Double Cross Dining Room

Double Cross Dining Room is a stylish Asian-fusion cafe on Albany Street in the heart of Crows Nest, and one of the more genuinely dog-friendly spots in the area: staff regularly welcome leashed dogs at the outdoor covered seating and, thanks to the big bi-fold frontage, often inside as well.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome in the covered street seating, and frequently inside too depending on staff discretion and how busy the room is. Keep your dog leashed and settled at your feet. Water is usually available on request, but bring a travel bowl to be safe, since it is not guaranteed table-side. Confirm indoor access at the door on the day.

Pepsi: get a table near the bi-fold doors. The breeze and the smell of brunch make the wait for scraps very worthwhile.

The vibe

The menu leans inventive: truffle mentaiko pasta, chicken karaage eggs benedict, ochazuke and a tonkatsu tamago sando, alongside solid coffee and a hojicha latte. The room mixes high tables, banquettes and outdoor seating over a relaxed soundtrack. Doors open 6am weekdays and 7am weekends, with dinner service Thursday to Saturday.

Getting there and parking

The cafe is at Shop 1/31 Albany Street, Crows Nest, with step-free level access from the footpath. Street parking runs along Albany Street and the side streets, and there is paid parking at the Hume Street council car park a short walk away. Weekday brunch is calmer than weekends, when both the room and the footpath tables fill fast.

Close by with the dogs

Crows Nest is a walkable village, so pair brunch with a stroll: the Waverton Park to Balls Head Reserve Loop makes a proper harbour-side leg-stretch, and the Primrose Park Walking Track sits just over the hill. Salt & Jam is the second coffee stop if the room is full.

More options are on the NSW cafes list or in the Crows Nest guide.