Skinny Boy Jim

Skinny Boy Jim is a casual neighbourhood brunch cafe in the Aspendale backstreets, a short walk from the train station and the beach. It pours Allpress coffee and runs an all-day menu, and the outdoor courtyard is where dogs are made welcome.

The dog setup

The sunny courtyard is the spot for dogs, with water bowls kept out and staff who are happy to see them. There is some footpath seating at the front as well. Dogs are not taken inside, so plan for the outdoor tables, which is no hardship on a fine morning.

Worth knowing

Allpress espresso, a broad all-day brunch menu, and a quieter feel than the Nepean Highway cafes thanks to the tucked-away location. Reviewers rate the waffles, bagels, the Reuben and the egg and bacon roll, with banana bread for the drive home. Hours run from 6:30am on weekdays and later opens on weekends, wrapping up mid-afternoon, so this is a breakfast-and-lunch venue rather than a late stop.

Getting there and parking

Street parking is easy on the surrounding residential streets, and it is a short walk from Aspendale Station on the Frankston line. Listings vary on the exact street number, so check the map pin before you set off.

Close by with the dogs

Aspendale Beach is minutes away for a walk either side of coffee. Foreshore paths are on-lead at all times and beach dog rules change over summer, so check the signage near the life saving club before unclipping. For off-lead time, Iluka Reserve Fenced Dog Park and Browns Reserve are both close by, or Two Farm Girls is the alternative coffee in town.

More options are on the Victoria dog friendly cafes guide and the Aspendale destination page.

Max: courtyard table, water bowl down, and the egg and bacon roll. Then the beach path north for the cool-down.