Hey Sunshine Cafe

Hey Sunshine Cafe is a bright, well-reviewed local on McNamara Street in Macleod village, and it goes further than most on the dog front: dogs are welcome inside the cafe as well as at the outdoor seating. In Melbourne that is a genuine differentiator, because a wet Tuesday no longer means a coffee in the car. It opens 7am to 3pm Tuesday to Friday and 8am to 3pm Saturday, closing Sunday and Monday.

The dog setup

Water bowls are set out and a jar of dog treats usually lives on the counter, so the welcome is built in rather than improvised. The indoor space is compact, though, so a settled dog that stays close to your chair is the price of admission. Out front the footpath tables give more breathing room on fine days, and the village strip is calm enough for young dogs learning the ropes.

Worth knowing

The kitchen's reputation rests on an extensive toastie menu, including a slow-cooked pastrami Reuben, plus house-made Portuguese tarts, savoury muffins, basque cheesecake and brownies. The coffee holds its end up, and the overall feel is neighbourhood-cheerful rather than precious. Tuesday to Friday mornings are calmer than the Saturday rush if your dog prefers a quiet room.

Getting there and parking

The cafe is at 23 McNamara Street, a short walk from Macleod station, with free parking on the surrounding streets. The village shops put everything within a block or two.

Close by with the dogs

JIJI's and Touchstone Cafe are fellow dog-friendly stops in the same village run. For a longer walk, the Banyule Flats Reserve Loop is about five minutes away by car, and Banyule Flats Reserve Dog Off Leash Area adds off-lead time to the trip.

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

Pepsi: an indoor table in Melbourne means the weather cannot ruin breakfast. I take the corner spot, the treat jar takes a beating, everyone leaves dry.