The Laughing Lark Cafe

The Laughing Lark is a relaxed all-day breakfast and brunch cafe in the Clyde Street Mall, just off the Bayside Shopping Centre in central Frankston. It is one of the more dog-welcoming stops in town: dogs get the undercover outdoor seating right in front of the cafe, and the staff keep complimentary pup cups on hand for well-behaved visitors.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating in the pedestrian mall, on lead and settled clear of the thoroughfare. Indoor dining is people-only, as is standard. Ask the baristas for a pup cup and a water bowl, though on a warm Frankston afternoon it still pays to have your own water on hand. The mall position means foot traffic, so a calm dog that can settle under a chair will do best here.

The vibe and the menu

The kitchen is known for all-day breakfast, eggs benedict, a rotating specials board and generous portions, with vegan options and a kids menu alongside reliable coffee and chai. It is licensed and comfortable rather than precious, open 7am to 3pm on weekdays and from 8am on weekends. The easiest parking is the undercover Bayside Shopping Centre car park next door, and Frankston Station is a short walk away.

Pair it with

Frankston foreshore and the pier are a short walk down for an on-lead stroll, and the fenced agility setup at Ballam Park is a short drive east for proper off-lead time. Back in town, Picoletta Cafe & Gelato covers the gelato-with-your-dog angle, and Frankston Brewhouse is the dog-friendly option for a longer lunch.

More of the area's dog-friendly venues are on the Frankston destination page, with the state list in the VIC cafes index.