Sunnyside Cafe

Sunnyside sits right on the Esplanade at Henley Beach, and its front deck looks straight out over the sand. It is a beachfront cafe and bar built for brunch, and it is one of the more openly dog-welcoming spots on this strip: the venue states that dogs of all sizes are welcome on the deck, so there is no guesswork about whether yours qualifies.

The dog setup. Dogs are welcome on the front deck and balcony overlooking the beach, not inside. There is ramp access to the deck, which helps with older or smaller dogs. Staff will usually bring a water bowl, though carrying your own is sensible on a hot day. The deck faces the water, so it is a genuinely pleasant place to sit rather than an afterthought corner.

Good to know. The kitchen leans into brunch: pancakes, eggs benedict with pork belly, breakfast tacos, plus coffee and cocktails. Bottomless mimosas get a mention from regulars. It runs busy and social, so a nervous dog may prefer the quieter mid-week service.

Getting there. The address is 245 Esplanade. There is free street parking and a nearby free car park, but both fill fast on weekends and through summer. Parking a few back streets away and walking in along the foreshore path is the reliable option.

Nearby with the dogs. The Henley Beach foreshore path runs right past for a leashed walk. On the sand, City of Charles Sturt rules apply: on-lead 10am to 8pm during daylight saving, off-lead outside those hours. Check the signage at your access point.

When to go. Mid-week is calmest; on weekends, get there early to land a deck table before the brunch rush and to walk the beach while it is still quiet.

Sources

• Sunnyside Henley | Dogs (big and small) welcome · instagram.com
• Adelaide Beaches Dog-Friendly Guide: Hotels, Breweries, Cafes · adelaidebeaches.com.au
• Dog On and Off Lead Areas | City of Charles Sturt · charlessturt.sa.gov.au

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.