Oozing Melbourne cool, Poke the Bear is one of Northcote’s most sought-after cafes. It’s not hard to see why really, one step inside this Mitchell Street space treats you to the intoxicating smell of Wide Open Road coffee and warming aromas coming from the kitchen. The interior is eclectic and fun here, featuring plenty of greenery, funky lightshades and retro-chic furniture. As for the menu, well, you’ll find all the cafe essentials you’d expect loaded up with high quality produce and ingredients, such as the bear arms of slow-roasted mushrooms on pumpkin bread with grilled halloumi and pea and spinach pesto or mama bear brioche French toast with your choice of sweet toppings. This is one space you’ll certainly want to get acquainted with, so go on… Poke the Bear.