EARL Canteen

This is my hands-​down favourite place to grab an Almond Milk latte and a cookie every day at work. In fact, I’m pretty sure my work day doesn’t officially start unless I’ve had at least a coffee from EARL.
For starters, they’re the only place to stock Almond Milk Co. mylk (that I have found) in the business district of St. Kilda Road. I don’t like all the nasties in the long life stuff and unfortunately cannot drink milk unless it’s organic (my digestive system is a total dousche bag snob who needs to get over itself) so wherever possible I try to drink the freshest Almond mylk I can get my paws on (or settle for a long black). Sets me back $ 4.50.
Secondly, the chocolate chip cookies are un-​freaking-​believable. I’m talking sea salt sprinkled on the top, crispy-​on-​the-​outside-​chewy-​in-​the-​middle, dark chocolate chip kind of cookie goodness. And they’re only $ 2.50.
The sandwiches are fantastic, especially when I come to work hungover (who said that? they’re lying). Pesto and prosciutto melt for when the pain of eating dairy is preferable to the feeling of general seediness. Meatball sub on a Friday. Pork with coleslaw. Seriously — their sandwiches are gourmet deli quality at tuck shop prices. If you also find yourself a little ‘under the weather’ on a weekday, the Ginger Beer Kombucha will cure what ails you. I promise.
The salads are also amazing — I recommend the ‘Everyday Salad’ with hummus and chargrilled capsicum — and the little baby tubs are the perfect way to mix and match when you don’t know what you feel like.
To round out excellent food, drinks and dessert, the staff here are incredibly lovely. I actually can’t say a bad thing about the place. I almost wish I could because now I’m just gushing, but it’s my go-​to for all good things.
If you’re working on the St. Kilda Road business strip, make the journey — you won’t regret it.