In Short: Happyfield was one of the best new openings in 2020 and now in 2021 it will continue to be one of the most garnered tables in town on the weekend. Come for their pancakes and sausage muffins and chase it down with a cold brew nitro and you will be one happy person. If you have a pancake crave, then sleep in, go for a jog around the bay, and rock up around 2pm to avoid the long wait for a table.
It’s safe to say that Happyfield has that X-Factor when it comes to cafes. Its location on the corner of Ramsay and Dalhousie streets in Haberfield hardly hinders. Combined with a spritely yellow colour scheme with a wrap around architectural approach, it instantly warrants a second look. To be honest we were drawn in by our fellow Sydney bloggers who have been raving about Happyfield’s pancakes and their muffins.
As those close to me would know, patience isn’t my thing, yet I was happy to wait the 1 hour for that elusive table. Their service helped. While we waited with dozens of others, the crew came by and offered us mini cups of nitro cold brew to sample, and were quite upfront as to when a table would be ready. Once inside, there is French retro feel with the bulbous lamps, comfortable leather booths and yes, lots of bright yellow. It’s quirky, yet in many ways uplifting.
Happyfield’s menu is deep with lots of selections, suffice to say we will be returning, but undoubtedly we had to try the pancakes. In fact, there is a whole section devoted to pancakes in their menu. Here, you can go with sweet pancakes served with charred bananas and fruits. For traditionalists there is the short stack which is comprised of 3 pancakes, maple syrup and butter. For the “this and that” crowd an option of the emoji stack allows the freedom of choosing the quantity of pancakes, along with the choice of any of the available sides. I decided to go with the Savory Pancakes comprising of 2 pancakes with bacon and fried eggs. It was a match made in heaven as the soft pillow-like, yet slightly sweet pancake still managed to have a crispy exterior, topped with 2 fried eggs that was cooked to perfection with a runny yolk. The most satisfying part of this mini stack is when you cut into the yolk and the delicious golden liquid burst out of its thin casing and coats the pancakes. It’s texture is both crisped up on the outer, yet satisfying soft and compliant in the middle. It’s a thinner styled pancake, yet when mated with the eggs and bacon, fills the tummy in a comforting manner.
On this visit, we went with a couple different cups of coffees to offset the muggy, warm conditions outside. A Batch Brew was sweet and a well rounded cup. It was easy drinking with lower acidity and delicate peach notes coming through. It was an enjoyable cup and was a perfect mate to the pancakes.
Now I have known Mavis to sneak a breakfast muffin from a certain fast food chain. But after she tried Happyfield’s McLovin Muffin, I think it is safe to say those fast food sneaky trips will be a thing of the past as Happyfield has spoiled all other sausage muffin offerings out there. The English muffin at Happyfield is soft, chewy with lots of little pockets to allow the flavours from the chicken sausage, cheddar cheese, soft folded eggs and chipotle mayo to be absorbed into the bread. The other highlight of the McLovin Muffin is the chipotle mayo that is creamy, spicy and full of flavour. The mayo is so good that having it inside the muffin is often not enough, so Happyfield even gives you an additional serving in a separate condiment tub, which you are almost guaranteed to finish. I would also recommended that you add a side of Hashbrown as the hashbrown by Happyfield is no ordinary hashbrown. It comes in a generous crumbed log that break apart into tiny cubes of tender, perfectly seasoned potato as you cut into it, delivering the same crunchy exterior with a soft cooked centre. It is the perfect side to go with the Mclovin Muffin.
Even the Little Ones menu is impressive, with 4 choices for kids to choose from. Our Sammi went with the Cheese Burger and Fries and she was definitely happy with her choice. We could hardly hold her back from attacking the burger the minute it was served and I certainly can’t blame her! The tempting golden soft bun holds a juicy single beef patty that is cooked to perfection, topped with cheese and ketchup. That is exactly how Sammi likes her burger, simple and uncomplicated, with focus on the key elements of the making of a good burger which is the bun and beef patty. The perfect cheese is also important and in this case, the cheese of choice was the perfect addition to the burger. No burger meal would be complete without fries. Happyfield fries up golden shoe string fries and season it with chicken and herb salt, making it addictive and keeps you reaching for more in between bites of the delicious burger.
I love my Cold Brew, especially in the warm Sydney summer weather and Happyfield’s Nitro Cold Brew delivers a shot of caffeine with a thick frothy top. The coffee was fruity and robust with the nitro process dulling the acidity but not the flavour. It has a stout like look yet after taking a sip I was met with a beautiful velvety texture and it filled the palate with flavours of cherry.
To say we were satisfied would be an understatement. I had high expectations and can report they were exceeded. Service was exceptional and the front of house are friendly and good humoured despite the big crowds that come through. We cannot wait to come back and try more of their menu! Pancakes and muffins delivered on our visit.
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