The Bank Cafe & Espresso

The Bank Cafe & Espresso trades out of a restored heritage bank building at 67 Molesworth Street in central Lismore, and the dog-friendly part of the site is a good one: outdoor tables in the pedestrian laneway beside the cafe. Because the laneway is set back from the road, it is a calmer place to settle a dog than kerbside seating on a main street.

The dog setup

Dogs stay at the laneway tables rather than in the main dining room, as with most cafes. Staff are known for being friendly and easygoing with dogs at the tables, though a water bowl is not guaranteed, so carry your own on warm Northern Rivers mornings. The laneway's distance from traffic also makes it workable for a dog who is uneasy about buses and trucks.

The vibe

The kitchen leans breakfast and brunch, with the smashed avo on sourdough and a broad menu of healthy and keto-friendly plates drawing repeat visits, plus eggs benedict, toasties and gluten-free and vegan options. Staff work efficiently, which suits the weekday CBD crowd. It opens 7am to 2pm every day of the week.

Getting there and parking

Street parking runs along Molesworth Street with public car parks a short walk away, and both fill during the weekday morning rush. Mid-morning on a weekday is the easy window if you want a laneway table without waiting.

Close by with the dogs

For an off-lead run, the Elizabeth Gardens Dog Off-Leash Area sits by the water a short drive from the CBD, and the Hepburn Park Fenced Dog Park covers the Goonellabah side. For a second coffee, Dark Horse Espresso and TIMBRÉ Lismore are both in town.

More options are listed in the NSW dog friendly cafes guide and on the Lismore destination page.