The Other Ostrich Cafe

The Other Ostrich Cafe opened in late 2023 at 45C Sussex Terrace, Hawthorn, just south of Cross Road off Belair Road, and has quickly made itself one of the inner-south's clearest dog-first cafes: visiting dogs get a Polaroid on the wall and often a treat on the house.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome in the undercover outdoor seating area, which keeps the tables usable whatever the weather, and the welcome extends inside where the famous dog wall of fame lives. Staff photograph visiting dogs, label each Polaroid with the dog's name and pin it up, so regulars build a visible history with the cafe. Keep your dog on a lead and settled in the space; amenities like water bowls are offered in practice, but bringing your own portable bowl is the safe bet on a first visit.

The vibe

The fitout runs to an ostrich and flamingo theme, vinyl records spinning and a small gin bar, with pastel tones and a cosy brunch feel. Coffee uses Hark beans, tying it to the roaster down the road in Malvern. The kitchen covers buttermilk waffles, banana bread, corn bread and polenta, with gluten friendly options and sticky chai among the favourites reviewers keep naming.

Max: My Polaroid went up between a kelpie and a dachshund. Permanent residency, as far as I'm concerned.

Getting there and parking

Street parking is available along Sussex Terrace and the surrounding side streets, and the cafe is an easy reach from the Adelaide CBD and southern suburbs via Belair Road. Hours run 7:30am to 3pm Wednesday to Friday, from 8am on weekends, with Monday morning service and a full closure on Tuesdays, so plan a midweek or weekend visit around the dog wall.

Close by with the dogs

HARK! Coffee Roasters in Malvern and Sublime Cafe in Clarence Park are fellow dog-friendly stops within a short drive, while Randell Park Reserve at Torrens Park gives you a green walk nearby. More options sit in our guide to dog friendly cafes in South Australia and the Hawthorn destination page.