Meet Gerard

Meet Gerard is a corner brunch cafe in a converted terrace on Henderson Road, Alexandria, started by a chef and a barista pairing and rated 4.5 by reviewers. Dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables, and Sydney Park's off-leash grounds sit close enough that the morning run and breakfast can be the one outing.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome at the outdoor seating areas, front and back, while the indoor room stays for people only, which is also the standard under NSW food rules. The Henderson Road block is quiet enough that a settled dog on a lead sits comfortably beside the table, and the staff have a dog-friendly reputation with water bowls usually on hand, though bringing your own is the safe bet.

Worth knowing

The coffee uses beans from Marrickville roaster Coffee Alchemy, and the counter is stacked with house-made sweets. The kitchen's chilli scrambled eggs come with pickled chilli, yuzu-toasted sesame and lime, and the roast chicken sandwich on Sonoma rustic miche has a reputation of its own. There is a full brunch spread alongside: french toast, fritters, truffled mushroom toast and a bacon and egg roll. Hours run 7am to 2pm Monday to Saturday and 8am to 2pm Sunday.

Getting there and parking

The address is 54 Henderson Road, near the Mitchell Road end, in a mixed residential and light-industrial pocket of Alexandria. Street parking is available on Henderson Road and the surrounding side streets, though it tightens at the weekend brunch peak. From Erskineville or Redfern stations it is a straightforward walk with the dog on a lead.

Nearby with the dogs

Sydney Park is a short walk away, and the City of Sydney lists its extensive open areas as off-leash at all times, complete with a dog paddling pool. Keep to a lead on the paths, and stay out of the wetlands, playground and Alan Davidson Oval, which are prohibited for dogs. On PawScapes, Joynton Park in Zetland and Harry Noble Reserve are other green options nearby, and The Grumpy Barista is the second dog-friendly coffee stop on the same strip.

For more of the suburb, browse other dog-friendly cafes in New South Wales or the Alexandria destination guide.