The best dining view in Stockton? It might be upstairs

Located right alongside Stockton Beach, with a perfect view out to the ocean horizon and Stockton Breakwall, you will find a community staple, known as Lexie’s on the Beach. A buzzing beachside cafe that happily welcomes in customers with sandy feet. 

In the past year, the team at Lexie's on the Beach have turned their heads to look higher (literally), opening and operating a new rooftop venue above that we are sure will become an absolute crowd favourite: Lexie's Crow's Nest.

Familiar faces, but a brand new experience 

Just like Lexie’s on the Beach, Lexie’s Crow’s Nest is a family affair, one Stockton locals agree they wouldn’t want any other way.

Run by Stockton local couple and longtime workers at the cafe below, Vinny and Brigitte Sovechles, the operation of Lexie’s Crow’s Nest ignites an exciting new chapter for the Lexie’s Cafe family. 

Owners of Lexie's Crows Nest: Vinny and Brigitte Sovechles

“We’re coming up to our ninth year running Lexie’s. Lexie’s has been around since 2006,” Vinny says, “I was born and raised in Stockton. We actually lived upstairs here in the apartment before we moved out to have our daughter.”

When reflecting on operating a beachside rooftop location such as Lexie’s Crow's Nest, Co-owner Brigitte says, “Stockton was crying out for this. This is what Stockton deserves. Lexie’s has been around for 20 years - this is the evolution of that”. 

When the family first contemplated using the upstairs space as an additional venue, Vinny said it was clear what their choice was going to be, “You might not get to do this again, to work together and build something as a family.”

"Head Chef Mel Gato has been with us for eight incredible years, helping shape the heart and soul of our kitchen. Alongside Vinny, she hand-selected Chef Zac Hardes to lead the upstairs kitchen at Crow’s Nest," Brigitte says.

"Zac’s creativity and passion for producing exceptional food shines through in every plate he sends out, working alongside his small but highly talented team to deliver an unforgettable dining experience."

What to expect 

The making of Lexie’s Crow’s Nest has been a space where every detail has been considered, from the navy striped umbrellas – a nod to the family’s Macedonian history – to the elevated glass railings, that sit at a perfect height so patrons don’t have to sacrifice the stellar view when the offshore wind picks up. 

Perched right above Stockton beach, the venue offers a space that feels effortlessly casual and coastal as well as modern, not to mention those amazing views. Here you can expect to find a vibe where long lunches with family and friends roll into sunset drinks. With the family explaining, “ It’s a casual, European feel – but Stockton-friendly”. 

Lexie’s Crow’s Nest features two dining spaces – the outdoor bar and deck, and inside the restaurant – which are both wrapped around by gorgeous views of Stockton Beach, where patrons are invited to come for a slow sitting and look at the view. 

Whilst the menu and space is an elevated and finer dining offering, the team at Lexie’s Crow's Nest said, “We didn’t want fine dining that feels intimidating.”

So what can you expect? A fresh and modern space that perfectly complements its view of the beach in front. 

Dining at Lexie’s Crow’s Nest 

Just as the venue itself perfectly captures that elevated coastal feel, the menu at Lexie’s Crow’s Nest follows suit. The culinary offering here is one that feels intrinsically and literally tied to its surroundings, led by fresh, vibrant and local produce, with a clear nod to the typical rooftop dining experience. 

“We use local suppliers wherever we can – our butcher, our oyster farmer,” Vinny says. 

Expect classic coastal dishes like freshly shucked oysters sourced from Port Stephens, tempura prawn tacos, fresh battered barramundi, alongside refined favourites such as porchetta and marinated olives. 

For those craving something more substantial, the steaks, market fish, and hand rolled pasta round out the experience. 

When asked about the feeling behind the menu, Vinny explains,“We wanted to keep it approachable – you can still get a beautiful battered fish if that’s what you feel like.”

Looking for something small to share alongside drinks? The menu also features the ‘light bites’ menu, a sides menu that’s best for a nibble for yourself or to share with your table. 

Here at the Crow’s Nest, "Everything is made from scratch. You can taste that the chefs love what they do,” Vince says.

The rooftop bar, drinks and cocktails 

If there’s another thing Lexie’s Crow’s Nest does really well, is make a mean cocktail. When considering the bar within Lexie’s Crow’s Nest, Bar Manager Patty says “Stockton’s not really known for cocktails, so we wanted to bring proper cocktails here." 

“When working on the bar menu, we didn’t want to just say we do cocktails. We wanted to do them properly.” he says. 

Expect to find a range of your classic cocktail and spritz favourites available that capture those perfect cocktails by the beach vibes. 

“Lexitini is our signature – if you love gin, it’s amazing.” Patty says.

Alongside the cocktail menu, the selection from craft beers, spirits, and their wine list, is a drinks menu that offers the best picks of the bunch, and like with most offerings at Lexie’s Crow’s Nest, is rooted in being locally sourced and owned. 

A space built on its local community

Stockton locals would likely agree that Lexie’s Crow’s Nest is a space built on strong community values. 

“For us here, it’s more than a cafe or rooftop bar. Community is the biggest aspect of it.” Vinny says.

 At Lexie’s Crow’s Nest you can be sure to be welcomed by that same familiar team each time, “We want people to walk up to the bar, order their drink, and meet the staff. Have the space and experience feel like it’s theirs as much as ours”. 

When sharing his experience working at the cafe below, Vinny adds, “One of our regulars said, ‘When I don’t want to get out of bed, I come to Lexie’s because someone will be there.’ That really stayed with me.”

“Sometimes we’ll notice someone’s a bit flat and we’ll say, ‘Come up Sunday for a drink.’ That’s what it’s about.”

Events at Lexie’s Crow’s Nest 

What's also a beautiful aspect of Lexie’s Crow’s Nest, is their event venue offering. Whether it’s a wedding, celebration, or private function, Event Manager and Co-owner Brigitte is there to help craft her customers an ‘unforgettable experience by the sea’. 

“We’ve done weddings, 50th birthdays, 60ths, anniversaries. Helping people celebrate milestones - that’s my favourite part.” Brigitte says. 

“I served one bride her dinner and she grabbed my hand and said, ‘If you weren’t working, you’d be sitting here as a guest.’ That’s why I do this.”

If you're looking for a new space for an upcoming function, head on over to the Lexie’s Crow’s Nest website to make an inquiry. 

Dining in Stockton just got a whole lot more fabulous 

With the team operating Lexie’s Crow's Nest for just short of a year, the future of this new Stockton venue looks bubbly and bright, as the venue looks to extend its opening days to cater for its growing crowd, and also expand their live music and in-house DJ offerings. 

When reflecting on his experience and looking to the future, Vinny makes a nod to working in front of his favourite swimming spot, Stockton Beach. 

“Working here is kind of just like the beach in front of us really. It comes in waves – hospitality always does. But when the wave’s big, you gotta ride it.”