Bohäus is one of the new kids on Coogee Bay Road. It occupies the shop that used to be a laundromat and then a flower shop. After both shops left, the space was subdivided and one of them became Bohäus after being left vacant for quite a while.
For me the great thing about having Bohäus is that I got an additional option for coffee without going too far. The Spot is not that far away and Bat Country always serves good coffee, but on weekends I sometimes wanted to avoid walking up that way because it is the same walk to work. So, when Bohäus opened I was hoping that the coffee would be good, so I have more options on the weekend if I don’t want to walk all the way down to the beach.
As mentioned earlier Bohäus is from a subdivided space, natural, it is not a very big space. The layout of was mostly tables on both sides, high chairs near the windows and right in the middle. Frankly I personally feel that the space is quite smartly used as it can have quite a number of people without feeling to crowded or conjected (especially now, with all the social distancing issues). At the back of the café is where all the actions were carried out. Bohäus doesn’t have a big kitchen but it serves the right kind of food that can utilise the equipment at its best.
Bohäus has a vibrant feel, which I think matches with the area it is in. What I like is that it stands out with its own style without going over the top. The dark metal base with the wooden tables and fabric benches gives a solid yet soft feel to the space. The plants and natural light shades hanging down from the ceiling injected some natural life into the otherwise to heavily industrial feel. What I also like is the huge mosaic pattern on the wall next to the coffee station and the number of colour yet simple water colour / pastel painting on the walls. They all added a lot of life to an otherwise could be very generic café space.
For me mostly I went there for coffees, which I was glad that they did not disappoint. The owner who runs the café is also the main barista and he makes great coffees. For me my usual choice of coffee is latte. A lot of time many baristas just couldn’t balance the taste between the frothy milk and the coffee and thus tipping over either side. However, Bohäus managed to balance it for me every time and the quality is extremely consistent. Also, the serving is fair and you don’t find yourself in situations that the cup is big but the coffee does not fill up. I usually enjoy having the coffee in the café if I am not in a hurry. As mentioned earlier, the space was smartly planned and I do not feel cramped or crowded even when there are several other tables being occupied at the same time. Also, it helps when the café plays good music without being too loud. It adds a vibe without being too noisy.
Recently I started trying a few items on the menu on Saturday mornings. My favourite on the menu is without a doubt the smoked salmon bagel. I am not a big cheese fan but the balance of taste between the creamy cheese and the smoked salmon made the bagel extremely yummy. Also, the way they toasted it they managed to keep the smoked salmon fresh and moist while the cheese just melt into the correct thickness shows that they have thought about the process. There were so many times in other places that they just simply overheated the bagel to make it crispy but the smoked salmon became dry and chewy in the process. I have also tried the ham and cheese croissant and the egg benedict. The croissant is not bad but I didn’t quite got taken by the egg benedict (though I did like the taste of the hollandaise sauce).
For me Bohäus is in a great location. It is on Coogee Bay Road right between Carrington Road and the Coogee Public School. It provides a good space (and good coffees) for people like me who want a quick coffee without the hike down the beach (sometimes I prefer sipping my coffee on the way down the beach instead of waiting around in long lines down the cafés there). Staff members there are always friendly and services are always attentive (they even have a water bowl for dogs while waiting!). It has indeed become one of my favourite joints on weekends.
To find out more you can go to their web site here.
