Third Wheel Highett

Third Wheel is a brunch cafe at 493 Highett Road, a short walk from Highett station, and its rear courtyard is the dog-friendly draw: a spacious, relaxed outdoor space out the back rather than a cramped footpath, with room for a dog to settle while you eat.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome in the rear courtyard, which is the main dog-friendly area, with limited footpath seating out the front. Indoors is off-limits, standard for Victorian food venues. The owners and staff are known local dog lovers and puppuccinos are part of the routine, but bring your own bowl on a hot day to be safe.

Pepsi: courtyards with regulars mean a rotating cast of visiting dogs. Claim a corner table rather than the middle of the courtyard and your dog stops policing the entrance within about five minutes.

Worth knowing

It sits near the top of local brunch rankings, with chilli scrambled eggs, prawn toast and the French dip baguette the most-ordered calls, plus lactose-free and gluten-free options and quick, friendly service. Kitchen hours run 6am to 3pm weekdays and 7:30am to 2pm weekends, so it is a breakfast-and-lunch stop.

Getting there

It is a short walk from Highett station on the Sandringham line. Street parking runs along Highett Road, with public parking in the streets behind the shopping strip; check the signage before you leave the car.

Pair it with

Line up an off-lead session at Turner Road Reserve Dog Off Leash Area first and the courtyard is the cool-down. Regulator Cafe Highett and The Little Elephant are other dog-welcoming options on the same strip.

More options are on the Victoria dog friendly cafes guide and the Highett destination page.