Coin Laundry Cafe

Coin Laundry Cafe is a busy brunch spot in a converted laundromat at 61 Armadale Street, right opposite Armadale Station in Melbourne's inner south-east, the kind of place locals queue for on a Saturday. It is also an easy one with a dog: the pavement-style outdoor seating out front is where dogs are welcome, and the whole strip is a standard dog-walk route.

The dog setup

Dogs settle at the outdoor tables, on lead and close in, since the space fills quickly on weekends. Water bowls are generally produced on request, but bring your own on a packed morning when the floor staff are stretched. Weekday mornings are calmer if your dog prefers fewer prams and passers-by. Confirm the arrangement by phone if you are bringing a larger or more excitable dog, as the footpath is shared and not especially wide.

Pepsi: Sat outside a laundromat, got pats from half the queue, split a hashbrown. Brunch achieved.

The vibe

The kitchen runs an all-day brunch menu with the classics done properly: eggs benedict, chilli scrambled eggs, corn fritters, french toast and a wagyu burger, with poke bowls for the lunch crowd. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are well covered, and the coffee pours from Allpress beans. Hours run 6:30am to 4pm daily, stretching to 5pm Fridays, so it is a morning-and-lunch venue rather than a late afternoon one. Indoor tables are for people only.

Getting there and parking

The cafe sits a step off High Street opposite Armadale Station, so arriving by train is straightforward. Driving in, use the free street parking on the surrounding residential streets, and allow a lap or two on weekends.

Pair it with

Armadale Reserve Off Leash Park is close enough for a proper off-lead run before the table, and Harber Fenced Dog Park is the enclosed option nearby. Armadale Park Cafe is the alternate coffee stop on the same circuit. The suburb guide at Armadale and the wider list of dog friendly cafes in Victoria fill in the rest.