Dead Man Espresso is one of Melbourne's iconic coffee havens with a modern chic feel. Arriving on a packed Saturday Dead Man Espresso was a happening place with crowds of people taking up every available space of this architectural wonder. They even put extra chairs on the delightful front decking area.

Dead Man Espresso is full of life with the whir of coffee being ground, loud conversation, and friendly engaging baristas and staff who flow well as a team. It's slightly off the beaten track on Market St South Melbourne.

There is a cool history (as described on their website) of how the site used to be a swamp in the 1830s. With newcomers arriving in Australia they erected tents in the swamp and it was called Canvas Town. 

The Dead Man name may be associated with this history as this was a place of hardship and misery. I wondered about Dead Man and any pirate theme, and could well envisage Jack Sparrow as a barista in this cafe.

The fit out is iconic with timber walls and large windows. The naked bulbs, concrete grey floor, bicycle out the front and elevated position, enhance the ambience.

The coffee at Dead Man Espresso is top class with Seven Seeds, Market Lane and other top Melbourne Roasters and blends. My long mac single origin was a sensation.

Awesome food options (yay for All Day Breakfast) include the popular BLT with pork belly, the Dead Man Big Breakfast, Buttermilk banana pancakes and Full of Grace granola.

On Friday nights they have their Beef Burger Brew with a great range of burgers including the Swampy Burger.

Dead Man Espresso oozes character. It's proud of the heritage of the precinct. To quote from their website,