Mr Tulk Cafe

A great place to pause, refresh and go on with the rest of the day. Settled inside Victoria’s State Library, this cafe offers nice coffee and sandwiches. The decor is very cute and will make you feel at home. You can meet others, read a book, work or just sit and enjoy a good break.

Catching up with an old friend at Mr Tulk Café was such a lovely experience! 🫶 From the moment we arrived, the vibe was just perfect—bright, relaxed, and full of that amazing city energy 🌆✨. We decided to sit outdoors, and honestly, the seating area is fantastic. The fresh air, greenery, and city backdrop made it the ideal spot for a long, leisurely catch-up ☀️🍃. We ordered the schnitzel, and wow—it was absolutely amazing! 😍 Crispy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside, and full of flavor. I was really grateful that the staff were happy to warm it up for us, which made it taste even better. To go with it, I had a latte, and it was just perfect ☕❤️—smooth, rich, and expertly made. The service was friendly and attentive without being intrusive, making the whole experience so comfortable and enjoyable. The café has such a warm, welcoming atmosphere, and it’s clear they care about creating a great experience for their customers 🙌. Overall, Mr Tulk Café is an absolute gem. Whether you’re meeting friends, enjoying a casual breakfast, or just soaking in the city vibes, it’s the perfect spot. I’ll definitely be coming back to try more from the menu and enjoy another beautiful day in their outdoor seating area 🌿🌇. Highly recommend!

Came at Mr Tulk’s for lunch while my colleagues and I were working at the State Library. I liked the interior of the place; the wall decor and the lights. Their menu had plenty of options. Service was good. Food was great! I had the calamari which was cooked very well. Not chewy or rubbery at all. Good amount of seasoning too. Not overbearing and not lacking in anything. My colleagues had the burger and they couldn’t fault it! They absolutely loved it! They mentioned the bread was toasted very well and the beef patty was soft tendu and juicy. Not dry at all. They kept raving about their burgers 😅

We came for breakfast on a Saturday morning before the library opened. I really liked the "Great Eggspectation" dish, and my kids liked the dusty recovery. Coffee was also very good. Recommended - would come again.

I really loved this cafe/restaurant. Beautiful space, warm and efficient staff, great variety on the menu. Very reasonable prices: in my city of Adelaide some of the meals would be 30% more so the value for money was great - $23 for my eggstravaganza. Would highly recommend-tucked into the side of the beautiful State Library of Victoria. A perfect place for a catch up with friends or a date!

This was the worst cup of coffee I’ve had in my six years in Melbourne. We waited a long time before anyone came to take our order. When I finally received my iced latte, the first sip brought up a mouthful of undissolved coffee grounds. The staff refused to replace it with a proper cup, insisting, “Trust me, this is normal.” All I can say is, if I were the owner, I would never expect a customer to pay for a coffee that was left untouched on the table after just one sip.

I used to come here all the time and some of their food is fantastic but I ordered the avocado toast this time which was $18.50 and the quality has dropped significantly. I was really disappointed.

I didn’t mind the coffee here. To be fair, I wasn’t expecting much (being attached to the library) but my strong cappuccino was pretty good at $5.50 on a Sunday, post standard Sunday protest.

Poor service. Staff don't seem to care at all and look pretty tired at 10 am on Wednesday morning.... Coffee took way too long to be brought to the table and it was below average too!

Absolutely incredible! Worth any wait. I only wish we lived here so I could come back and try more things. I had the crispy polenta & mushrooms and it was the most incredible breakfast. Glad I added the spinach to break things up a bit - and might've liked another egg, but I'm so happy and especially my tastebuds. It was herby and umami explosion. Don't miss this place. Service was nuts because this place was a mad house. But to eat like this and have it be normal prices to another place. Worth it. No question.

Breakfast has taken over as one of the most expensive meals of the day...and Mr Tulk is doing its bit. Met a friend for brunch. I've been here before and wasn't blown away so it wouldn't have been my choice. The savoury menu isn't awesome for vegetarians/vegans but they have some options. I settled on an eggs dish with mushrooms. It came out with maybe 3 flat mushrooms cut up, 4 cubes of polenta, and a tiny poached egg. I was definitely still hungry afterwards! This dish cost $16.50 and was one of the cheapest on offer. Got a coffee - served in a small glass cup. $5 thanks. The service was ok but had to chase a waiter to order. It's super noisy because of high ceilings and lack of soft furnishings. I will definitely suggest elsewhere next time. There's really nothing worse than feeling unsatisfied after forking out over $20 for food.

