Mr Tulk is a great place to hang out with friends over lunch and coffee to take time out from your research. Named after the State Library of Melbourne's first librarian, Augustus Tulk, the cafe is open Monday to Saturday for brunch and lunch, and for after-work drinks on Friday. Library Foundation members receive a 10 per cent discount on tea and coffee on presentation of their membership card.
Mr Tulk has only been around for a year or so but it gives off the vibe of a place much older. High ceilings, dark wooden panelling, an exquisite copper bar, and the aroma of good coffee give the place the feel of a long-established European cafe, nestled in some grand old stazione, rather than in Melbourne's imposing State Library. That the place is constantly abuzz with punters coming and going adds to the train station vibe, thanks to the proximity of RMIT, Melbourne Central and the aforementioned library.
Breakfast (served all day) has to be the I-don't-care-how-unhealthy-it-is-I-have-to-have-it bacon and egg pizza and a very good latte, either enjoyed in the broody interior or, if it's sunny, under an umbrella outside. Lunch marches to a similar beat with flat breads and baguettes, topped, or filled, with the usual Mediterranean suspects including: salami, meatballs, eggplant or poached chicken. Check out the specials board for more substantial fare such as Italian sausages with vegetable braise, slow-cooked lamb or gnocchi in a rich pomodoro sugo. Comfort food done well, done simply and at a price point which never seems to challenge the budget too much is what this menu is all about. Oh, and the place is very friendly too. Trivial Pursuiters note: Mr Tulk was the name of Victoria State Library's first ever librarian.
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