Grounds For Coffee

Grounds For Coffee is a small, well-liked cafe on Walker Street at the corner of Gawler Street, right in the Mount Barker town hub, and it doubles as a flower shop, so the front of the shop fills with bouquets. Dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables, which is the practical bit to know before you go.

The dog setup

Dogs join you in the outdoor footpath and alfresco seating only; the indoor area is for people and assistance dogs. It is a compact shop, so the outside space can be a tight squeeze when busy. Water bowls are often put out the front, but bring your own to be sure, and aim for off-peak if your dog dislikes crowds. Weekend brunch gets tight.

The vibe and the menu

This is a friendly neighbourhood cafe known for proper barista coffee and a seasonal all-day menu: eggs benedict and fritters carry the breakfast side, with freshly baked cakes and tarts in the cabinet and a fireplace for the cold Adelaide Hills mornings. The flowers, often by Robyn May Flowers, are part of the appeal and make it a popular order-and-take-a-bouquet stop.

Getting there and parking

Walker Street sits just off the Gawler Street main strip, with on-street parking usually available along Walker Street and around the town centre. It is a 30 to 40 minute drive up the South Eastern Freeway from the Adelaide CBD. Doors open from 7:30am on weekdays and from 8am on weekends, with service through to 3pm.

Close by with the dogs

For an off-leash run before or after, the Barka Park fenced dog park is a short drive away, and the Laratinga Wetlands circuit is good for a longer on-lead walk. The Gawler Street Cafe is the other well-known dog-friendly coffee stop in town.

More of the area's dog-friendly venues are on the Mount Barker destination page, with the wider list in the SA cafes index.