We needed to get a very quick breakfast before an appointment and asked if we could eat and be done in 25 minutes. Staff was incredible!! Our order was taken just after being seated and our food was out so quickly! It was some of the best muesli I have ever ordered. Could not rate this place highly enough :)

I have always come her for coffee only but the last time my coffee tasted so bad that I haven't been back for more. This time, I thought we would try and have the lunch. We had the salmon baguette, the avocado on toast and I had the meatball. The meatball wasn't too bad, but I keep thinking I have had better. For $11.50, its not too bad. I might come back and give them another go for their coffee again! Stay tuned!

Some Staff are friendly enough, others not very friendly - atmosphere very noisy and not that pleasant. Food was not very good - we ordered eggs Benedict and the hash browns were from a packet A bit disappointing considering the quality of other cafes and offerings around

I've done it again. Managed to finally review a place many, many, moons after the fact, years more likely. This space opposes Rmit University, and sits within the foundations of the State Library. Mr Tulk is one of those places that is bursting at the seems and about to break apart. (Being busy and all.) Such is this modernist cafe. The long black I drink is fantastic, but holds no real effect, but that's more the blame of the copious amounts of coffee I've had prior. Brilliant lunch things are on offer. Focaccia, filled baguettes and little pastries and mini cakes. All of which transcend bland and boring flavours. Hip, young, and suspiciously too attractive is the precedent set for most floor staff here. They seem all au-fait with the most current trends. Ergo, it would be easy to enjoy one's self here in a work environment. Lunching bread based options; meat ball, salami, Vegetarian, etc. As well as other brilliant option that I wont tell you about as you'll just have to visit for yourself. All bread based lunch things are around the $9.50 mark. Not the cheapest in Melbourne, yet it remains relatively good value. At least in terms of how's its framed. Melbourne is getting more expensive by the day. One can't really go wrong for options though. I imagined Mr Tulk as a squared reading room, but it more a long a skinny annex. It's also the haunt of literary types, and the hordes from the state library. It's not as if someone can absorb knowledge here by osmosis, but I decree that involving one self in the practise of such questions (information) would certainly yield results. Oooh, I almost forgot; they have alcohols here; beers, ciders, wines and spirits. This could make just not for an extended stay, but future "later in the day" visits too. There's more than one reason to have you coming back. Mr Tulk sort've has a life of it own; poly-rhythmic, with a double heart beat. Judging by the amount and types of people that flood through here it's not about to abate any time soon.

I quite like Mr Tulk because of its location (directly across from work). It's housed within the State Library Building accessible from with the library just past the bookshop and direct street access is via LaTrobe street. The cafe has a nice open feel and outdoor tables are roomy and comfortable. The coffee is nice so are the cakes and slices. It's a great location for a 'work meeting' over coffee. Staff are nice but it gets very busy and service can be a bit slow even when it's not busy.

The service to the patio was pretty bad, At the recommendation of the waiter at the front of house, I got the crumpets with lemon curd and a flat white. the coffee was okay but the crumpets were extremely overcooked. One was inedible with the texture of a hockey puck and I ate the one that I could at least get my knife through and my stomach is queasy and I'm full of regret. I brought it up to the waitress but they just offered to cook me another one, but obviously I was not interested in really hanging out there for much longer, I mean, how incompetent do you have to be to mess up a crumpet?!?

I went for brunch with a friend before exploring Melbourne. My friend took the wrong train so I sat at a table and waiting for 25 minutes before she arrived. As I waiting, I had plenty of water and the staff made sure I had my flat white to drink. I ordered the avocado toast on sourdough with feta and it was amazing! The presentation was beautiful as well.

I really like people to use a strainer when they make their tea so I can remove it before it becomes too strong (I don't like strong tea). So, when I get my pot of tea and they haven't used either a tea bag, or a strainer, then I am immediately put off, and you guessed it - this place does not use a strainer. Mind you, I have been here a couple of times before, but after about a year I completely forgot how they made their tea, so went back and had a throughly unenjoyable beverage. They aren't cheap either. The place itself isn't all that bad, and maybe I am being a little picky, but since I don't drink all that much coffee, I do like places that make the tea the way I like it.

Delicious Avo and feta toast, definitely add the poached egg. Great location in CBD right next to the State library. Great seating options inside and also nice people watching seating options outside under an umbrella for shade. Staff was friendly and attentive.

Mr Tulk is a student hang out, caffeine fuelled refuge from long study hours in the state library and just all-round nice café in a great location. The coffee is excellent and I can highly recommend the chicken and mayo baguettes. The wait staff here are kind of amusing for their slightly holier-than-thou attitude and impeccable good looks. They can be a little slow and eye-rolly at times which is annoying. On a sunny day the place to be is outside under the umbrellas if you can manage to nab a table, otherwise try for a spot up the very back inside. If you are a student you are likely to run into friends and lecturers here so it a very social and central hang out. The décor is cool; one entire wall is lined with approximately a million old books which is very much in keeping with its proximity to RMIT university and the state library. It's a good place to wile away the hours if you decide you simply MUST skip a class.

