Crossword Cafe

226 Rusden St, Armidale NSW 2350, Australia
+61 2 6772 1685
$$$ Cafe , Breakfast restaurant , Coffee shop , Takeout restaurant
(146 Reviews)
Price Range $1–20

Crossword Cafe sits quietly opposite the hospital on Rusden Street, offering a practical spot for locals and visitors to refuel without fuss. It’s a typical neighborhood cafe with a focus on good coffee and straightforward meals like quiche and salad, as well as a hearty breakfast option that covers the usual comforts: eggs, hash browns, sausage, and toast. If you’re around the hospital—whether staff, patient family, or visitor—it’s the kind of place where you can easily pop in for a grab-and-go meal or a relaxed sit-down coffee break.

The atmosphere leans casual and a bit eclectic, with some indoor and outdoor seating options, though space is relatively limited and parking can be tricky during busy hours. Inside, you'll find a selection of quirky gift items that add small moments of distraction or browsing to your visit. Service tends to be friendly and efficient, catering nicely to the steady flow of local regulars who appreciate reasonably priced coffee and simple, satisfying food choices.

Crossword Cafe fits a daily rhythm more than a leisurely destination—it’s perfect for a quick bite or coffee pick-me-up, especially mid-morning or early afternoon when hospital activity slows a bit. If you’re after a no-fuss breakfast, a solid coffee, or a light lunch to take away, this spot quietly delivers without putting on airs. Expect a humble, functional vibe where locals gather for that dependable coffee fix rather than an elaborate cafe experience.

Highlights
Serves great coffee
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves coffee
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Best for
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Tuesday

7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Wednesday

7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Thursday

7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Friday

7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Saturday

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Sunday

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

146 Reviews
Lesley Hoye

03 Jan 2026

Great place for a quick bite. Limited seating and parking often at a premium

mizz lissy

25 Dec 2025

This is my second favourite coffee in armidale Great little Cafe near the hospital. They have the cutest gift wares, good coffee, wonderful service. They also do meals, so if you're at the hospital with a loved one you can duck over and grab a meal.

Jessica G

23 Dec 2025

Great coffee and lots of Knick knacks to shop around for inside. Grabbed the big breakfast and it is just what you would expect - Eggs, hash browns, a snag and toast. Nice if you don’t want to make it yourself at home.

Toni H

07 Nov 2025

Great food with extremely competitive prices. The staff are great too.

Martin Witchard

03 Nov 2025

Not rated for food as we only had coffee. Eclectic cafe situated across from the hospital. I expect staff and visitors amble across to buy here. There's indoor and outdoor seating and the shop has some interesting and amusing gifts. Friendly staff and very reasonably priced coffee.

Susan Smoday

26 Oct 2025

Husband reckon it was the best old fashion he's had in years. Fast service good value

David Dixon

20 Sep 2025

This hole in the wall place was amazing I was hanging out for a breakfast and I wasn’t disappointed I ordered the big breakfast and a mug of flat white as well as breakfast they have an assortment of takeaways they have inside dining and a couple of tables out side I would not hesitate in recommending this place

Kate Ford

16 Sep 2025

Very lovely ladies serving. Food and vibe is country classic. Took me back in time. No complaints.

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