Happy As Larry Cafe

Happy As Larry is a family-run brunch cafe on Charman Road, Mentone, with a fusion-leaning menu and a rare thing among Bayside cafes: two different ways to sit with your dog. It is popular with locals and the kids' play corner tells you the vibe is relaxed rather than precious.

The dog setup

The pick is the undercover decked courtyard at the back, usually reached via the side laneway, where heaters and blankets make it workable on cold or wet days, which is half the year in Melbourne. If the weather is kind, small umbrella-shaded tables sit out the front on the Charman Road footpath. Keep your dog leashed and off the furniture in either spot, and bring a water bowl to be safe. Weekday mornings are the calm sessions; weekends fill fast with the family brunch crowd, so book or come early.

Worth knowing

The menu runs from bacon and egg brioche buns, poached eggs and corn fritters through to burgers and loaded plates, with fresh-baked muffins in the cabinet and a good gluten-free and vegan range. Hours are 7am to 3pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 3pm on weekends, so it is strictly a breakfast and lunch proposition with the kitchen closing mid-afternoon.

Getting there and parking

Find it at 106 Charman Road, Mentone, a short walk from Mentone station. Street parking runs along Charman Road with time limits to watch, and there are public bays in the side streets and nearby shopping car parks.

While you are out there

Charman Road runs straight down to Mentone Beach, and the Mentone Beach Dog Off Leash Area on the western sand makes a good pre-breakfast run. The Southern Road Reserve Dog Off Leash Area is another local option. For more dog-friendly tables, Busy Boy on Mentone Parade and Sanctum are both nearby.

More stops are on the VIC dog friendly cafes guide and the Mentone destination page.

Max: Rainy Tuesday, back deck, heater on, dog asleep under the table. This is the Bayside cheat code.