Brew Thru

Brew Thru is a drive-thru coffee bar on Balcatta Road in Perth's northern suburbs, family-run and open from 4am on weekdays for the pre-dawn commute. It is not a sit-down cafe: the point is speed, and the good news for dog owners is that the dog is part of the transaction. Staff hand out complimentary dog treats right at the window, and walkers can approach on foot instead of queuing in a car.

The dog setup

There is no courtyard, no indoor seating and no water bowls on a deck, because there is no deck. The dog-friendly part happens at the service window, where staff are known for greeting visiting pets with a free treat along with your order. If you arrive on foot with your dog, keep the lead short and your dog close, since this is a working service point with cars queuing through the lane beside you.

Coffee and the menu

The drinks list covers espresso coffee with a full range of alternative milks, plus shakes, smoothies and juices. Food is built for the car cup holder: toasties including a popular ham and cheese, rolls, donuts and specialty bagels, with a jalapeno and cheese variety that regulars single out. Reviewers rate it for speed as much as quality, which is the whole appeal of a 4am opening.

Getting there and hours

The address is Suite 7, 204 Balcatta Road, Balcatta, with direct access off the main road for cars. Hours are 4am to 2pm Monday to Friday, 7am to 12pm Saturday, closed Sunday. Park in a bay rather than the drive-thru lane if you want to walk up, and treat the stop as part of the walk rather than the destination.

Pair it with

For an off-lead run before the coffee, Wright Road Fenced Dog Park in the neighbouring suburb of Stirling gives your dog a proper stretch after all that sitting in the car. If you would rather end the walk sitting down, McCrumbs Deli in the same suburb is the sit-down option, or head one suburb over to The Coffee Cabinet in Osborne Park.

Max: keep the leash short at the window, it is a working service point with cars queuing close by, not a place to let the lead go slack.

See the Balcatta guide or browse more dog friendly cafes in WA for the next stop on the list.