Louise R.

Loose Caboose is way cool. If you are travelling by train, you can access the cafe directly from the tracks, otherwise there is a carpark and ample street-parking nearby. As you enter, there is a lot to catch the eye. Street art mural, fill-your-own jugs of mineral or sparkling mineral tap water, a green wall vertical planter and the kitchen filled with hip chefs turning out delectable looking breakfast treats on pieces of slate. Tables for two are available quickly, especially if you are happy to sit outdoors, which is actually really nice. A sunny deck, crisp air, great service and fluffy blankets to keep you warm. Service is friendly and swift with coffee orders taken when you are seated - smart idea to get the caffeine fix fast! In a nice change from the all pervasive mason jar, the fresh squeezed juices (not too sweet) come in milk bottles with ice ($6.50). The coffee is good and strong, you can choose from two house blends. The Loose is the darker roast, and the Caboose a sweeter brew. The impressive roaster sits at the end of the indoor seating area. The food choices are all interesting, no boring options here! The Conductor's Breakfast ($18) is loaded with heirloom tomatoes, chorizo, grilled field mushrooms, pork terrine, two perfectly poached eggs and a light rye sourdough hiding a dollop of goat curd. For those who aren't keen on eggs, the smashed organic avo is a smashing option. The perfect mixture of light and filling, with lots of colour, crunch, heat, tang and freshness. It even kicks goals for sustainable agriculture. Double win! There are plenty of specials which cross over into lunch territory on the blackboard inside, as well as take home bottles of their house made "Black Sauce" which sounds very temptingly like a Worcestershire style sauce. Unless you have an iron will, do not look into the cabinet at the cashier. It is absolutely loaded with neat little cakes and dessert jars that are just made to take away. You can try to distract yourself by watching the transparent orange juice machine do its' thing. This cafe is has the whole package. Great ethical food choices, clever service, a funky space, and a liberal dose of that x-factor.

Natasha S.

It's hard not to love the gorgeous building at the Bowden Railway Station that houses the Loose Caboose Cafe. It's an old building that's been carefully restored - with a few modern touches that help bring the whole place together. It's also so easy to get here from town, you just have to hop on a Grange/Outer Harbour train at the Adelaide Railway station and hop off at the first stop - Bowden. My favourite dish here has been the banana bread - a towering stack topped with banana, marscapone, cherries, and pistachios. It looked amazing - and tasted it too. A perfect amount of sweetness that it wasn't too overpowering for breakfast. Unfortunately I was a tad disappointed with the hazelnut dukkah eggs. The dish just didn't seem to work as a whole, and I felt a little like I was eating something I'd thrown together at home without too much success. But there are so many other menu items that I'm just dying to try. The outside area is going to be a real hit during summer - I just wish that the chairs were a little bit comfier. Favourite things about Loose Caboose: The coffee plants in the front entrance, looking out at passing trains, self serve still AND sparkling water, and a breakfast menu to keep me entertained for many weekends.

Jessica B.

It takes a lot to impress me - I know how *easy* it is to do simple things well. A cafe should be simple - coffee, juices, teas, pastrys, brekky menu, light lunch menu.. See? Simple. So, Loose Caboose, it seems, have almost got it right. I was uuber impressed on arrival - the atmos. is 10/10 - old heritage stone work mixed with bright metals, industrial light fittings and big windows. Natural light is a winner, everytime. Love it! THEY DO GREEN JUICE! In the first 30 seconds, I was convinced this would be my new living room. Ordered, and juice came out in kitschy brown milk bottles. 'Soooo Melbourne'. Pretty good. Menus are to the point, and worded well - althought the 'no changes allowed' in small type down the bottom always emits a sense of unrelenting stoicity from the kitchen. 'They want well-cooked bacon? SORRY MATE' Food was certainly fresh, and timely prepp'd - service is casual, smiley and relaxed. On second visit, I asked for a little less apple in my green juice. This was a problem - and I was called babe 38 times. But it's cool - I know I'll be back for the natural light, the good coffee, and fresh kitchen output, and I'll keep working on those green-juice changes..

Malcolm B.

