Stagger Lee is a song first recorded in 1923, telling the tale of the murder of William ‘Billy’ Lyons by ‘Stag’ Lee Shelton and more than 400 artists have put their own spin on the song since.

The song’s most recent reinterpretation comes from the people who brought you Proud Mary, in the form of their new cafe on a busy corner in Brunswick Street. Stagger Lee’s offers a concise but exciting menu and top-shelf coffee with a minimalist fit out that offers maximum aesthetic.

The main difference between Stagger Lee’s and its nearby sister cafe is that it has a liquor license. Stagger Lee’s also only sells single-origin espresso and filter coffee. It pairs a coffee from Brazil that works, without blending, well with milk and has two rotating options for black, all running off the Malkonig EK 43 grinder

The menu includes dishes such as truffled polenta with in-season pine mushrooms and the Stack & Billy Burger made up of a double Black Angus patty with American mustard, pickles and tomato ketchup, complemented by bacon croquettes. Also on offer is a toastie with thick-cut bacon and HP sauce, which goes perfectly with the Bucket of Blood – Stagger Lee’s own take on the Bloody Mary (named for a line in Nick Cave’s version of the song).

Updated: March 13th, 2018

We do not seek or accept payment from the cafes, restaurants, bars and shops listed in the Directory – inclusion is at our discretion. Venue profiles are written by independent freelancers paid by Broadsheet.

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