A campus icon of Macquarie University, The Coffee Cart is where it's at. Centrally located opposite the old library and in front of Macquarie Theatre, The Coffee Cart is busy at almost every time of the day. You particularly notice the wait when it's five past the hour and you must be in class on the hour, but the line is taking foreeeeeeeeever. Actually, that's probably not true - the line stretches on for miles and miles, but moves quickly. The four or five baristas working in the smallest space you've ever seen are quick, with an amazingly efficient chain going on.
The coffee itself ain't bad, either. Always hot, and always made to your request - although the baristas must hate the "can I have one ultra weak skim cap with extra frothy milk" girl more than anyone, they rise to the occasion and make your coffee just as you've requested it. It also comes at student-friendly prices; a small coffee is less than $3 - when was the last time you saw that in Sydney? Never, that's when. Plus, if you do the right thing and bring an enviro mug, more often than not you are rewarded with more coffee than your $2.70 entitles you to.
As a small space away from the food court, The Coffee Cart doesn't offer much in the way of food. But what they do have is pretty damn good. I make it a rule to steer clear of pre-packaged sandwiches, but the muffins are pretty damn tasty. Definitely go the raspberry and white chocolate if you're in a muffin mood! read more