It is with great sadness that I write this review. I used to be a big fan of the Loose Caboose, having been introduced to it some years ago by a friend. The service was once excellent, as was the food and atmosphere but alas, no more. In my recent visits I have found that the food has gone from spectacular to pretty good (only occasionally dipping to merely OK) but the service is what has really taken a hit. My encounter with the the team today really sealed the deal (although today was not the only less than stellar service I've had). I called to make a group booking and after being told that only the time slots nominated by Loose Caboose could be booked (rather than the time I had organised) I worked out a new time with the group and called back. I was then hung up on and after I called back again, was left on hold for a quarter of an hour before being advised that they were too busy to take my call and that they would call me back. The biggest problem for Loose Caboose as I see it is that there are a growing number of cafes in Adelaide competing in the breakfast and lunch space and others are doing a significantly better job of the service (and at times, food) aspect of the business. Loose Caboose hasn't been in my top 5 breakfast places for a while (it used to be some time ago but there are now too many great options in the vicinity) but it was a solid fall back option for groups. Now, even that doesn't seem to be the case. A great shame indeed.

May L.

I work at the brewery near by so this cafe is my favourite break from work. Food is always tasty and the portions are generous! Can tend to be on the pricy side but I think it's worth it. I really like their tapas menu, where each Ranges between $7-9, or you can have 3 for $20. I like the croquette the best! I sometimes go for their juices too- the usual suspects with a combo of beetroot, pineapple, kale and ginger. $6.50 each. Then comes the mains. Oh the mains! I've tried quite a few, think their menu changes. The corn fritters are delicious and tasty, beautifully presented for $18. Comes with a yummy mint gel. In the photo I have one of my recent lunches - the asian pulled pork burger with fries. If you can have anything with fries, try it cos they are delish and crunch. Last but not least, the coffee here is always good! Made with care, $3.70 for a small. They also have salads, sandwiches, muffins, brownies and other baked goods. Overall a really good place to eat for lunch!

Sharna H.

Chugga Chugga Choo Choooo!! The Loose Caboose has been on my bucket list of places to eat for some time now and I honestly don't know why it took me so long. Perhaps it was the bright pink bikini massage parlour with the half deflated balloons (and I mean actual balloons not 'balloons' that get flashed for male clients, though I'd dare say most look deflated as well lol) that put me off! What a gorgeous tree lined street that leads up to this hip refurbished train station building! It's just so inviting. Walking through the door way I just loved all the attention to detail in making this place funky yet homely and inviting. I think the things that really stood out for me (besides the food which I will review shortly) is the cute mason jar soap and lotion dispensers in the bathroom, the lovely wood fire that made it so warm and cosy. Oh and my favourite? Still AND sparkling water on tap - FREE!! Yes you did read that correctly, FREE sparkling water. The Loose Caboose you had my heart won over at that very moment before I had even ordered my food. The staff are friendly and attentive (for the most part), I think they are still getting used to table service which they implemented recently? As it was hard at times to get their attention when we wanted to order more drinks. CABOOSE BOARD This consisted of two poached eggs (you can order fried if you wish), smoked bacon, thyme roasted field mushrooms, heirloom tomatoes, organic avocado with Meredith feta and organic whole grain sourdough bread. Mmmm mmmm mmmmm!! The eggs were poached to utter perfection and I went "Oooooooooo" when that deep golden yolk just oozed out of it. The amount of food on the platter was just the right amount and left me content. Some may say $20 is steep for a full breakfast but honestly quality overrides quantity in my books every time and The Loose Caboose nailed that for me. CORN FRITTERS WITH PORK AND POACHED EGG The corn fritters were a combination of corn, basil and ?, served with a house made tomato chilli jam, succulent pork belly and a poached egg. Oh plus a bit of rocket and some cutesy itty bitty micro herbs. I didn't order this for myself but got to taste test. I felt the corn fritters were a little bland and lacked something. The pork with the chilli jam was a perfect combination. It possibly could've done with more than 3 slivers of pork belly but then I can never have enough pork, especially when it tastes that good. Overall we were still happy with this dish. MEAN GREEN JUICE A delicious and perfect combination of celery, cucumber, apple, kale and ginger. OMFGAMAZEBALLS, that is all!! Whilst I've been revisiting my regular places I will without a doubt be adding The Loose Caboose as a place I will visit regularly.

Amber R.

This is the best cafe I have been to! The atmosphere is great, warm and inviting. The staff are super polite and friendly and their food and drinks are amazing as well. I had the chicken burger and it was to die for, the chicken was juicy, the bun was soft and fresh, the lettuce was crisp and the kimchi was perfectly spicy. Overall, the experience was fantastic and I will be returning there some time in the future

Tyffany L.

A favourite for breakfasts and brunches. Large variety on the menu. Great coffee. Friendly staff.

