TL;DR
A Name with a Story Stagger Lee takes its name from an old folk song—first recorded in 1923—that tells the story of a real-life crime.
Since then, the song has been reinterpreted by hundreds of artists, and in 2014, it inspired the name of this laid-back Brunswick Street café.
A Name with a Story
Stagger Lee takes its name from an old folk song—first recorded in 1923—that tells the story of a real-life crime. Since then, the song has been reinterpreted by hundreds of artists, and in 2014, it inspired the name of this laid-back Brunswick Street café.
Relaxed Vibes and a Diverse Menu
The café offers a focused but interesting menu, consistently good coffee, and a warm, slightly lived-in interior that feels familiar and relaxed. Alongside the classics—think eggs, toast, and porridge—you’ll find things like breakfast tacos, bacon with waffles, hearty burgers, and a couple of standout veggie options built around roasted brassicas.
Coffee, Cocktails, and the Bucket of Blood
Stagger Lee’s is also fully licensed, serving beer, wine, and cocktails if you're after something a bit stronger. One longtime favourite is the Bucket of Blood—their house twist on a Bloody Mary, named after a lyric in Nick Cave’s take on the Stagger Lee ballad. It’s been a menu staple since the beginning, and much like the café itself, it’s got its own story to tell.
