Early Bird Baristas

Early Bird Baristas is a locally owned drive-thru coffee spot on the main road through Bannockburn, the kind of stop locals, commuters and passing motorcyclists all rely on. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating, which makes it an easy pull-in if you are travelling through with a dog in the car.

The dog setup. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area out front. It is casual, relaxed seating rather than a fenced courtyard, so keep your dog leashed and close given the drive-thru traffic and passing motorbikes. Water bowls are often put out for dogs, though it is worth asking at the window if you do not see one.

Good to know. Regulars rate the coffee highly (the house Black Silk blend gets called out often), and the homemade slices, muffins and toasties are the other drawcard. It is more a quick-stop coffee window than a sit-down cafe, so it suits a short break rather than a long stay.

Getting there and parking. The cafe is at 41 Geelong Road, Bannockburn, right on the main road, with free onsite parking at the venue. It is set up for drive-thru and quick stops, so easy to reach if you are passing through on the Geelong Road.

When to go: it works best as a quick coffee-and-leg-stretch stop rather than a destination sit-down, so any time it is open suits, just keep the leash short near the drive-thru lane.

Sources

• Early Bird Baristas · earlybirdbaristas.com.au

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