Archie's All Day is classic Gertrude St hipstering at its best. A local friend introduced me to Archie's when I was struggling to choose from all the brunch options nearby. I can now see the signs of what sets Archie's apart from the rest.
Firstly, Archie's is always bustling, no matter the time, yet it maintains a relaxed charm. The interior is cleanly white-washed, highlighted with random op shop artwork. At first glance, the staff seem way too cool: flannel, beige knit tops, plain t-shirts and chunky rings are all in evidence. I know I'm too daggy for this place, but the staff put me at ease. Our waiter is friendly and welcoming, which is impressive given it's a busy Sunday lunch-time, and he's probably been flat-out since 7am. He displays the perfect hipster ensemble – tattoos, moustache, pants rolled up at the ankles, white socks – he has it all going on. His high level of cool makes his friendly and attentive service all the more special. He brings me a mug of their, naturally, excellent coffee. It's sweet and acidic, a Proud Mary blend. My hubby enjoys a fresh cup of
calmer sutra tea. Puns will win him, every time.
Another sign that this is a great local spot is that the patrons really look like Fitzroy denizens. Out the front, two fashionably dressed young women sit with whippets on their laps. One whippet is contentedly wrapped in a crochet blanket, and looking as happy as I've ever seen a whippet look – mildly nervous instead of the usual intensely distressed. Other patrons sport more tattoos than bare skin, and a lot of double denim. We are definitely in Fitzroy.
On my first visit here, I listened to the waitress's advice and ordered the,
Huevos sucios, 'dirty eggs'. My companions made the mistake of ordering something else, and spent the next 20 minutes enviously eyeing my plate. I have been thinking about the dirty eggs ever since. I blame Archie's entirely for reinvigorating my love affair with tater tots. Ohhh, these devilish little balls of delight have been gone from my life for too long.
Look at it. Doesn't it just look magnificent?
A brunch to kill for
The components on the plate are so random that I couldn't imagine how well they complemented until I had it all in my mouth. And then I was in heaven.
There is a lightly spiced mayonnaise, Monterrey Jack cheese melted over the hot and crispy tots, a jalapeno and avocado relish (YES, as wonderful as it sounds) then there are some black beans and two fried eggs, with gooey yolks that merge into the overall gooey wonder. You can add chorizo for $4.50 and if you take my advice, which you should, definitely add the chorizo. It goes so well with the tots and the general zing of the dish.
Writing this, I'm full of dirty eggs, but I still want to go back for another round.
Dirty eggs aren't ALL that Archie's has to offer. There are plenty of other quirky dishes here, with fun Asian twists, like their crispy poached eggs with edamame and enoki mushrooms. The problem for me is that these other dishes sound fantastic but trying them means not getting my majestic mound of tater tot magic, so, well, it's not going to happen.
Thankfully my friends are more daring. So, they can recommend "The Godmother", which is essentially a bacon and egg roll with some funky chilli mayo: The Godmother of bacon and egg rolls, I'm told.
Archie's Godmother
We've also tried a haloumi and zucchini salad. Fresh and delicious. Really, all the food here is fantastic.
The beauty of this place is that it has
three different menus, morning, lunch and evening, but the times are quite spread. So I can get my eggs from 7.30am until 3pm, or the lunch menu from 10am-5pm. The evening menu also looks amazing. And there are plenty of alcoholic options, coffee and tea options, then sweet treats.
I feel like I've just scratched the surface of Archie's All Day. There is much more to enjoy here. But I suggest you start with the wonder that is
Huevos sucios. This is a photo from our most recent trip. What do you think we both ordered? Pure satisfaction, that's what.
Tater Tot Triumph
