XS Espresso Menai

XS Espresso Menai is the busy all-day cafe at Menai Central on Carter Road, trading from 6am on weekdays until 10pm every night. It is a big, energetic fit-out known for loaded breakfasts, milkshakes and desserts, and the outdoor tables at the front of the centre are where dogs are welcome.

The dog setup

Dogs settle at the ground-level outdoor tables out the front, and staff are generally accommodating of a dog waiting quietly by your feet while you order. The strip gets steady foot traffic in and out of the centre, so keep the lead short and pick a table away from the walkway if your dog is still learning the ropes. Bring your own water bowl to be safe. Weekend brunch hours are the busiest stretch; a weekday morning or an early evening coffee is a much calmer experience for both of you.

Worth knowing

The menu is broad and unapologetically indulgent: big breakfast plates, corn fritters, burgers, acai bowls and vegan and vegetarian options, plus churros, thick shakes and desserts that keep it going well past dinner. Hours are 6am to 10pm Monday to Friday and 7am to 10pm weekends, which makes it one of the few genuine late options in the Shire for a post-walk coffee.

Getting there and parking

Find it at Shop F1.02, Menai Central, 3-21 Carter Road, Menai. The Menai Central car park sits directly outside with free parking, and the centre is a short drive from Bangor, Illawong and Barden Ridge via Menai Road.

While you are out there

For off-lead time, the The Ridge Bush Park Fenced Dog Park at Barden Ridge is the closest fenced option. Dog-friendly cafe alternatives nearby include O'Nikki at Miranda, Cafe Twelve at Gymea and Left Bower at Sutherland.

More stops are on the NSW dog friendly cafes guide and the Menai destination page.

Max: Churros at 8pm with the dog under the table. The Shire finally has a late seat for us.