It’s the dream. A decent break, walking distance from the city with a good feed at the end of it. Maybe even a good coffee. Well my friends, it exists and it’s in Newcastle. Step off the beach after surfing one of the three breaks at Newy Beach, and stumble into the Newcastle Beach Kiosk. Coffee by Byron Bay’s Marvell Street, toasties and superfood bowls in the morning, burgers and potato scallops in the afternoon.
So often these beachside holes in the wall can rest on their laurels, or at least on their location, but the Newcastle Beach Kiosk actually delivers on their food offering. Breakfast is either super virtuous chia and fruit bowls, perfectly light and crunched up with GF granola, or perfectly golden brown toasties. The smoked chicken toastie is above and beyond the average beachside toastie. And let’s face it, beachside toasties are always good.
When noon ticks over, the hotplate and deep fryer heat up and attention turns to wagyu, vege and fish burgers in glossy brioche buns. The fish burger works well, with a zesty slaw adding acid to the crisp battered fish. And it can be eaten one-handed if you are holding a dog, child, or board. But the real standout at the kiosk are the potato scallops. Coming in a serve of five, they’re on the small side (which is ok – I never trust a huge potato cake/scallop) and come in Tabasco batter. Like…THERE’S TABASCO SAUCE IN THE BATTER. It makes it lighter and tangier than regular batter, so you can easily smash five. Really easily.
The coffee is also on point – their short macchiatos are a good heart-starter, while their cold brew is good for easing into the mid-morning. Did I spend a whole day at the kiosk? Perhaps. But nobody is judging. Just hide from the wind out back on the city side, sprawl on the steps out front to catch the sun, or perch up at one of the tables. It’s pretty easy to spend some time here. And maybe order another batch of those Tabasco scallops.