The Mess & Barracks

84 Barkly St, Ararat VIC 3377, Australia
+61 3 4318 6003
$$$ Cafe
(56 Reviews)

Welcome to The Mess & Barracks, a delightful cafe nestled in the charming town of Ararat, Victoria. Located at 84 Barkly St, this gem is known for its vibrant atmosphere and meticulously crafted offerings.

As you step into The Mess & Barracks, you're immediately enveloped by a warm, inviting ambiance. The low lighting casts a cozy glow over the rustic brick walls, creating a perfect backdrop for a relaxing coffee date or a lively meal with friends. The cafe's thoughtful design fosters a sense of community, making it a favored spot not just for locals but for travelers seeking a taste of Ararat.

The menu showcases a variety of culinary delights, blending favorite cafe classics with indulgent specialties. Take, for example, the Truffle Tagliatelle—a creamy beauty that promises a luxurious taste with every bite. Or try the Navy MRE prosciutto pizza, where the ingredients are lovingly prepared right before your eyes, ensuring both freshness and a delightful theatrical dining experience.

Don’t miss out on the breakfast menu that features hearty options designed to kickstart your day. Reviews from satisfied patrons highlight the quality of the food, with many praising the friendly and efficient service that complements the delicious offerings. One customer, Baylee Mclean, raved about the “amazing atmosphere” and “comforting vibe,” stating, “Both were incredible. We will be back!”

While the portions have been noted as slightly on the smaller side for the price by some, the quality and flavor of the food more than make up for it. Shannon Colebatch described a recent experience where she was so impressed with breakfast that she eagerly returned for dinner later that same day, a testament to the cafe's charm and culinary prowess.

For those considering a special outing, the cocktail menu is worth exploring. One reviewer highlighted the maple old fashions as a delightful touch that elevated their meal. The enthusiastic feedback reflects the cafe’s ability to cater to varying tastes, ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy.

If you’re in Ararat and in search of a place that feels like a home away from home, look no further than The Mess & Barracks. It's not just a cafe; it’s a celebration of good food, great company, and an atmosphere that invites you to unwind. With the commitment to quality and service, this is a destination to consider on your next outing!

Contact them at +61 3 4318 6003 for reservations or more information about their unique offerings and seasonal specials.

Service options
Kerbside pickup
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great wine list
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates
Spirits
Wine
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Groups
Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
NFC mobile payments
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Openings Hours

Monday

06:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Tuesday

06:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Wednesday

06:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Thursday

06:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Friday

06:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Saturday

06:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Sunday

08:00 AM - 11:00 PM

56 Reviews
Baylee Mclean

04 Oct 2025

Amazing atmosphere! Beautiful low lighting, rustic brick building, with a warm, comforting vibe! My partner and I enjoyed a beer & a wine. Truffle Tagliatelle & the Navy MRE prosciutto pizza that is prepared right in front of you. Both were incredible. We will be back!

Mark Percival

02 Oct 2025

Our 1st visit and it won't be the last. What a great space for Ararat, the best kind of slice of Lygon St in our town. Banging cocktails and a stunning bar backed up delicious food. Well done to all and thank you.

Geoff Smith

01 Oct 2025

Food and coffee is good, definitely think the portion sizes are small considering the price. Scrambled eggs were nice, but one small slice of toast with eggs for $15 is a little steep I feel.

Shannon Colebatch

05 Aug 2025

Friendly & efficient service, a nice relaxed vibe and delicious food & coffee with generous serves! We stopped here for breakfast and were so impressed we came back for dinner on the same day! 10/10 high recommend

A&B Currie

04 Jul 2025

We came down from Stawell to have lunch for Father’s Day. Meals were delicious, fresh and well priced. We enjoyed the all day breakfast menu but the wood fired pizzas will be my choice next visit. We enjoyed the cocktail menu too. The maple old fashions were delicious and made the whole meal feel that bit more elevated.

Toonzie

15 Jun 2025

What a gem! We were looking for a nice breakfast before our drive home and stumbled across this beautiful spot. The interior felt warm and inviting, and the staff were genuinely happy and friendly. The coffee was hot and full of flavor, and the breakfast menu offered a great variety of choices. When the meals arrived, the presentation was just as impressive as the taste—we all loved it. We only wish we had found this place earlier in our visit. It would’ve made for a much more memorable dinner than where we ended up the night before!

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