CHAIN OF FOOLS

Chain of Fools sits at 68-69 Beach Road, directly across from Mentone Beach, doing hearty soul food, house-baked pastries and good coffee. The front alfresco tables face the bay, which makes this one of the easier dog stops on the foreshore: park up, eat, and the sand is right there.

The dog setup. Dogs are welcome at the outdoor seating, including the front alfresco area looking out to Beach Road and the water. Inside is for human diners. Keep your dog leashed and close to the table so the walkway stays clear for staff and other patrons. Water bowls are usually provided, and staff are used to dogs.

Good to know. It is a family-run cafe doing breakfast and lunch (roughly 8:30am to 3:30pm), fully licensed, with vegan and gluten-free options alongside the soul food and pastries. The bay views are the headline.

Getting there. There is free parking directly in front and along Beach Road, though it fills fast on sunny weekends given the beach is across the road. Mentone station is a walk uphill from here.

Nearby with the dogs. Mentone Beach is immediately across the road, with off-leash sand at the western end between Charman and Plummer Roads. The Bay Trail runs right past for a longer walk before or after coffee.

When to go. Early on a warm weekend, before the beach crowd claims the front tables and the parking. Weekday mornings are calmest.

Sources

• Chain of Fools, Mentone - AGFG · agfg.com.au
• Chain of Fools, Mentone - Tripadvisor · tripadvisor.com.au

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.