Jungle Juice Bar

Finding Jungle Juice Bar takes a little hunting, which is half the appeal. This bagel shop sits down one of Melbourne's laneways, and locals who know it tend to talk about it the way you'd talk about a favourite secret: fondly, and with a slight reluctance to share. It's a small, cosy room, so it can feel a touch crowded at busy moments, but the charm makes up for it.

The bagels are what most people come for. Regulars love the halloumi, and the Reuben and the salmon bagel get plenty of love too, with people noting you can taste everything the menu promises. The Kransky has its own devoted following, and a dish called the Dirty Ron comes up as a family favourite. A combo deal is worth considering if you want good value. There's also fresh juice of the day, a Vietnamese coffee, and an iced cap that holds up as well cold as hot. For a cafe in the middle of the city, the coffee is taken seriously here.

The room has personality: menus tucked inside old hardback children's books, mismatched cups and collectors' spoons that give it a tea-at-granny's feel. People who've been going for a long time say it has kept its authenticity and charm, which is not easy to do in this part of town. Staff are friendly and welcoming.

One visitor did have an unhappy time and felt moved on from a seat while waiting for a takeaway coffee, so it may suit you best to settle in properly if you plan to sit. Otherwise the picture is of a place people return to again and again.

You can dine in or take away, and breakfast and coffee are on the menu. They're closed one day a week, so check the hours before you head in, and card and mobile payments are accepted.