Annie's Cafe

Annie's Cafe sits on Beach Road at Christies Beach, a short stroll up from the foreshore, and has long been part of the local breakfast-and-lunch routine. The dog-relevant detail is straightforward: dogs belong at the outdoor tables along the street, not inside, and the staff there have historically been easygoing about a well-settled dog at your feet.

The dog setup

There is no dedicated dog water station, so pack your own bowl and pour from whatever you are carrying. Keep the lead on and your dog clear of the footpath flow. Regulars' reviews over the years mention the team spoiling familiar dogs, but treat that as a bonus rather than a promise for a first visit.

The menu

This is unpretentious cafe food done well: milkshakes, cakes, eggs benedict, a chicken caesar wrap and a solid steak sandwich, plus a genuine run of gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options, which makes group decisions easier. It is relaxed rather than polished, and service gets consistent praise.

Getting there and parking

Street parking runs along Beach Road with more space in the side streets behind, usually within a short walk. The cafe is minutes from the Christies Beach foreshore paths, so it slots neatly into a morning beach walk.

Worth knowing

Trading details for this cafe have been inconsistent across listings lately, with hours varying by day of the week, so check or call ahead before a special trip, particularly on Mondays and Tuesdays. Weekdays when the foreshore crowds thin out are the easiest time to get an outdoor table.

Close by with the dogs

If the tables are full or the doors are shut, FLAVA Cafe and Double Drop Espresso are nearby alternatives, and the off-leash stretch further along the coast is one of the best dog runs on this part of the Fleurieu.

More choices are on the South Australia dog friendly cafes guide and the Christies Beach destination page.

Pepsi: BYO water bowl is the golden rule at no-frills cafes like this. The humans who arrive prepared get to stay longer.