Degraves

I crouched low and stretched my body into a strange contortion as I deftly stepped over two handbags and a poodle to nab a highly coveted seat outside Degraves one morning, reaching out to pull my mother into the fray after me. 
Seated now, we looked around us. We were cosily nestled between many other diners, and above us, giant umbrellas shielded us from the elements. The atmosphere around us was electric as people were busily eating and talking about their ideas, their dreams, their tasty banana porridge. 
I ordered the porridge and a latte, and watched the trendy waitress effortlessly take off into the small shop opposite our seats. The coffee was good, but I like my coffee stronger and smoother. The porridge arrived soon after, despite the business of the place, so I was happily surprised. It was delicious! Thick slices of banana nestled into the wholesome oats, and I could almost feel health rushing through my veins. 
I enviously looked into the window seat of the cafe at a couple snuggled into the corner, sharing a fork, their legs entwined. On the other side, a red-haired grandmother bounced a smiling baby on her lap.
Everything about this cafe screamed Melbourne at me. The hip serving staff, the food choice, the cramped yet cosy seating, the cobblestones under our feet. What is Melbourne? An experience at Degraves will show you a small part of it. 

Degraves was _THE PLACE_ for coffee over the last few years, however recently it seems some changes (possibly a change in ownership) has seen the quality drop off.

The atmosphere however is still great, tucked away in a little alley filled with tables and umbrella's gives it a truely European feel, and there's heaps of people around.

Service can be a bit up and down... some days you may need to scream to get attention, others it will be extremely friendly and fun.