Dead Man Espresso

Came here for their chicken burger as I had heard it was great. Don’t think I would go back. It was Meh, the 2 star rating has it spot on.

Hidden away just off the main street, this little café is definitely worth a visit. It has indoor and outdoor balcony seating with wooden and metal décor. The coffee is delicious and the service is very friendly. My fiancé and I both ordered waffles, mine with apple crumble and his with bacon and maple syrup (he added 2 poached eggs).
While the meals did lack a little in presentation (could do with a small garnish on the top of both to add height) they tasted delicious and were a good size.
I would definitely come back again for a coffee and another meal because the experience was so enjoyable.

Well, they say don’t judge a book by it’s cover but I will add don’t judge a café by it’s name. I thought the name was pretty cool, and one of the Unilocal reviews gave suggested that it was pretty impressive. However, as it turned out, I was probably expecting a lot more than I actually go. The staff were okay, as was the open steak sandwich (though it took ages to prepare, and was a little on the small side) but the thing that really put me off the place was the coffee — it was absolutely disgusting. Okay, I never knew the difference between good and bad coffee until I came to this place, and when it comes to coffee, at least the one I had, this was absolutely the worst. I won’t be coming back here any time soon.

I was a huge fan of Seven Seeds so I was excited to try Dead Man Espresso, and it did not disappoint. Up a few steps from Market Street and through the single entry door, you’ll find aesthetically pleasing interiors decorated with cacti and modern wooden finishes.
Whether you’re an inside dweller or someone who prefers the outdoors, you’ll find your perfect spot, with plenty of seating inside and out. It’s table service here, so sit back and peruse the menu as your coffee is brewed fresh from the Seven Seeds blend.
Restrooms aren’t often mentioned in reviews but I thought I’d give it a whirl– if you’ve maybe had a few too many coffees, rest easy knowing that behind a door that blends into the wall, there’s one just for you.
At first a bit hesitant about the Green Pancakes, I was persuaded by the offer of smoked salmon and poached eggs. And to my surprise, I loved it! The pancake was a little strange at first given it was made of vegetables, but the flavours of everything blended well together.
Do I give this place a thumbs up? Sure do.

Enjoyed the food and super friendly service. My partner got a flat white and then another coffee to go so she really liked the coffee. I had an excellent ham and cheese croissant and black tea and she enjoyed a scone with cream. Looking forward to going back.

Just had breakfast at this place for the third time. I’m a tourist who is visiting Melbourne and was told this is a great place to eat. I am writing this review specifically for the service. It is slower than what I expect for a great café. And today my waitress picked up my plate when I was in middle of my conversation with my friend. I couldn’t react in time. And when I brought it up, she says she was being «polite» by not asking since we were talking. Someone should tell her from the management that the polite thing is to ask your customers if you are done with your plate before jumping in and being over zealous. Puts a downer for an otherwise decent meal.

Delicious coffee and the chicken and waffles was as good as I hoped (the main reason we came here). Highly recommend for foodies and coffee snobs!

To quote (well it’s more of a derivation from his actual quote but anyway.) Joey Tribbiani: «Coffee — goood!, Food — goood!»… So I can’t find a reason to not like Dead Man Espresso really. I haven’t really explored South Melbourne breakfast/​lunch options however (thanks to Danielle S) I think this is about to change!
We had lunch there on Sunday and it was really nice. Located on Market St, it’s a short stroll from the South Melbourne market, Coles in Clarendon centre or Woolies in South Melbourne Central. The atmosphere is very relaxed and the place has a sleek feel about it.
My flat white was nice and (after toying with the idea of getting the Roscoes Chicken & Waffles) I opted for the Pork Bun — Waffles are a sweet option in my book so!!! — which was quite nice.
They have a good selection of items on their menu to suit different tastes and I know that I’m definitely trying their blackberry waffles and smoked brisket sandwich on my next visits.

Welcoming ambience with a nice raised, sunny deck seating area looking down over the street. I only wanted coffee, but despite the fact they were busy they still happily found me a spot. Very friendly service, great coffee. Food also looked good — a future visit to try that, perhaps.

Had a soy flat white and it was a solid cup. Also tried the scones and they were great! Very filling and were as good as homemade ones!
Great vibes at this place! Will certainly be back!

Great spot away from Sth Melbourne markets for breaky — quite noisy though but the food is divine. Service efficient and coffee is great. Had to wait about 5mins for a table — no problem there but we were asked to wait outside where it was freezing

Excellent food, the best coffee I have had in a very long time. Only downside was the service which was decent but not up to the standard of the food.
On my second visit I sat on he balcony watching the world go by as I soaked up the winter sun.
Definitely go here.

