Reuben Hills is one of the few specialty coffee shops with a full menu. Just walk up quiet Albion St until you see the black and white sign hanging over some upturned crates. The sound of clinking cutlery and general conversation bounces around the somewhat cavernous space. On one side of the room, there's a shelf lined with pourover filters and all manner of V60 drippers (all for sale). This sits above a Fetco batch brewer. Fluorescent tube lighting forms an 'X' on the wall opposite. I'm not sure if it's meant to mean anything but I appreciate the aesthetic choice.
As with all specialty shops, there's a rotating single origin ranging from a sweet Pacas grown in Honduras to a (probably) acidic Gachika AA from Kenya. It's brewed in one of three ways: on the afore mentioned Fetco ($5.50), with a classic espresso machine ($5.50), or cold brewed ($5.50) with a five hour immersion. Reuben has made an interesting choice in forgoing pourovers for batch brewing; the comeback is real. Each comes with a little card detailing things like the varietal, process, and some background about the farmers. Coffee is serious business here. If the blazing summer heat has got you incoherent but you're not feeling coffee served over ice, try the slushi ($6) which is a blend of frozen milk, coffee, and panella sugar.
The menu's Central and South American infulence is clear with dishes like albondigas ($19.50) – Mexican meatballs – and tacos al pastor ($18) – red pork tacos flavored with achiote. Those looking for a lighter brekkie option should consider a bowl of scorched mango sago ($12.50) topped with raspberries, hibiscus, a macadamia crumb, and a few sprigs of wood sorrel. Seriously refreshing. For something more substantial, go for the dirty bird burger ($18.50). The tower of grilled chicken, brioche, and chipotle aioli is almost as big as my face. Also, if you were wondering, that is my friend in the background throwing her hands up and insisting that she is no longer embarrassed by my eating antics.
Reuben Hills is dark and well insulated, making it a great place to hide from the sweltering heat. If you're going to leave the house during summer, you might as well get a good meal and coffee out of it. Beware the weekend brunch period though, it'll get very busy and you wouldn't want to wait outside in the sun would you?
Reuben Hills
61 Albion St
Surry Hills NSW 2010
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