Onyx Espresso Bar

Onyx Espresso Bar at 191 Maitland Road is the pick of Mayfield's dog-friendly cafes, thanks to a sunny back courtyard that regulars call the secret garden. Dogs are genuinely set up for here rather than merely tolerated, which makes it the one to build a morning around.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome in the spacious back courtyard, which has shade, water bowls and tie-up points, and at the front footpath tables. Inside stays people-only. Puppuccinos and dog treats are usually on hand, so you can order for both of you, and the garden tables are roomy enough to park a large dog out of the foot traffic.

Worth knowing

Running since 2016, Onyx pours ONA specialty coffee and runs an all-day breakfast and lunch menu built on local produce: the egg and bacon roll, pulled pork dishes and a solid range of vegan options all get repeat orders, and cold-pressed juices cover the drink list. Hours are 6am to 2pm on weekdays and 7am to 2pm on weekends. It gets genuinely busy, so the weekend courtyard fills early.

Getting there and parking

Onyx sits on the main Mayfield strip, with street parking along Maitland Road and the side streets, though it tightens on weekend mornings. Buses run along Maitland Road, and for locals it is an easy walk.

Pepsi: the courtyard is the whole point here. Head for the shaded back tables on a warm day, ask about a puppuccino, and settle in.

Close by with the dogs

The Pocket Mayfield, a short stroll along Maitland Road, is another footpath coffee stop, and Purdue Park, a small leash-free reserve tucked into the residential streets, is handy for a leg-stretch. Cafe 252 is a further backup on the same strip.

Weekday mornings are calmest in the courtyard; on weekends the garden tables go early, so arrive before mid-morning for a shaded spot. More options are on the dog friendly cafes in New South Wales list or the Mayfield guide.