Willow Cafe

Willow Cafe is a coastal-style brunch spot on Riding Road, on the Balmoral-Hawthorne border, known for a solid coffee and a menu that runs from chilli scrambled eggs to Korean fried chicken burgers. It draws a steady weekend crowd, which makes a booking worth having if you want a table with the dog.

The dog setup. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor front seating and the rear courtyard, with table service either way. Staff are generally accommodating and will bring a water bowl if you ask, though it is worth packing your own for a hot day.

Good to know. Regulars come back for the eggs benedict, mushroom ricotta, poke bowls and weekend mimosas, and reviewers consistently rate it among the better dog-friendly brunch spots in the inner east. It gets busy on weekends, so an early arrival or a booking helps if you want an outdoor table.

Getting there. The address is 1/216 Riding Road, Balmoral. Free street parking is available on Riding Road and the side streets, though it fills up on weekend mornings. Local buses run along Riding Road.

Nearby with the dogs. Hawthorne Park and Bulimba Memorial Park are both a short drive away for a walk before or after brunch, and Oxford Street in Bulimba is close by for a wander with the dog once you are done.

When to go. Weekday mornings are the easiest for a relaxed outdoor table; weekends get busy fast, so book ahead or arrive early.

Sources

• Willow Espresso - Balmoral, AU-QLD - OpenTable · opentable.com.au
• Willow Cafe - Balmoral Food & drink - Brisbane Localista · brisbanelocalista.com.au
• Willow Cafe | Balmoral | URBAN LIST BRISBANE · theurbanlist.com

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.