Anika K.

Reminds me of Europe, especially with the blankets for patrons to utilize if the weather is way cold. This is my local, exceptional coffee, a specials board and a delicious choice for breakfast. Service is warm and the staff knowledgable in regard to food ingredients, alterations etc.

Clare J F.

We recently cycled through the parklands to get across and visit the Loose Caboose at Bowden and we weren't disappointed. Great coffee and juices we had the smashed avocado and poached eggs for breakkie. The egg was perfectly poached and the avocado was topped with delicate slices of very fresh radishes which added a beautiful crunchy and peppery taste to the avocado - yum. The service was excellent. We also loved the water dispenser which gave us a choice of cold sparkling water which was greatly received after our bike ride.

Renee F.

What I love about The Loose Caboose: -the location... What a brilliant use for an old train station. Gorgeous. -the booty innuendo in the name. Hehe... Who doesn't love a bit of childish humour!?! -the coffee... Their baristas know what they are doing. Other than that I'm afraid I'm not really wholly on the bandwagon. They do a solid breakky... But so do a lot of places these days, and for me the consistency and atmosphere just isn't there to call me back to stand in line for my overpriced eggs. Let me set the scene of my latest visit... It's Saturday morning and my partner and I are keen to get our breakky on before I face exam revision hell in the uni library for the weekend. "30 mins more sleep", I groan. "But if you want go to Loose Caboose we need to get there by 9... Otherwise the line will be hell. Now move your caboose lady", the BF replies. "Ughh, okaaayyy. I'll do it for the bacon" I cry. So in we walk at 9:10 and we are third in line. After about 5 mins we are at the front... And still have not been acknowledged by the staff (I will note that the guy seating people was FLAT OUT and working his own caboose off... But surely as each weekend is just as busy, they could add more staff). *Also, by the time we were seated about 15 people were in line behind us... so getting there at 9-ish is mucho recommended.* Annnyyyway, we were finally addressed and eventually seated outside, in the shade, in the dead of winter. Which I didn't mind, they did ask us if it was okay and as they have blankets and we like being outdoors we accepted. But it was seriously frigid... Not sure why they don't have heaters. I will say our coffee orders were taken immediately (that guy is definitely the star), and our breakky orders were taken shortly after. I heard them telling another group that they take them in order of arrival - great system for fairness. I like. Sadly though, my breakky wasn't great. I got the Wild Mushrooms with Polenta Chips. The produce was obviously fresh and beautiful looking, but the dish was soo bland. It was the most tasteless polenta I've ever had. The mushrooms lacked depth something... seasoning? A sauce? My partner was pretty happy with his big breakfast, but all of our poached eggs were cooked solid, and his had broken shell in it, which is an accident of course, but there is really no excuse for all the eggs to be overcooked. One we get, but 3? Luckily there are plenty of places in Adelaide with less hype that I can grab a tastier and cheaper breakky, without the wait. I would go back if invited by friends, but I won't be arranging to return myself any time soon.

Beth R.

I met fellow Yelpist Bridie W here for brunch. Make sure you plan ahead for parking, as you might need to walk a little. The Loose Caboose is a pleasantly arranged space right up on the train tracks which is interesting. I arrived first and was led to a table for two . . . on a bench style arrangement sandwiched between two other groups. Yeah . . . nah. So I popped up and bounced out to the outdoor area which gave us more space. The smell outside was a little swampy . . . sewerage issue maybe? but the air was circulating enough for it not to be too much of an issue. The menu was enticing and it took ages for us to make up our minds. The brunch timing we had chosen made me feel like I needed savoury so I chose the beef tacos and Bridie had the espresso loaf which looked so amazing, I needed to follow my tacos with a brownie that was deliciously mouth-meltingly fine. We sat there for some hours, I would have liked a wait staff follow up as I probably would have gone a juice or something if it were on offer. I do like, however, the self-serve still and sparkling water taps which are becoming more popular these days so that sufficed. I am keen to return and sample more of the menu.

Sammi J.

Loose Caboose is a really funky cafe. I have been half a dozen times or more. Great position. Easy parking. Interesting Menu. Awesome food. Tasty tasty coffee. Nice outdoor area. Free snuggle blankets to keep warm. Coffee roasted on site. Snobby Impersonal/Inflexible Service. Will not take bookings. (Not even for a large group) No amendments to dishes (regardless of intolerances & allergies) But the food and coffee makes up for it.