Troublemaker Cafe

Troublemaker Cafe sits at 66 Albany Drive in a leafy pocket of Mulgrave, and it makes a point of being pet-friendly, which makes it an easy walk-and-coffee stop for the surrounding Monash streets. The feel is relaxed and community-focused rather than a see-and-be-seen brunch room.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating, which is the spot to aim for. Staff are used to canine visitors and are happy to sort out a water bowl if you ask. Well-socialised dogs are the easy case here, so keep yours settled beside the table rather than wandering under other diners.

The menu

The kitchen is best known for its shakshuka and quality sourdough, backed by well-rated coffee, and there are $20 burger nights worth timing a visit around. The cabinet covers the sweet end, and reviewers point to generous, unhurried plates rather than fussy presentation. Hours run 7am to 3pm weekdays and 8am to 2pm weekends, with the quieter window mid-morning on weekdays.

Getting there and parking

Street parking along Albany Drive is usually easy, and the cafe is a simple drive from the surrounding eastern suburbs. The greenery around the venue makes for a pleasant short loop before or after you eat.

Close by with the dogs

Sabina Park is the local green space for a pre-coffee leg stretch, and the Jells Park and Nortons Park loop a short drive east is one of the best long-walk options in the region. Little Mavros is another dog-friendly cafe in the same pocket if you want a second option on the list.

More dog-friendly venues around the suburb are on the Mulgrave destination page, with the wider list in the VIC cafes index.