Restaurant

Lowdown

16a Cloisters Arcade, 865 Hay St, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Recommended by 64 people

Updated

Find Lowdown

16a Cloisters Arcade, 865 Hay St, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Directions ↗
HoursMonday: 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

Book Now

About Lowdown

Tucked into Cloisters Arcade, Lowdown is the CBD espresso bar that powers Perth's morning rush with rapid-fire efficiency and zero fuss. The line regularly snakes down the corridor, but the crew behind the bar works through tickets at pace—memorizing regular orders and pulling rich, velvety piccolos that never taste rushed. City workers rely on this compact counter for a clean dose of sanity before office hours kick into gear. If you are hungry, pair your flat white with a freshly pressed Copeland Fit toastie, a flaky ham-and-cheese croissant, or a thick slice of toasted banana bread sliced straight from the counter.

  • Rapid Morning Workflow: Baristas clear long morning queues in minutes, delivering smooth espresso and velvety flat whites without delay.
  • Focused Breakfast Fare: A tight selection of house bites, from the popular Copeland Fit toastie to flaky croissants and toasted banana bread.
  • Intimate Arcade Vibe: A compact, understated arcade setting where the crew greets regulars by name amid the morning rush.

What's On at Lowdown

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Lowdown Earns Your Daily Morning Routine

Why Perth CBD commuters make this tucked-away espresso bar their daily morning ritual.

  • Rapid Queue Clearance for Commuters

    A finely tuned bar workflow processes lengthy peak morning queues with rapid turnaround, ensuring patrons receive barista-grade espresso without schedule delays.

    No matter how long the line is, you’ll be served quickly.

    Ahmadreza Younessi
  • Freshly Made Handhelds and Toasties

    Freshly prepared breakfast items, including signature toasted sandwiches and warm banana bread, provide hearty pairings alongside specialty espresso orders.

    Toasted banana bread is one of the best I had.

    Hc Chua
  • Understated Arcade Escape

    The arcade setting offers a tranquil counterpoint to larger CBD coffee hubs, providing a grounded atmosphere centered entirely on quality extraction.

    This place has a quieter, more understated atmosphere than many larger CBD cafes.

    Ellie Melendez
  • Relaxed Nook Amid City Bustle

    Tucked within Cloisters Arcade, the space pairs mellow tunes, leafy touches, and timber seating for a serene morning coffee break.

    A laid-back gem amidst the CBD bustle that’s perfect for a calm morning recharge.

    Willie Thompson
  • Personalized Regular Recognition

    Baristas actively remember frequent visitors and their specific morning orders, turning high-volume transactions into welcoming personal connections.

    To top it all off these guys are perhaps the only ones in town who will remember your name and order

    Liam Lynch
  • Uplifting Morning Hospitality

    Front-of-house staff maintain high attentiveness and cheerful interactions, brightening the daily morning routine before corporate workdays begin.

    It’s the kind of place where you’re greeted with a smile and leave feeling a little brighter.

    Bernard Wiggins

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful, attentive details that elevate the daily coffee routine

  • Regular Name and Order Recall

    Baristas recall regular customers by name and memorize standing orders even amid high-volume morning rushes.

  • Multi-Staff Welcome Acknowledgment

    Staff recognize incoming customers almost immediately upon walking in, offering greeting acknowledgments across the store.

  • Intuitive Pastry Customization

    Staff proactively prep orders to personalized preferences without prompting, such as cutting banana bread into quarters for children.

  • Proactive Table Care and Water Top-Ups

    Floor staff attentively clear cups and top up water glasses for dine-in guests enjoying a quiet respite.

Before you head over

Helpful guidance on rush queues, popular food items, and seating in Cloisters Arcade.

  • Do Not Be Deterred by the Morning Queue

    Peak morning commuter lines can stretch out the door, but the bar workflow moves rapidly. Expect short wait times even during the busiest rush.

  • Order Handhelds and Toasties Early

    Popular toasted items and sandwiches like The Don, BLTs, and fresh croissants sell out quickly. Arrive earlier in the morning to ensure availability.

  • Expect a Cozy Arcade Footprint

    Lowdown operates out of Cloisters Arcade with a compact seating footprint; plan on grabbing takeaway or using arcade benches for quick casual breaks.

Explore more places in Perth

Find familiar flavours, neighbourhood favourites and somewhere new in Perth.

Discover more in Perth

Explore another side of the city's food and drink.

Browse all Perth venues