Those looking for an alfresco café experience with great coffee, grab-and-go food, and a strong sense of community should head to Billy’s Bar Espresso in Sydney’s beachside suburb of Maroubra.
Named after the owner, Billy Toskas, the café has attracted a mass of loyal customers from new mothers to students on their way to school looking for a morning pick-me-up.
“We’ve had people that have been coming in since day one,” Billy says.
Billy and his wife have built the business over 16 years with their three sons also helping out in the café regularly.
“Everything we do is family orientated. Every customer [we] know by name and not just by order,” says Billy.
“We’ve made some great friends that have gone on to become family as well.”
To keep customers caffeinated, Billy’s Bar Espresso has partnered with Paradox Coffee Roasters since 2019. The roaster created a unique and exclusive blend for the café, aptly named The Maroubra Blend to celebrate the café’s location. Billy says the coffee pairs well with milk and also tastes great as an espresso.
“I think coffee drinkers these days want a really strong coffee to cut through the milk but [is] not as harsh as a black [coffee],” he says.
Billy says the relationship with Paradox Coffee Roasters has been incredibly positive for his business.
“Whenever there’s an issue, either because of machinery or anything else that goes on in the business, they’re on it straight away,” he says.
“They use their social media to help [draw attention to our café] as well.”
The café uses a Kees van der Westen Mirage coffee machine and three grinders including a Mahlkönig EK43, Mahlkönig X54 and Mazzer Super Jolly, all of which Paradox Coffee Roasters provided.
Food is served at the café in a ‘grab-and- go’ style with a large selection of ready- made sandwiches, take-away breakfast options, burgers, bowls and souvlakis.
With early starts and evening closes, Billy is prepared to serve customers at any time of day.
“We’re ready to go until 6pm so at least that way you get your caffeine fix anytime you want,” Billy says.
Billy’s Bar Espresso
K3 737 Anzac Parade, Maroubra Junction, New South Wales, 2035
Open Monday to Saturday 5:30am to 6pm, Thursday 5:30am to 7pm, Sunday 6:30am to 6pm
This article appears in the February 2024 edition of BeanScene. Subscribe HERE.
