Strappers Cafe

Strappers Cafe is a locals' breakfast and brunch spot in a small shopping complex on Denham Avenue, Morphettville, with horse racing memorabilia on the walls nodding to the racecourse down the road. The outdoor tables out front welcome dogs, and the staff have a reputation for making a fuss of them, which is why the regular dog-walking crowd keeps returning.

The dog setup

Dogs on leash are welcome at the tables out the front; inside is people only. Staff will often bring out a water bowl or a treat for visiting dogs, though it is worth asking rather than assuming. The forecourt setting is relaxed and suburban, easy for a settling dog. On weekend mornings grab an outdoor table early for the shade before the breakfast rush fills the small complex.

Worth knowing

The menu is classic cafe done generously: eggs benedict, big breakfast plates, breakfast burritos, burgers and quesadillas, thick shakes and strong coffee, with a solid run of vegetarian and vegan options and a kids' menu for families. Hours are 7am to 2:30pm Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 2pm Saturday and 8am to 2pm Sunday, so it is a breakfast-and-lunch operation that closes mid-afternoon.

Getting there and parking

The cafe sits in the shopping complex on Denham Avenue, Morphettville, between Anzac Highway and Diagonal Road. There is free on-site parking in the complex plus street parking nearby, so it is an easy stop without circling for a spot. Oaklands railway station is a short walk for a car-free visit.

While you are out there

The Sturt River Linear Park trail is the natural walk pairing, with the sand at Glenelg North Dog-Friendly Beach a short drive west for dogs that like a swim. For more dog-friendly tables nearby, Omnivore cafe at Ascot Park and Seafaring Fools at Glenelg South are both close.

More stops are on the SA dog friendly cafes guide and the Morphettville destination page.

Max: The staff bring leftovers and coo over you. Racecourse is quiet on non-race days, which suits my ears.