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Located at 302 Chulia St in the vibrant heart of Georgetown, Penang, The Mugshot Cafe serves as a charming hideaway for coffee lovers and food enthusiasts alike. The rustic, artsy ambiance, highlighted by exposed brick walls and playful "mugshot photo boards," effortlessly invites you to unwind and snap a few memorable photos.
Customers consistently rave about the freshly made bagels, particularly the smoked salmon and cream cheese variety, which strikes a perfect balance of flavors. The croissants and hearty breakfast options like bacon and egg bagels ensure a satisfying start to your day. For those seeking lighter fare, the homemade yogurt topped with crunchy granola is a refreshing treat.
While the coffee has received mixed reviews—some find the brew decent but nothing extraordinary—the overall experience at The Mugshot Cafe captivates guests. The laid-back atmosphere buzzes with a youthful energy, making it a favored spot for both locals and travelers. As a perfect pitstop after exploring Georgetown's lively streets, indulging in their famed burnt cheesecake or a robust flat white becomes a delightful ritual. In summary, The Mugshot Cafe is an essential visit for anyone looking to indulge in good food and a warm ambiance amidst Penang’s creative café culture.
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Amenities & More
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Solo dining
- Good for working on laptop
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trending
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- Groups
- Tourists
Reviews for The Mugshot Cafe
Review highlights
Based on 2,393 reviewsThe Mugshot Cafe in Georgetown is widely appreciated for its cozy and inviting ambiance, featuring a rustic, artsy decor that appeals to both locals and travelers. Customers frequently highlight the friendly service and relaxed atmosphere, making it a pleasant spot for breakfast or a casual coffee break. The cafe's coffee offerings, particularly the flat white and strong brews, receive positive mentions, though some specialty drinks like matcha lattes draw mixed feedback. Pastries such as croissants and bagels complement the drinks well, and the burnt cheesecake is notably favored. While the seating is generally comfortable, minor suggestions for improvements, like adding cushions, have been noted. Overall, the cafe is seen as a charming and recommended destination with unique character and quality food and beverages.
Burnt cheesecake was GREAT! Nice hideout place after a long walk in the sun. Love the ambiance, service was friendly. But the matcha latte was disappointing, too much form and way too bitter.
I visited this cafe a week ago. It is cozy and not congested in the morning. It is easy to find a public parking lot since most of the shops are not open until 10am. The flat white coffee is good and I will go to the place again. I enjoyed the croissant and bagle. Love the atmosphere and the friendly people.
Exceptional! Wish I had discovered this place sooner as it's a decent size cup of coffee and strong too. Nice AC. The benches need cushions. My bum doesn't have a lot of fat.
Tucked away in love lane of Georgetown, The Mugshot Café has built itself a reputation as one of those quirky, must-visit spots that travelers and locals alike always talk about. From the outside, it looks unassuming, but the moment you step inside you’re greeted by a rustic, artsy atmosphere. The exposed brick walls and the famous “mugshot photo boards” give the café a playful personality, making it a great place not only to enjoy food but also to take a few fun pictures and soak up the vibe of Penang’s creative café culture. The real standout here is the bagels. Freshly made and perfectly toasted, they’re chewy yet soft on the inside. My favorite is the smoked salmon and cream cheese it’s simple but done really well. The bacon and egg version is also a hearty option for those who want something filling to kickstart the morning. They also serve homemade yogurt that feels refreshing and light, especially when topped with crunchy granola or sweet fruits. It’s the kind of breakfast that’s both wholesome and satisfying without being too heavy. As for the coffee, it’s decent and enjoyable, though I’d say it’s more “okay” rather than the best in Georgetown. If you’re someone who’s very particular about specialty coffee, you might not find it mind-blowing here, but it pairs nicely with the bagels and makes for a pleasant morning cup. The atmosphere is what really elevates the experience it’s laid-back, youthful, and buzzing with energy from both travelers and locals stopping in. Overall, The Mugshot Café is less about perfection in coffee and more about the full experience, the food, the quirky interior, the fun concept, and the charm of sitting in a cozy spot while watching life pass by outside in Georgetown. It’s the kind of place where you can start your day with a hearty breakfast, take a few memorable photos, and just enjoy the easy-going Penang vibe. Definitely worth visiting at least once if you’re exploring the city.
Great spot recommended to me by a local — so you know it’s good. Fabulous roast and some interesting food choices. Not sure if it’s Swiss-owned, but the apple crumble yogurt could convince me. Bakery next door also looked good, but I’ll have to try it next time.
An anchor on chulia street. Great coffee, varieties of great cakes on counter. The only downside is the ladies servers at Rainforest side, not so friendly.
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Quick info
Opening hours
- Monday 08:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Tuesday 08:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Wednesday 08:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Thursday 08:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Friday 08:00 AM - 12:00 AM
- Saturday 08:00 AM - 12:00 AM
- Sunday (Today) 08:00 AM - 10:00 PM
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