Jolly Swagman Cafe

Felt like a pie and heard that there are some decent ones at The Jolly Swagman Cafe so dropped by on a day off. Got myself a steak and mushroom pie ($5.60) and sat by the counter observing a steady stream of customers roll through with their takeaway orders.

The pie was decent and had a few visible chunks of meat inside. I can't say I loved it though, and I'm nowhere close to recreating that memory from childhood. Maybe I'm not getting the right pies, or maybe it's a foolish quests. Then again, maybe I'm just after an excuse to try more pies - I've even got a little pie crawl in the works with a fellow pie lover, to check out a few other recommended pie vendors.

As for the Swagman, it's a local café that I do pass by often, so I plan to be back at some point to try other items, whether pies or other food. The staff are pretty friendly though I did get questioned on why I was taking photos around the place! 😁

Oh how I really wanted this cafe to be quirky and interesting.

Just moved into the area and loved the Roadhouse feel. The quirky seating area was so country it made me feel at home. Unfortunately that was all I could give credit for.

Coffee was beyond overpriced, especially for Merlo. I ended up getting a pie after being rushed through our order by the lady at the counter. She kept asking us if there was anything else whilst we tried to take in the enormous selection of food written on the wall.

Coffee tasted like cardboard and was just seriously bad considering the price. My partner liked his ice latte with syrup because it was full of syrup and couldn't taste the coffee.

The pie was also overpriced and completely undercooked. The dough was not simply soggy from the meat, it was not cooked. You can see the line of cooked pastry on the outside and where the dough started. It was relatively tasty, maybe a bit oversalted but just couldn't believe it wasnt cooked. Especially for over $5.

Will not be returning. BP has better value.

Great food and reasonable pricing. Friendly staff and a good selection of food and pastries. Also the coffee was perfect.

Enjoyed a good Merlo coffee here. Very smooth chocolatey blend ordered a flat white with double shot. No bitterness. Friendly attentive service. There's seating inside & outside. Bakery items are also available

I just started visiting this café recently. The merlo coffee is amazing I tried a pie with peas and that was good. Staff are nice, the menu looks really appetising i will definitely be back to try one of the burgers.

Bought a pie here first time and a flat white ...pie was nice but very expensive for the size !? However my coffee was awesome 👍 you can't really tell there's a cafe there as it's kinda tucked away but service was good 😊

Had a lovely visit with my daughter the other morning while my car was being fixed next door. A fab baby chino for the wee one and always lovely coffee and the best pies in town (love their Cajun chicken pie!!)

Very good value for money and very friendly staff!
I'd certainly pop in if I'm in the area.
I was even able to get the swagman's breakfast after 12pm, however they don't normally do that.
But the food was good and $14.90 for a big brekkie including a flat white is a great deal!
There is even filtered complimentary water!
I look forward for the next visit!