Mr Tulk: hot coffee, hot waiters. 'Nuff said. It's also got some other things going for it - the main one being that it's attached to the State Library, so is the ideal place to procrastinate when you should be studying. I also enjoy both the outside area and the interior. The outside is a lovely sunny spot to watch people and traffic go by, and in winter the heaters keep you toastie warm. Inside there's a wall filled with books - it reminds me a bit of Bruce Wayne's library - very cool (am I alone in wishing I lived inside a Batman soundstage?). Make sure you have the avocado on toast - it's such simple comfort food. In fact, over the years I've had everything on the breakfast menu and it's all been great. Everything they do is wholesome and packed with flavour, with serving sizes you can actually finish... Yum.

Great that this cafe opened up at the State Library. It's such a treat to have an excellently made coffee on hand when it's break time from the hard slog in the Library. It's obviously a very student-y hangout, which is no bad thing, but they were also ok with me arriving with my sister-in-law and her two little girls, both of them old enough to move around and make lots of noise and mess. The staff are a bit up themselves or perhaps they just don't really care about being there, but one senses boredom and a nonchalance bordering on resentment coming from them. Food here is sandwiches and stuff. All pretty good but not the cheapest around.

The service is appalling. It's not even busy and the staff are wafting about like they're on holiday. Fill the water jugs! Clear a table!" After some pretty awesome Melbourne experiences, I'm disappointed when I see drooping staff sloppily dragging cloths over tables and ignoring our presence. Nothing snappy and keen about Mr Tulk other than it's brilliant location. Oh, and the silver teapots and enamel water jugs are excellent and stylish. Just a shame that I had to go hunting for water and service. And the menu? No points there either. Who doesn't love a choice of great breakfast breads and free range bacon and expect that in Melbourne CBD? Maybe the cakes are good but I also saw my colleague struggle with some dried up crisp chicken or something on a bed of julienne radish (?maybe), which looked good but was limp and tasteless. Great location but needs to get the mojo back, take an interest in serving some awesome and enthusiastic people with seriously good food. And spark up your staff - they're too young to be sludging around like that.

I keep wishing Mr Tulk would be better, and it keeps disappointing. The food is over-priced and not amazing. The sweets are average - the only saving grace is the chocolate cheesecake brownie, which is FANTASTIC. Memory of that brownie is all that's stopping Mr Tulk getting a single star from me. Why am I so cranky? Because I just spent 15 minutes waiting for a takeaway coffee. When a women who came well after me got hers, i asked if my order was coming. The barista sharply replied that its because they do the milk one at a time to save him having to do it over and over. Sorry, what? I'm waiting 15 minutes for an average coffee because you can't manage to do skinny milk and full-fat milk at the same time? And because you can't prioritise to get cranky take-aways out the door before all the soy flat whites go out to people sitting in, making a morning of it? Not.Impressed. By either the excuse OR the attitude, which was hostile and arrogant. If I can't come here to grab a good takeaway, and if I won't come here for the food, well, sorry Mr Tulk, but I'm sure you won't miss me. I just changed my mind: it has to be one of my only half a dozen one star reviews.

Oh Mr Tulk you've been here forever and a day. We still love you oh so much. you're still delivering up delish cakes, muffins and cookies. Never one to disappoint with decent coffee or tea, or what ever tickles your fancy. Still one of the cheapest places in town to grab a cookie and a coffee. Some how you have managed to cross over that blurred line of sophisticated uni student- free spirited freelancer and cranky corporate clientele.

Terrific location. Great decor. Interesting menu. On a sunny day you can sit outside and watch the bustle of Melbourne. On a wintery day you can duck in for a coffee after marvelling at the State Library. However - Mention it & you'll suddenly have people rolling their eyes and kicking off a tirade about the arrogant staff and poor service... Me being one of them. I heard some more positive stories in the last couple of months, so I've been back. On these visits I've found the staff charming, the service efficient and the food spot-on. Very positive signs. I might still be a bit skeptical, but it's definitely worth a try.

As my regular coffee haunt I can't help but rate these guys highly... They keep me alive for the work day ahead! Admittedly I don't eat here often, but credit where credit is due for friendly staff and a decent soy flat (albeit maybe a smidge on the expensive side for a cuppa).

This is one of my favorite cafés to study in. There are a lot of benches and tables inside and outside. I found you can tap into the State Library's WiFi here too. Lattes are true to Melbourne coffee - smooth, creamy and great beans. Definitely fantastic. The service is second to none. Smiling, happy staff greet you for both takeaways and will show you to your table and do a great job at service - even when it does get a bit busy. I didn't stick around for happy hour but noticed the beers and wines are pretty reasonable - great for knock offs. Store that in the memory bank. Enjoy.

