Bennett St Cafe

Bennett St Cafe is a family-run neighbourhood spot at 79 Bennett Street, Long Gully, behind the Chemist Warehouse in this Bendigo suburb, and it punches well above its size: locals rate the house-roasted coffee among the best in the region and pack the place for wood-fired pizza nights. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating, so your dog can settle under the tables while you work through coffee, toasties and pizza.

The dog setup

Dogs get the outdoor footpath tables, shaded by trees and umbrellas, with water bowls often on the go for canine regulars. Keep a short lead on: the tables sit close to the street and the carpark, so the spot suits dogs comfortable with passing foot traffic and other diners. The indoor room is off limits. Bring a water bowl as backup for the days one has not been put out.

The vibe

The staff are the drawcard as much as the menu, down-to-earth and quick with a chat, and the coffee is roasted on site. The food covers egg and bacon rolls, loaded toasties, muffins and lemon tart, with thin-crust wood-fired pizzas through the day and on scheduled evenings. Friday nights add live music and a busier street. Hours run 8am to 3pm Monday to Friday, with Friday also open 5pm to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 3pm and Sunday 9am to 2pm. The menu and pizza nights rotate, so check the Bennett St Cafe Facebook page for what is on.

Getting there and parking

Street parking sits directly in front of the cafe on Bennett Street, which keeps arrivals simple with a dog in tow. It is a five minute drive west of central Bendigo.

While you're out there

For an off-lead run before coffee, Emily Way's off-leash area in Golden Square is on the way into town. In Bendigo proper, The Green Olive and The Golden Bean are the other dog-friendly tables worth a lap. See more dog friendly cafes in Victoria or browse Long Gully.