Behind the Beans - Speciality Coffee

Behind the Beans is a small specialty coffee spot attached to the Glen Street Theatre complex in Frenchs Forest, and it has quietly become one of the northern beaches' better coffee stops for dog owners. The undercover outdoor seating right by the entrance is where dogs belong here, sheltered from rain and sun, close enough to the barista for a friendly word on the way past.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables, and staff have a reputation for greeting them properly rather than merely tolerating them. Water bowls are usually on hand, though on a hot morning it's worth having your own backup. The covered area keeps a dog dry in a shower, and there's room for even a larger dog to stretch out without blocking the footpath.

Max: order the flat white, keep the leash looped over my knee, and the bacon roll does the rest.

The vibe

The coffee is the reason people come back: a specialty blend with chocolate and citrus notes, pulled properly. Alongside it there's a straightforward menu of breakfast, lunch and snacks, with vegan and vegetarian options in the mix. The crowd is locals walking dogs, theatre-goers, and library visitors, so it hums early on weekdays from 5.30am and stays busy through weekend mornings. Hours run to early afternoon every day, so this is a breakfast and lunch venue rather than a late one.

Getting there and parking

You'll find it on Glen Street, sharing the building with Glen Street Theatre. The large shared car park is free, and the walk from car to outdoor tables is level and step-free, which makes it an easy stop with an older dog or a pram-full of gear. Buses along Warringah Road put you within walking distance too.

Make a day of it

The natural pairing is Frenchs Forest Showground, minutes away, for an off-leash run before coffee. If you're making a longer morning of it, The Tasting Deck at Terrey Hills has a dedicated dog-friendly deck further north, and Currie Road Dog Park in Forestville is a fenced option on the way back toward the coast. For another dog-tolerant coffee stop in the same strip, Banana Blossom Frenchs Forest is nearby.

Browse more dog friendly cafes across New South Wales or see the rest of what's on around Frenchs Forest.