Mack and Lulu Speciality Coffee House

If you're driving through Gin Gin in Queensland and want a proper coffee, Mack and Lulu Speciality Coffee House is the stop locals point travellers towards. It's a coffee house first, but the food gets plenty of attention too, and it's better suited to a long breakfast or lunch than a quick pastry grab.

The coffee is what people rave about, and we've heard it described as some of the best they've had in years, which is high praise for a small country town. The staff are happy to steer you towards something different if you're after a change, like an iced long black.

The menu goes well beyond the coffee. Toasties, particularly the ham and cheese and the chicken and cheese, come up often, as do the burgers. The Mack Daddy Steak Burger and the Big Dog Angus burger both have fans. Serves are generous, even for a simple Caesar salad, and the big breakfast has surprised a few travellers who didn't expect that much on the plate in a town this size. There are muffins, cakes and desserts, and one visitor singled out the custard tart. Acai bowls get a mention too. Gluten-free sweets are available, so it's a good pick if someone in your group avoids gluten, and there are vegetarian and vegan options as well.

The staff are a big part of the appeal. They're friendly and attentive, and a lot of them are young. One car club group of 21 had lunch here and found the seating wasn't a problem and the food came out quickly. Another visitor noticed the team offering to switch on the outdoor heaters on a chilly morning, and a family on a road trip had a breakfast tailored for their baby.

Dine in, take away or have it delivered, and there's outdoor seating, which suits kids. They also do catering. The shop shares its space with handmade leather goods and other gifts, so there's something to browse while you wait. Free wifi isn't on offer. Opening hours are long, but check them before you set out.