169 Chapel St, Windsor 3181
(03) 9521 4884
Google Map Link
Coffee brand: In-House Roasters
Follow up review completed (April 2010). See 4th review link at bottom of page.
“They control the quality of coffee from bean to cup. It is seemingly so focused that it wouldn’t be surprising if they send Christmas cards to their bean pickers”
Dukes Coffee Roasters. This place is hard to not get excited about. Our experience has been very positive. The thing that stands out for us is genuine passion, care, quality control and a willingness to talk about what they are doing. We have noticed there is usually one of two guys behind the machine, and from time to time when we have seen another they have been under careful supervision. The resulting coffees that reach us are presented well, of a high standard, and have been consistent in quality.
Duke’s is a new player on the scene but from what we have seen they, and others, are setting a new standard. This is a good thing. For a city supposedly famous for its cafe scene it is remarkably easy to get ordinary coffee.
Embrace places like this.
Score Summary.
Cafe Latte: 16.5, 16.5, 16.5 Macchiato (Long Kind): 18.5, 17, 17 Espresso: 16, 17.5, 17 Ristretto: 17, 16.5, 17.5Overall Mean Score: 16.84. Highly Recommended
My wife & I went to Dukes Coffee Roaster yesterday (Australia Day, 26th Jan 2010) and found that consistencies are their biggest issue here.
We ordered breakfast (mine: avocado hummus toast w/ honey candied bacon & poached eggs; my wife’s: scrambled eggs & crispy pancetta w/ hollandaise sauce in baguette) and 2 latte. My latte was quite nice, probably a bit on the strong side. But my wife’s latte was watery and weak. Also, the poached eggs on my breakfast, 1 was perfectly cooked (yellow still runny) but the other 1 was overcooked.
Then we ordered a flat white, and again, was weak and watery.
I’m not sure if they’ve changed barista since your last review, but I certainly can’t agree with your latte score, unless we have a totally different taste buds for coffee
Having said that, I do agree re: your score on Switchboard Cafe, so maybe we don’t have different taste buds for coffee after all 
Don’t take this as if I’m having a go with your review, not at all, just want to share my experience, that’s all. Keep the reviews coming!
Thanks for the comments, IW. Your feedback is always welcome and we appreciate you sharing your experience
It sounds like a disappointing breakfast at Dukes. They have indeed taken on a new barista, but that does not excuse lack of consistency…especially on a day that is expected to be busy, such as a public holiday.
They are coming up for the follow-up review and it is good to hear about all experiences, be they good or not so good.
SamW
I’m there when ever I can, but I’m there for the staff more than the coffee, is it the way they roast, maybe catering to there target market. Little bit sour. Maybe it’s the extraction. Or maybe it’s just me. Still love it and won’t stop going there.