They don't have the most polite staff and their menu is a bit simple and plain. The meal that I ordered tasted alright, but the service from the waitress was poor. They were very rude and made you feel as though you were an inconvenience. Will never be coming back and I hope others do the same. Two thumbs down.

A great cafe to stop at on flinders lane, if you are after a place where you can linger without feeling like you are rushed to pay the bill and leave immediately after finishing your coffee. The setting is very comfortable and perfect for lingering, either over a book, some work or further conversations with friends. The menu is simple, concise and rustic, with sufficient variety in terms of soup, salad, substantial main and generously filled bread rolls.

I just do not understand the pretentious rudeness that lingers in the air. Having done a number of years in hospitality I understand smiling all day can get a little bit hard but a simple hello would be nice. Chill out and smile guys...your not saving lives.

Nice, old school atmosphere. Very similar to Mr Tulk @ the State Library.
More of a drinks & coffee place, with a limited food menu. For more food variety and meal experience, go to Journal Canteen upstairs.
Coffee was decent.

Approximate cost: $4.5

Great coffee!!!!! The staff and friendly and they seem to know the menu well! The food is also very fresh!

Approximate cost: $18

I really wanted to like Journal as they are rated highly in almost every melbourne coffee guide. Yet they did a lousy soy latte on the occassion I visited. Foamy milk and weak coffee. Will try again (if I can get a seat) but won't hold my breath. Also fails for offering no vegan options. Seriously, there is no excuse for that in an inner city cafe.

Good place to meet people as they have large tables in the city. Coffee is really good. They management has to train the staff some customer skills. If you are waiting they have nice mags.

The location is great (just on Flinder's Lane and near Degraves St). They have a good selection of hot and cold food. If you stay until the end of the day they usually give out free croissants or tarts. Very pleasant place but there is the odd rude waiter!