Phone (03) 9670 3568
“So are you hungry, thirsty, or both?” is the first thing you hear when you step into Tropicana Juice / Food Bar. And before you have even drawn breath to reply, you are interrupted by a “Well can I make a recommendation then?”
It is actually an interesting study in marketing to watch Giles, owner of Tropicana, sell his product. He is bold, brassy, obnoxious and so totally in your face – but, I just love it. And if his energy and enthusiasm is any marker for the healthful properties of his product, well I gotta get me some!
He does a couple of yummy blends, in particular the Giles Special (above), and a unique special brew called the South American Delight, which includes a “secret” ingredient guaranteed to put an ‘ole in your step. You can mix your own or choose from an extensive range of juices and smoothies. But be warned, you will get advice on your choice whether you like it or not 
Food is available, but it is your standard cafe fare. Bacon and eggs and all the bits in between, waffles, sanga’s and soups. The place will not win awards for food, but it will fill a hungry void.
And if you’re planning on ordering take-away, be prepared for the debate on “…well you’ll actually get more if you sit down and drink” to “…life is too rushed these days, sit down and enjoy” to “…and think of the environment – you won’t be throwing away a plastic cup!”. All good points. And life IS too rushed. So sit in and watch the amazing Giles spruik his stuff.
Spot on with your character study. Just dont tell Giles that you think his coffee tastes burnt. My Friends did that and he was NOT Happy. Top Juices. – V
hahha…you made me want to run into this store and get me some juice! So when I saw the picture, I realized I have walked past this place a million time before and never once thought to stop in. Now that I am no longer in the country, I can’t
Fate can be so cruel!!
Hi Vince – yes, I’d imagine as intense Giles is about his business, he would be somewhat affronted by a bad comment
He needs to take it on board though – it will make him better in the end.
Hiya Brooke – I too have walked past his store on many occassions, despite the attractive funky Cococobana exterior. It is only recently that I have tried his juice. Don’t worry – I’m sure you’ll get back to Melbourne soon!
I call it the Pineapple Palace. It’s an institution.
It’s one of those places that people write about if found overseas but completely ignore at home, so congratulations on mentioning it.
(By the way, Vince: buying coffee in a juice place is never a good idea, so your friend doesn’t really have grounds for complaint.)
lol. same here. been walking past this place many times n never once thought to walk in n grab a juice. definitely will try it next time =)
san
There’s a framed article inside about a franchise juice bar that opened down the road from Tropicana, with a view to driving them out. However, it was the franchise who ended up closing. Long live small business! Giles’ juice prices are a tad on the high side, but that’s because he is a small operator without the benefits of scale economies. However, I love his passion for his product and his general zeal for life and that’s why I’ll continue to go here rather than places like Boost Juice.
Oh my… I must have walked past this place a hundred times – I certainly can’t forget those oranges hanging everywhere!
Hey kitchen hand – yes, it really is a Melbourne institution. As EG mentioned above, I just love the fact that it is a little guy doing what he loves. He is not a franchise, and he has dug his heels in to aim for success in a business that can be very fickle. His passion is commendable.
Hiya EG – uh huh…ditto
Hi anna – yes, I too walked passed this place for years. Am glad to have finally had the Giles experience though.
The drink looks awesome chick. Love the way you write.
I confess to never have been in here despite walking past often – love your descriptions of the mood which I think is often as important as the food – and I have always loved the look of the oranges outside – so might venture in some time
I love the shop’s frontage. It definitely catches the eye. I wonder how many oranges they go through
Hiya squishy – thanks for the compliment. And the drink was awesome in a completely yummy and invigorating way
Hey there johanna – the mood to me is a VERY important aspect of my experience of a place. If I feel ignored / neglected / unwelcomed, I don’t rate the place, despite how good the food or drink is.
Hey cherrie pie – I’m sure they go through a s*#tload of oranges and pineapples. But I guess the decoration becomes an ingredient eventually!
I love love love tropicana juice. i go there every other day. Try the banana and strawberry smoothie and be forever grateful to me
:P:P..
I find giles nice; a bit in ur face sometimes but i got free muffins last week so i cant complain!
Hi doreen – yes, Giles can be VERY full on. I don’t think he knows the meaning of subtle
But he does a good juice, and the banana/strawb smoothie sounds a real goer!
I work around the corner…we call him the crazy fruit man. Excellent juices though, and a really nice bloke!! I love going in when it’s quiet and having a chat.
Hey anon – haha, a very fitting name for him I think
Actually I was hankering for a juice this arvo, so popped in for a Giles Special. Unfortunately he was on plate clearing duty, so I didn’t have any Giles banter today 
Aww for u mellie. I went in today with my bestie just before closing and my bestie got a Tropicana special and well I looked a bit down and was talking to giles as per usual and he was like, exams and results arent the end of the world and so forth and im like yeah it is
and well i didnt get anything but on the way out he gave me a tap on the shoulder and gave me a large blueberry muffin for free .. sweet 
Oooh – you’re just making me envious now Doreen! I never get free muffins…
I was in Melb on the weekend, and walked past the shop. Then I went in and had a hot orange juice (if you haven’t tried hot orangejuice, you should!!!) and the hot Bolivian juice. I was back the next day for juice and waffles
Hey kimbers – hot orange juice!??!? What the?!?!? I’ve never heard of such a thing!
[...] can eat the frozen bananas in the right order – easy!) for banana milk. thanks to giles from tropicana juice bar on elizabeth street in melbourne for that one! ^you can use oat or rice milk, too, but their protein content is lower – rice [...]
Tropicana juice was rated the purest and best juice. It even beat Organic orange juice for quality, purity and taste! I’m running to the store to get some now! Mmmmm! –Tiger