On days when I need to escape the rat-race and hide in the beautiful confines of the La-Trobe reading room of the State Library, then Mr Tulk is the cafenation station of choice. Their coffee is great and I love the big table in the middle to sit at. A perfect and light brekky is the steamed egg with vegemite soldiers, with a side of avocado to also put on the vegemite.

Great location, fabulous coffee with great service! Open from 7am and open late on Friday nights

Situated in the same building as the state Library of Victoria, one would believe this would be a place a quiet enjoyment and curling up with a good book. None of the sort here - Mr Tulk is as upbeat as a café can get before it becomes pretentious. Offering all modes of caffeinated goods, supplemented by light meals and sandwiches, this place is often brimming with eaters and loud enough to be inviting. Having only eaten here on a few occasions, the menu doesn't appear to change but the cooks are passionate about what they do. One instance involved my friend's salad having more garlic than she expected, but those doing the cooking were happy to alter it to suit with little fuss, and made note to tweak the staples further. Coffee is a winner here, as hard as it is to stand out in Melbourne coffee culture, Mr Tulk's succeeds.

There have definitely been times, when researching in the state library, that the idea of writing down one more Dewey decimal number makes me want to scream. When that happens, I generally pay a quick visit to Mister Tulk for a quick affogatto and a read of the sport section of the Herald Sun (although, technically, you're not supposed to mix a stimulant with an anaesthetic). It's a little expensive, even for the CBD. But the coffee's not bad, and they get a lot of natural light in the outside section. And sometimes, after hours browsing the library shelves, that's what you need.

Solid fare in one the many Cafés in the CBD, coffee is good and the staff are friendly. In a hurry, just grab one of the cakes or sandwiches. If you have time to stay look at the menu, separate dining section is available. Great spot to watch the world go by without being to hip or to current.

I had a breakfast ceasar!! What is this delicious madness!?!? Crumbed poached eggs, char grilled cos lettuce, and other yummy stuff. A fantastic redesign of a classic salad.

Quick and easy cafe to have breakfast and coffee before running to work. Friendly staff and not over priced.

We had a very late and super cute breakfast here today. The sun was out and the coffee was delish. I destroyed a massive omelette and had to waddle out of the cafe. Happy days :)

Tucked beside the State Library of Victoria Mr Tulk is in prime position for a quick coffee and catch up with CBD friends during the busy working day. The coffee is always good and the service prompt and efficient. Inside, the simple decor, floor boards and books are reminiscent of a library - albeit trendier. Seating is also available outside.

I love cafés located nearby libraries. Gives me a reason to pop by for a productive study session and take little short breaks over a cup of delicious coffee. And sometimes maybe even a sweet treat, depending on my stress level. Love the coffee here and love its price. One of the better coffee places with a reasonable price tag.

Yay. Nay. I never know how I feel about Mr Tulk. It's a great place to meet people, but the staff are often not very attentive and/or a little bit rude in addition to okay-ish food. But then the space is nice. Catch 22?

I am obliged to give my hats off to this incredible high designed boutique cabinet cafe. Not to mention the amazing interior architectural finishes with dark wood floors and elaborate romanesque detailed walls conveniently positioned as a store front to the extravagant Victoria State Library and bookshop. The service is uniquely divine in the more relaxed tone 'not your servant, but your distant friend type mentality'. I always fancy the soothe mocca latte.

A solid flat white, great location at the state library, indoor decor is awesome, and the outside seating is great and catches the sun on a nice day.

Another library-adjacent cafe. I don't know what that says about me? Anway, this place is fun in summer to sit outside and watch people and trams go past with a coffee, or something stronger. Cute waiters and good macarons, in addition to good coffee. $10 eftpos minimum

Just went in to Mr Tulk to purchase a latte and received the worse service ever by a certain member of staff. She was hostile and arrogant and made it seem like she was swamped off her feet when it was in no way busy. I don't usually do reviews but I want the world to know my experience. I look forward to my morning coffee. Felt very uncomfortable and will not be returning. Definitely ruined my day. Why can't we all just get along?

First visit and this could become a regular, loved the orange cake, the coffee was excellent and the space is cool and happy, just what's needed in the middle of a hot and bothered melbourne.

Good coffee, good lunch and good sweet treats. Great for a quick lunch on the run. Don't leave without trying the lemon tart.

Unenthusiastic staff, watery coffee but good food and good location. I'd certainly go elsewhere for the coffee, but a good place for getting computer work done.

I lined up for 10 minutes only to been rejected by my chi latte request. Because of eftpos minimum. No sign. Not happy Jan.