Hugh Thorn’s café Hoboken is a play on words motioning toward the not-so-savoury types who tend to frequent Hosier Lane.

The pared back food and design are fitting with the eatery’s name. Groceries line the white tiled wall behind the bar while customers are seated on recycled timber stools and tables with personal cutlery drawers. The stripped back design compliments the simple menu that includes ‘slave food’ like Red Beans and Rice, bulky cling-wrapped sandwiches, slow cooked porridge and their signature porto piri piri omelette pocket. In keeping with the philosophy, food is served on second-hand enamel plates at very reasonable prices.

On tap is Hoboken’s own brewed beer, complimented by Gypsy cider. There is also a selection of white and red house wines.

Owner of Misty in Hosier Lane and Von Haus on Crossley Street, Hugh hopes his café Hoboken will provide “the best coffee south of Bourke Street.” Having succeeded at the cocktail and wine bar, there’s no doubt he has what it takes to tackle cafe culture.

Hoboken is also open Wednesday to Saturday nights from 6pm for dinner serving some deliciously fresh burgers. But make sure to get there quickly, they only sell 60 burgers a night. First in is best dressed.