Soulmate Coffee, Newtown – Cold Brew on Tap & Serious Sandwich Energy
Tucked down a sleepy backstreet just off Enmore Road, Soulmate Coffee feels like the kind of Inner West café you “discover” once, then keep quietly recommending to people you actually like. It’s bright, buzzy and full of the smell of toasted bread, good coffee and weekend sunscreen.
The space itself is simple and sun-soaked: big windows, white walls, warm timber and a steady parade of locals in sneakers and linen. On busy mornings, there’s usually a line snaking out the door, but tables turn over quickly and the staff keep things moving with easygoing, chatty service.
Coffee & Cold Brew on Tap
Soulmate is run by the crew behind Good Fella and The Tuckshop, so the coffee program was never going to be an afterthought. Flat whites come out silky with clean latte art, black coffee is bright and sweet, and the cold brew on tap is a bit of a party trick – pulled from beer taps and poured over ice for something stronger and smoother than your usual iced latte.
There’s a good spread of alt-milks, plus fun specials (think creamy iced matcha or coffee with a splash of cream) that keep regulars experimenting beyond their default order.
Sandwiches Worth Waiting In Line For
The menu leans heavily into sangas and brunch plates, and this is where Soulmate really shows off.
The breakfast burger is a cult favourite: a glossy bun wrapped around a just-set egg, crispy bacon, cheese and sauce that drips down your hands in the best possible way.
Classic pairings like a fried egg with a golden toastie, pickles and greens feel simple but dialled-in, with properly seasoned fillings and bread that crackles when you bite.
For something heftier, the deli-style hoagie stacks salami, ham, provolone, tomato, mustard, pickles, guindillas and shredded lettuce into a soft roll – all the textures and tang you want from a proper sandwich.
Vegos and vegans aren’t left out either. There are tofu scrambles, salads and plenty that can be tweaked on request, and the kitchen is used to working around dietary needs without making it a big deal.
Atmosphere, Noise & Laptop Life
On weekdays, Soulmate is relaxed enough for a solo coffee, a chapter of your book or a quick catch-up. Weekends are another story: it’s busy, noisy and full of energy, with a soundtrack of conversation, clinking cutlery and a very on-brand playlist.
Service is warm and friendly, though once the rush hits it can be harder to flag someone down for a second drink – something to keep in mind if you like to linger. Outdoor seating is dog-friendly, so you’ll usually get a side of people-watching and cute pups with your brunch.
It’s also worth noting that Soulmate is more of a “come, eat, enjoy, move on” café than a co-working space. If you’re bringing a laptop, aim for quieter times, order generously and keep your stay short – the team is clearly trying to balance regulars, diners and screen-time without turning the place into an office.
Need-to-Know
Where: 39 Phillip Street, Newtown – a quick stroll off Enmore Road, away from King Street traffic.
Best for: Cold brew on tap, loaded breakfast burgers, deli-style sandwiches and vibey Inner West brunches.
Dietary notes: Plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options; staff are happy to adjust where they can.
When to go: Weekday mornings for a calm coffee; late-morning weekends if you like your brunch with a side of buzz and people-watching.
If your idea of a perfect morning involves a great coffee, a seriously good sandwich and a lively, slightly chaotic Inner West atmosphere, Soulmate Coffee is exactly the kind of place you’ll keep coming back to.