I had the green pancakes and I was not sure I would like it. They were delicious! They are little pillowy, savory pancakes with smoked salmon on-​top, pesto, salad and a poached egg. What else do you need? A coffee blended by 7 Seeds just for them. Yeah I would go back!

With so much completion around South Melbourne this is a great spot for food and coffee!
You can almost walk or drive past this unassuming frontage but hunt it down and give it a go!

The Chai latte I was having was pretty normal while there are so many others good coffee around Melbourne. Chilli prawn omelette with salad was good, the wagyu beef bun was kind of bit pricey for the taste. Overall was ok… if u just need a place to sit down, enjoy the brunch moment Then u can choose here. As the location is far from the traffic. quiet yet easy to reach~

Had a ladies who brunch date with my gorgeous friend Nessy and saw that their menu has changed. Green pancakes are still there but what tempted me is the fried chicken with waffles.
I can never resist the temptation of savoury sweetness! The chicken was crispy on the outside and succulent on the inside. The waffle was drizzled with maple syrup and was fluffy enough, however it would be nicer if the outside was crispier.
Nessy had the scones and that looked amazing as well.
To finish off I had a soy mocha made with Mörk chocolate which really hits the spot. What a fantastic brunch!

This is the type of joint where you wish you had a magical bottomless stomach because when you examine the menu you just want to try everything.
Being within walking distance of our accommodation made this café a no-​brainer to go to, especially with all the raving Unilocal reviews. Obviously a swift choice for breakfast/​brunch.
From the outside you can tell straight away the interior was going to be just a trendy and funky looking. It has a kind of garden but docklandish style. The moment we walked in it was packed, full with mainly the younger hipster crowd. Very Melbourne.
The food was downright delicious. Honestly I really did want to sample everything and when we ordered four dishes the waitress gave us the «it’s not going to fit on the table» face. But we don’t care, serve it our food in tiers, lady. I think the star dish for me was the super porridge. It was indeed super, there was a colossal lathering of ingredients but they worked well together. Especially the rhubarb addition. At least I think it was rhubarb because it bloody tasted like it albeit didn’t look like it. The bircher muesli was also a hit, I did see alot of other diners had ordered that one.
I dared to order diet coke but I knew they wouldn’t have it, not this establishment. Nope its all freshly squeezed straight from the farm juice here. Although they do have some alcoholic selections of the cocktail variety. Possibly a weekend menu thing? I’m unsure.
The café was open, clean and tasteful to dine in. Not too noisy when you drown out the sound of hipster talk around you. I found the chairs probably the heaviest I’ve ever had to pull out. Luckily my man was with me, found him something to do there. The customer service was attentive, hopefully we didn’t agitate them too much. I know on my next trip south I would go there again, it’s default divine and slightly off the beaten track.

Solid. Seven Seeds coffee hit the spot & food is pretty good. Pork belly brioche was all rich and fatty and melt in your mouth, the gazpacho shot of soup on the side is a bit confused. Great kale hash with some tasty kaiserfleisch (thickcut bacon).
Came for some crispy pancetta but alas no dice. Black pudding here ain’t got nothin on St Ali (that place has spoilt me, no other pudding compares!!) but it’s a nice little spot with a chilled out vibe. promising.

I love this place. Having it right under my nose I never would of found it without all the Unilocaling tips and what a find. I’ve been here a few times now and each time struggled to choose something off the menu as there are too many enticing options. I probably would have given it a 4 star rating but the amazing special I ate today has totally tipped me over the line.
Saturday we ate the ricotta cake special. This was a delicately light with a crème brûlée light golden crust. It was served with fresh figs and mandarins with an orange curd and sprinkled with mint and cacao nibs. So many of my favourite things all on one plate.
There are a lot of decadent brunch options including the brisket sand which and pork belly blt but if you’re going to indulge you won’t be disappointed. Even the avocado and goats cheese offering is somewhat different with a sprinkling of buckwheat that is rather tasty.
Their coffee is really good and the baristas take pride in what they do. Overall I really like this spot and super happy it’s in my hood.

How can you not love Dead Man Espresso?
Great location in South Melbourne, relaxed interior, friendly staff and great coffee with seasonal menu.
Dead Man grow most of their fresh produce on their roof, yep their roof!
Head Chef Bex Kaye pays that extra special attention to the detail of each dish which ensures a great dining experience.
I’ve had a sweet tooth lately so opted for the Hot Cakes with Banana cream custard with a maple, caramel & cinnamon crunch. I swear heaven went into my mouth. The caramel crunch went so well with the hotcakes and banana cream — the dish was amazing.
I live no where near Dead Man but made the trip especially there to check it out and was so glad that I did.