Salty Joe's

Salty Joe's sits on Owen Street in Huskisson, a short stroll from the Jervis Bay foreshore, and it opens earlier than almost everything else in town. Dogs are welcomed in the outdoor undercover seating that looks over the bay, with water bowls provided and kangaroo chews stocked behind the counter for canine guests. That combination of first coffee of the morning and a dog friendly deck makes it a fixture for Jervis Bay visitors.

The dog setup

The covered outdoor area means the deck works even when the bay weather turns, and dogs get water bowls without anyone having to ask. What sets it apart is the stock of single ingredient kangaroo chews, so your dog has something to work on while you eat. Listings for the cafe consistently mention the dog welcome, and the layout keeps leads out of the foot traffic on Owen Street. It reads as a venue where dogs are expected rather than tolerated, which shows in how little anyone minds a dog stretching out under the table.

On the plate

The menu covers burgers, eggs benedict, fritters and sweet potato chips, with a beer selection for anyone whose breakfast slides into lunch. Trading hours run from 6am to 2pm on weekdays and to 2:30pm on weekends, so it suits early walkers off the beach and the post swim crowd alike. Aim for a weekday visit if your dog is still learning outdoor cafe manners; weekends are busy with families and tour groups.

While you are in Huskisson

The Huskisson to Vincentia Shared Path starts close by and makes the ideal pre breakfast leg stretch. Portside Cafe is another dog friendly coffee stop in the same strip if Salty Joe's is full, and the Huskisson guide covers the rest of the bay's dog friendly venues.