Barefoot on the Beach Cafe

Barefoot on the Beach Cafe sits on Gerrale Street right on the south Cronulla sandline, and the whole operation matches the beach: easy-going, barefoot-friendly, and open from 5:45am. Reported practice among locals is that the beachfront outdoor setup regularly hosts dogs alongside their owners.

The menu tells you what kind of dog day this is: açai bowls, chia pudding, smoothies and juices rather than a fry-up, aimed at people who have already been in the water. The 5:45am open lines up with the south Cronulla sandline's best hours, and by the time the beach fills the cafe has usually done its biggest trade. The beachfront outdoor setup means the dog stays leashed at a sand-side table with the lead looped to the chair, and staff are reported to be easy-going about the whole arrangement. Weekend hours run an hour later, to 3pm, but the afternoon sun and the crowds both argue for the morning session. Gerrale Street sits at the quieter south end of Cronulla, which keeps the walk from the car short.

The dog setup

The dog side is the beachfront outdoor setup: no inside table needed, keep the lead on, and the salt-crusted dog settles in while the smoothies and juices come out. The menu leans fresh rather than fried, with açai bowls, chia pudding and croissants, and the view does most of the selling. Weekday hours run 5:45am to 2pm, stretching to 3pm on weekends.

Gerrale Street parking is the usual Cronulla equation: easier before 8am, tight on summer weekends, and the train station is a walkable distance if you leave the car at home.

Close by with the dogs

The south Cronulla strip has company: Miss Jaffles Cafe for a toasted second stop, and Kafenio if the morning keeps going.

More dog friendly cafes in NSW are listed on PawScapes, along with a guide to Cronulla.