ExpressoMe

ExpressoMe is a small specialty coffee shop on President Avenue in Brighton-Le-Sands, pulling its first shots at 5am on weekdays, a full hour or two before most of the strip stirs. It has built its name on well-pulled espresso and consistent milk texture, and the morning regulars include a fair number of runners and dog walkers getting in before the heat. It trades to 1pm Monday to Saturday and closes Sundays.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome at the outdoor and footpath tables, and indoor seating is humans-only. There is no fee or fuss, just keep your dog leashed and clear of the walkway, and ask for a water bowl on a warm day; the staff are friendly about it. It is a quick, cosy stop that suits a dog already out on its morning walk rather than a destination brunch.

The vibe

The coffee is the headline, rated among the better cups in the area, with order-ahead available on the Hey You app for the pre-work rush. Food is grab-and-go quality: pastries, cakes, sandwiches and a loaded signature focaccia with cheese, tomato, avocado, salami and ham. Service stays quick and smiling even through peak hours.

Getting there and parking

The cafe sits on President Avenue near The Grand Parade, a short drive from Sydney Airport's eastern side, which makes it a handy stop for travellers with dogs in tow. Free street parking runs along President Avenue and the side streets, filling up on weekends, and buses along President Avenue and The Grand Parade stop within a short walk.

Make a day of it

The Kyeemagh Off Leash Dog Area at the northern end of Lady Robinsons Beach allows off-leash running and splashing around the clock; elsewhere the Brighton Le Sands Walking Path and Cook Park lawns are on-leash, with dogs kept 20 metres from playgrounds and off the general swim beaches. Billy Boy Cafe & Bistro and the Cook Park Trail round out the neighbourhood.

For more across Sydney, browse dog friendly cafes in NSW or the Brighton-Le-Sands guide.