Sidetrack Coffee

Sidetrack Coffee is a small specialty coffee spot at 63 Railway Street, Merewether, a few minutes from the Newcastle beaches. It opens at 5.30am on weekdays and 6.30am on weekends, shutting shop at midday, and it has made its name on excellent coffee, chatty staff and a footpath that happily hosts dogs on the morning walk.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome at the outdoor footpath seating out front; the small indoor space stays for patrons without pets. Water bowls usually appear without asking, and the team keeps dog treats on hand, kangaroo sticks included, which tells you how seriously they take the four-legged trade. On a hot morning, bring your own bowl as insurance, and keep your dog settled at the table since the footpath is compact.

Max: Kangaroo stick with the flat white, barista asking after my weekend, and a rainbow marshmallow baby chino for the small human. Everyone wins.

The vibe

The coffee, roasted by Josie, is the main event, backed by pastries, light breakfast bites and rotating cakes. Reviewers keep coming back to the same two things: the genuinely friendly baristas and the easy, chill neighbourhood feel. There are toys for kids, which tells you the crowd skews local and family, and the whole visit is quick and unfussy rather than a sit-down brunch expedition.

Getting there and parking

Street parking runs along Railway Street and the surrounding blocks, easy for a quick stop with a dog in the car. Merewether Beach sits fifteen to twenty minutes on foot downhill, and the residential streets around the cafe are quiet enough for a pre-coffee loop.

Make a day of it

Build the morning around the dog: Merewether Dog Off-Leash Area for a free run, the Bathers Way to Newcastle coastal walk for the views, and Newcastle Dogs Beach for a proper swim. Then point the leash back to Railway Street for the recovery coffee.

More options at dog friendly cafes in NSW or around Merewether.