The Chemistry Of Coffee
Hawthorne
Updated: Mar 24, 2026
The Chemistry of Coffee at Hawthorne is a unique cafe serving all sorts of unique beverages that look like science experiments.
At first glimpse, the bespoke cafe resembles a science lab, with their cold brew bubbling away in the window. There is plenty of seating for those wanting to experiment with coffee, with both indoor and outdoor dining options.
The Chemistry of Coffee is popular for breakfast, when diners would like a little more than a liquid experiment to fill their bellies. There are a range of light meals and larger meals available, including the Big Bang Breaky Burger. This Turkish bread burger is stuffed with bacon, farm fresh egg, hash brown, baby spinach, avo, cheese and gourmet tomato relish.
The Caramel Waffles are a popular sweet treat, with fresh waffles, vanilla ice cream, banana, berries and Jason (the owner’s) famous caramel sauce – it’s to die for.
There is a lunch menu featuring burgers, hot dogs, rolls, pies and other baked goods. Alongside a kid’s menu, which is inclusive of all sorts of pint-sized science experiments.
Naturally, the beverage menu is the highlight of the café featuring a huge range of coffee, tea, milkshakes, cold drinks, super shakes, coffee creations, smoked creations and even protein shakes.
The Smoking Honey Chai is a sight to behold, featuring their specialty ‘Smoking Wet Chai’, made fresh from honey chai tea leaves and smoked right in front of your eyes.
Can’t decide what to order? Try their Test Tube Taster, featuring a rack of test tubes filled with unique hot drinks. Tasters include their turmeric latte, matcha latte, dirty chai, hot chocolate, spiced beetroot latte and cold drip coffee.
If a cold drink is needed, try one of their Strawberry Cheesecake Super Shakes for a taste of heaven served up in a science beaker. The strawberry shake is topped with a cream cheese topping, fresh strawberries, a mini doughnut and a biscuit crumble.
Need to know – There is a small carpark out the back and plenty of street parking.
By Zoe Kirby
The menu may have changed since our visit.
