Sample - Surry Hills, Sydney

Sample Coffee in Surry Hills is a tiny yet vibrant espresso bar owned by Rueben Mardan, an ex-Mecca barista with a passion for coffee. The cafe is known for its dedication to quality coffee, offering a custom house blend called Pacemaker and a rotating selection of single-origin beans, including Cup of Excellence winners and showcase coffees from specialty roasters. Despite its compact size of just 20 square meters, Sample Coffee boasts two espresso machines, including a lever-operated Mirage, and a bench made from massive slabs of red timber.

The cafe’s atmosphere is described as a “coffee Narnia,” offering an immersive experience for coffee enthusiasts. The Pacemaker house blend, roasted by Mecca, is a highlight, featuring a unique combination of beans from a single farm in El Salvador processed using both natural and washed methods. Sample Coffee also offers a showcase coffee each week, allowing customers to explore a variety of flavors and origins.

Although Sample Coffee focuses primarily on coffee, its menu includes a selection of pastries and sweets, including bomboloni (custard-filled donuts) and brownies. The cafe’s ambiance is enhanced by a killer soundtrack with themed playlists changing daily, ranging from jazz and blues to Latin and hip hop. Despite limited seating, customers are encouraged to enjoy their coffee at the bar, fostering a sense of community and interaction with the barista. Located in Surry Hills’ bustling food scene, Sample Coffee is a must-visit destination for coffee aficionados seeking a unique and immersive coffee experience.