The Grounds Coffee Factory

The Grounds Coffee Factory brings a coffee-led dining experience to Alexandria, Sydney, at Bay 4a / 2 Locomotive Street in South Eveleigh. Set inside the historic Locomotive Workshop, it combines an industrial setting with an on-site roastery, so guests can see coffee beans being transformed from their raw state into fragrant roasts. The venue is more than a café for a quick cup: its cafeteria serves breakfast, lunch, desserts and a kids menu, with the food designed to sit alongside its coffee program.

Breakfast runs until 11:30am, with options ranging from Factory Waffles and hot porridge to Turkish-style poached eggs, the Factory Breakfast and a selection of hotcakes. From 11:45am, the menu moves into sandwiches, salads, hearty plates and burgers. Standouts include the Factory lasagne, creamy butternut pumpkin gnocchi, steak and fries, and the beef burger, while the dessert list covers nostalgic café-style sweets, ice-cream-based desserts and house-baked pastries brought to the table from a pastry cart. Ingredients and dishes can change, and the venue advises guests to discuss dietary requirements with their server because the kitchen handles common allergens.

Coffee is central to the experience, with the venue offering workshops, classes and guided tastings for people who want to look more closely at how coffee is brewed. Experiences listed by the venue include a Factory Tour tracing the process from green bean to finished brew, a manual brewing workshop, a coffee tasting experience and a latte art class. The Roaster’s Room also hosts private high tea, while the coffee cart experience brings pour-over coffee preparation to the table on request. These add a more interactive dimension for visitors who are interested in the craft rather than simply ordering a takeaway.

The Coffee Factory suits a range of visits. Walk-ins are welcome, takeaway is available, and the app can be used to order ahead, making it practical for a solo coffee or a quick lunch. Families have a dedicated kids menu, while groups can book online for up to 12 people or contact the venue for larger parties; a set group menu is available for bookings of 10 or more. Bookings are recommended during busy periods, although walk-ins can still be accommodated. Dine-in is available Tuesday to Sunday from 7:30am to 4pm, with takeaway starting earlier on weekdays. Guests should also note the venue’s $25 per-person minimum spend for dine-in, plus applicable surcharges.