Sahara Republic Cafe

Sahara Republic Cafe is a European-style neighbourhood cafe on Ralph Street in Alexandria, a few streets back from the industrial strip's better-known dining names. Dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables, and the European kitchen makes it more of a proper sit-down lunch stop than most of the suburb's coffee windows.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables out front but not inside the cafe. Keep your dog on a short leash secured to the table or a chair rather than on your lap, and bring your own water bowl on a hot day, because one is not guaranteed. Seating is limited and not undercover, so pick your weather.

The vibe

Regulars rate the goulash, parmigiana and lasagne, and reviewers keep coming back to the cosy atmosphere and friendly staff. It runs 8am to 3pm on weekdays and closes on weekends, so this is a working-week cafe. Weekday mornings and early afternoons suit the outdoor tables best. Come hungry at lunch; this is comfort food in generous hands rather than a grab-and-go counter.

Max: Goulash for the humans on a cool day, me on a short lead at the front table, and nobody in a hurry.

Getting there

Street parking on Ralph Street and the surrounding blocks is metered but generally manageable outside peak times. Mascot Station on the T8 line is the nearest train stop, about a 15 to 20 minute walk.

While you're out there

The Copper Mill and Meet Gerard are the suburb's better-known dog-friendly coffee stops if you are building a loop, and Veriu Green Square is the dog-welcoming stay nearby if you are visiting with a dog in tow. More dog friendly cafes in NSW and the Alexandria guide are on site.