
Most cafes have a "vibe" that feels forced. You know the ones—industrial stools that hurt your back and staff who are too cool to say hello. Mr Foxx Glen Iris dodges that bullet. It’s rustic-chic but in a way that feels like a comfortable living room. Huge windows let in all that morning sun, and the timber finishes make the whole place feel warm, even when it’s one of those grey, drizzly Melbourne Tuesdays.
It sits right on the corner of Malvern Road and Creswick Street. It’s the kind of place where you see people reading actual physical newspapers (remember those?) or working on laptops while picking at a plate of fritters.
The Food: Beyond Just Smashed Avo
Don't get me wrong, they have the staples. But they do them better than most. The menu at Mr Foxx Glen Iris is this weirdly successful mashup of classic Aussie brunch and creative seasonal experiments.
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- Blue Tiful Hotcakes: These are legendary. We're talking house-made ricotta hotcakes topped with coconut sorbet, pistachio dust, and berry compote. It looks like a garden on a plate.
- Southern Fried Chicken Burger: Brioche bun, sriracha mayo, and shoestring fries. It’s messy. It’s heavy. It’s exactly what you want at 1:00 PM on a Sunday.
- The Benedict: They use a pecorino and potato rosti instead of boring old English muffins. That’s a game-changer.
- Pan Fried Salmon: For the "I'm trying to be healthy" crowd, this comes with kipfler potatoes and sweet potato crisps.
The pricing is pretty standard for Glen Iris. You're looking at about $22 to $30 for a main. Not cheap, but the portions are massive. You won’t leave hungry.
The Coffee Situation
If a cafe in Glen Iris can't make a decent latte, it’s dead in the water. Mr Foxx Glen Iris knows this. They serve a double ristretto as their standard, which gives the coffee a much richer, smoother kick without that burnt bitterness you get at some chain shops.
Wait times can be a bit of a gamble. On a Tuesday at 10:00 AM, you’ll get your caffeine fix in minutes. On a sunny Saturday? Be prepared to wait. The staff are usually pretty on the ball, but when the place is slammed, things can slow down. It’s a neighborhood local, not a fast-food joint.
What Nobody Tells You About the Service
Let’s be honest. Sometimes the service is a bit polarizing. If you look at reviews, you'll see people praising the "unobtrusive" staff who let you sit and read your book for an extra hour. Then you’ll see someone else complaining that their plate wasn't cleared fast enough.
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Personally? I like that they don't hover. It feels less like a transaction and more like a space you're allowed to exist in. If you want something, just catch their eye—they’re friendly, they just aren't going to pester you every five minutes.
Finding the Place (and Parking)
Address: 1491 Malvern Rd, Glen Iris VIC 3146.
Parking can be a bit of a nightmare. Malvern Road is busy, and the side streets fill up fast. If you can, walk or take the tram. It’s much less stressful than circling the block three times while your stomach growls.
They are open 7 days a week, usually from 7:00 AM until mid-afternoon. The kitchen usually packs it in around 2:30 PM, so don't roll up at 3:00 PM expecting a full steak sandwich.
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Is It Actually Worth the Hype?
Look, Mr Foxx Glen Iris isn't trying to reinvent the wheel. It’s just a really solid, reliable cafe that cares about the quality of its ingredients. It’s the sort of place where the "Ancient Grain Salad" actually tastes good, and the "Kids Menu" isn't just an afterthought.
It’s local. It’s vibrant. It’s a bit loud when it’s full.
If you're in the area and need a spot that feels like the heart of the community, this is it. Just maybe avoid the peak 11:00 AM weekend rush if you value your sanity.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Check the specials board first: The kitchen often runs seasonal dishes that aren't on the main printed menu.
- Aim for an early arrival: If you're heading there on a weekend, try to get in before 9:30 AM to snag a window seat without the wait.
- Explore the takeaway window: If the tables are full, grab a coffee and a muffin to go and head down to one of the nearby parks.