Fresh out of a business degree, Calvin Tan opened Sixteen Ounces with next to no experience but heaps of youthful bravado. His gamble on his lucky number paid off. Sixteen Ounces was a hit from the start.

Located on the car-yard end of Albany Highway, the cafe’s fake lawn and cardboard deer trophies give it a let’s-stay-awhile vibe. With a single origin and the house blend, Batch 20, on the machine at any one time, plus cold drip during the warmer months, staying caffeinated isn’t a problem.

The menu works in extremes. There’s corned beef with poached eggs; mantou buns stuffed with beef satay; and brioche French toast with salted caramel, bacon and bananas. In the other corner, quinoa salad, fattoush and raw protein balls are on-hand for the health-conscious.

Paired with enthusiastic service, this dependable and inclusive menu makes Sixteen Ounces one popular brunch spot. Get in early to secure a table.