re-PUBLIC - CASTLEMAINE

They say they are vegetarian friendly but they don't really accommodate a vego unless you pay extra.I asked for the poached eggs without the bacon but "could I have a slice of avocado instead?" Yes, was the answer but it will cost you extra... WTF? Surely a slice of avocado is cheaper than a slice of your fancy Istra bacon? The waiter then informed me, being vegetarian, I should get the smashed avo dish and add eggs as an extra (at a cost of about $22) Because obviously I hadn't seen that dish on the menu... How does F off sound and for that I will order toast and coffee and write this review? Good old fashioned country service never hurt a business...

Mm ... passing through town, we tried this place for lunch. Nice decor, good food (we had the lamb wrap - very nice) but some of the staff had a strange attitude, as though they were bored and really wanted to be elsewhere. Not the most rewarding dining experience of our road trip, I'm afraid.

We are visitors from Melbourne and MILDURA. The coffee was fabulous. Very nice decor and menu was varied. We had the calamari and it was great. Service good too. They had a table at the back that seated 6. I noticed they had a large table in a separate room which would be great for bigger occasions.

Went to this cafe as Saffs was full and we had a dog in tow. I thought I would try republic again even though last time i went and had a bacon and egg muffin it was gross. I think they must pre make and reheat the sandwiches because the bread was soggy/wet and some parts were cold. But that was months ago and today I thought I would try again. My coffee was good had no problems with that and it was nice to have a shady spot outside. The waitress came over a few times while we were deciding what to order she was not unnice but not friendly either. She took a turn however when one in our party asked about vegan option for the meal they were looking at. Particularly frustrating when when English is the party members second language. It is stated in the menu to ask which they did. That and the subsequent interactions really set the tone of our experience.I ordered the hotdog of which I had about three bites. again like my previous the bread was soggy and lukewarm. There was so much cheese that had been previously melted but was hard by the time it got to me that I pulled it off and gave it to the dog. It did not get much better. under the cheese was the soggy bread and sausage. Dog loved the cheese but like me not as keen on this aspect but she eventually ate it. Other members were not happy with the food to the point where we actually talked about walking away without paying the bill. Our $70 lunch for 3 would have been much better spent on snacks and a slab at the supermarket. I walked away feeling really upset about giving any money at all for that experience and stupid for trying that place again.

Came here for lunch and liked the decor but staff laced any warmth and seemed bored even though it was reasonably busy. Menu is OK but would be good to be more varied like doing the squid with salad rather than just with the sambal - especially as the squid was cooked very well. The corn, zuccini and quinoa fritters were not very good and the consistency was dense and to eat two became amazingly boring so avoid as you will have had better. Good drinks selection but slightly over priced for Castlemaine.