Dark Horse Espresso

Dark Horse Espresso is a small, rustic coffee bar inside the Strand Arcade at 74-78 Molesworth Street in the Lismore CBD, and it lists as dog-friendly inside and out. The practical choice with a dog is the footpath seating through the arcade, which is level, sheltered and out of the traffic.

The dog setup

The arcade's footpath tables give you room to park a larger dog without blocking the thoroughfare, and the level access makes moving through with a lead straightforward. Bring your own water bowl; none is confirmed on site. Keep your dog settled while you eat, since the arcade stays busy through the morning run.

The vibe

The draw is the coffee, which regulars rate as full-bodied and consistent, backed by a brunch menu with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, corn fritters, haloumi, chai lattes and gluten-free treats like carrot cake. Hours run 6am to 2pm weekdays and 7am to 1pm weekends, so it is a morning-coffee stop rather than an afternoon one.

Getting there and parking

The Strand Arcade opens onto Molesworth Street, Lismore's main strip in the Northern Rivers. Free street parking runs along Molesworth Street with public lots nearby, and the arcade's accessibility extends to wheelchairs and prams as well as dogs.

Close by with the dogs

The Wilsons River bank is a short walk for a post-coffee stroll, and Elizabeth Gardens' off-leash exercise area gives your dog a proper run. For other cups in town, The Bank Cafe and Espresso and Timbre are both close. More dog-friendly cafes across NSW or plan via Lismore.

Best in the morning: an arcade table, a full-bodied flat white, then a riverside walk while the town is still cool.