Sweet Marie's Cafe

Sweet Marie's is a small, family-run cafe on Carlton Crescent in the Kogarah pocket of Carlton, and it earns its dog-friendly reputation - patrons regularly bring pups along, and staff tend to keep a water bowl handy. If you want a relaxed local coffee stop where the dog is genuinely welcome rather than tolerated, this is a solid pick.

The dog setup. Dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables out the front. Seating is casual and the tables are on the smaller side, so a well-behaved dog tucked in beside you works best; larger dogs are easier on a quieter weekday. Water is often offered, but bring your own bowl to be safe.

Good to know. Reviewers rate it highly (4.7 from 130-plus reviews) for coffee, generous home cooking, toasted sandwiches, bacon and egg rolls and banh mi. It reads as a genuine neighbourhood spot rather than a destination cafe.

Getting there. It sits among residential streets, so free street parking is usually findable nearby, though it fills over the weekend brunch rush. The quiet surrounding streets make for an easy stroll on the way in or out.

When to go. A weekday morning or mid-afternoon gives you the calmest outdoor tables and the easiest parking. Good for a low-key coffee with a settled dog.

Sources

• Sweet Marie's, Carlton - Restaurant Reviews · tripadvisor.com
• Best Dog-Friendly Cafes: Sydney Dog Cafe Guide for 2026 · goget.com.au
• Sweet Marie's - Coffee, Sandwiches, Dogs · instagram.com

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