Blackbird & Co

Blackbird & Co on Bridge Street is a relaxed neighbourhood cafe with a sunny garden courtyard, the kind of spot Erskineville locals treat as a second lounge room. Dogs are welcome in the courtyard, and the kitchen's crispy pork roll and eggs benedict give owners a reason to stay a while.

The dog setup

Dogs join you in the outdoor garden courtyard on a leash, with indoor seating reserved for humans under NSW food premises rules. The courtyard is the pick of the room anyway, with greenery and a bit of space between tables. Staff are generally easygoing with dogs, and the cafe has been known to run dog-friendly treats, though it is worth bringing your own water bowl rather than counting on one being offered.

Worth knowing

The menu covers all-day brunch around Single O coffee, with regulars pointing at the crispy pork roll, burgers and protein bowls. The courtyard catches the sun through the middle of the day, which is the whole appeal on a cool morning. It runs 7am to 3pm daily, so it is a daytime stop.

Getting there and parking

Erskineville station is a short walk away, the sensible arrival for an inner-city cafe. Street parking on Bridge Street and the surrounding residential blocks fills through weekends, so leave the car if you can.

Close by with the dogs

Harry Noble Reserve is a short stroll for off-leash play before or after coffee, the Erko Pocket Park adds a smaller green patch, and Meraki Coffee is a nearby stop toward Sydenham.

More options are on the NSW dog friendly cafes guide and the Erskineville destination page.

Max: weekday mornings get you a courtyard table to yourselves, weekends belong to the brunch crowd and the sun chasers.