Station Refreshment Room

20 Mair St, Ballarat Central VIC 3350, Australia
+61 3 5333 1806
$$$ Cafe
(123 Reviews)
Price Range $1–20

Welcome to the Station Refreshment Room, a cozy café located at 20 Mair St, Ballarat Central, that beckons travelers and locals alike with the promise of hearty comfort food and a delightful atmosphere. Nestled conveniently near the train station, this café is the ideal pit stop for those in a hurry or simply looking to savor a laid-back meal before boarding.

Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by a charming and retro environment that brings a sense of nostalgia. The unique setting, complete with a vintage bar, transports you back in time, making your visit not just a meal but an experience. The ambiance exudes warmth and friendliness, which is mirrored by the attentive staff who are always ready to serve you with a smile.

The menu at the Station Refreshment Room is a testament to classic café fare with a twist. Whether you’re in the mood for a warming Pie of the Day or the delightful crunch of Sausage Rolls, each dish offers a comforting taste that is sure to satisfy. For a quick snack, try the Chips & Gravy Tray or indulge in a Chips Bucket for something crispy to munch on while you wait. Vegetarian options such as Dim Sims and Spring Rolls sit alongside heartier offerings like Hot Chicken Rolls and Roast Rolls. There’s even a selection of sweet treats, so don’t miss the chance to pair your meal with a rich Hot Chocolate or a perfect Cappuccino.

Customers rave about the quality of the coffee, emphasizing its ability to kickstart your day in the best way possible. Amran Hossain noted that the “coffee was excellent before my boarding,” highlighting the café’s commitment to quality beverages. Be sure to savor the Flat White or explore the variety of Specialty Teas available.

However, as with any establishment, experiences may vary. While Aaron Paul expressed concerns over pricing for extra bread rolls, the overall atmosphere and food quality are often celebrated by other patrons. C Report succinctly sums it up: “Best place to have a bite if you do not want to miss your train.” Many appreciate the indulgent flavors, although some flavors, especially in fried items, may be richer than expected.

For those with an adventurous palate, the retro setting is reminiscent of days gone by, complete with the charm of possibly one of the last remaining internet kiosks and an iCade arcade cabinet, giving a quirky edge to your café experience. The friendly staff and satisfying fare make the Station Refreshment Room more than just a café; it’s a haven for travelers and a beloved spot for locals.

In conclusion, Station Refreshment Room is a delightful destination for anyone seeking comfort food in a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're stopping by for a quick caffeine fix or a leisurely meal, this café captures the essence of home-cooked, nostalgic dishes that warm the heart and soul. Stop by and discover why it has become a favorite among those passing through Ballarat Central!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Service options
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves coffee
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dessert
Atmosphere
Casual
Historic
Crowd
Popular with tourists
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

6:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Tuesday

6:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Wednesday

6:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Thursday

6:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Friday

6:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Saturday

6:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Sunday

6:00 AM - 8:00 PM

123 Reviews
Aaron Paul

25 Aug 2025

Walked in after seeing the sign outside for soup of the day, which was tomato. I got the bread roll, which was extra tho they never said it was and only found out later when I was told the ones they had were not fresh and that I could have a refund. I said it was ok as it was only $1, but I saw the size. No way were they worth that, and most places don't charge for piece of bread or a small roll comes with it. The soup was nice. Later, I got a coffee and it was awesome and is way 4 stars, not three. Would I go there agein? yes, for coffee

C Report

09 Jul 2025

Best place to have a bite if you do not want to miss your train. Very traditional setting with fried food as main. Can be a bit salty sometimes. There is a bar and also serves ice cream.

Amran Hossain

27 Jun 2025

The coffee was excellent before my boarding at morning . Thanks the guy who made the coffee to make my day .

Ant Last

12 Jun 2025

Tried chips and they were surprisingly nice. The lady on was friendly, maybe there are a couple of them that work there. Reasonably priced. Very retro environment, particularly that neat bar from a bygone era! Also possibly the last internet kiosk in the country sadly that and the iCade arcade cabinet don't work. It does sadly seem on "it's last legs" as it could do really well of resurrected as proper "as it was" tearoom

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