When work took designer Anthony Maniscalco to the quieter side of Marrickville, there was nowhere to grab a coffee. A quirky, old, unused garage owned by a client caught his attention, and he transformed it into a coffee hotspot in 2014.

An incredible sense of community has grown there since. There may be free wi-fi but it's rare to see anyone using it. They're too busy getting involved with the garage's usual communal banter.

Maniscalco has put his eye to good use inside. The centrepiece is the giant timber bar salvaged from an old Drummoyne wharf.

The ethos of the place is to keep it simple and do things well. The sweet and bold Allpress Supremo coffee blend, made with attention to detail, keeps the regulars returning.

Maniscalco makes basic breakfast items such as Bircher muesli and avocado on toast, and serves Oregano Bakery's take on cinnamon scrolls.

Come by for lunch for a baguette stuffed with gourmet ingredients. Options can include pulled pork and slaw; or pesto and vegetables. There are salads, too, and homemade soups for the colder months. Options change daily.