LAA Cafe

LAA Cafe is the neighbourhood coffee shop in the Nicholls local centre, and it has quietly become the post-walk institution for dog owners in Gungahlin's north. Early doors from 6am, barista coffee worth the trip, and a courtyard where a leashed dog is treated as a regular.

The dog setup

Dogs settle with you in the outdoor seating, which mixes sunny and shaded tables. The staff bring water bowls out for canine visitors without being asked, which tells you most of what you need to know about the welcome. Keep your dog leashed and close to the table while diners and staff move through the courtyard. If you want to order something for the dog, ask what is safe on the day rather than assuming.

Pepsi: arrived dusty from the back paddocks, got a water bowl and a pat before the coffee machine had even finished.

The vibe

Casual and community-minded, feeding the Nicholls shops strip. The bacon and egg roll on a soft milk bun is the signature order, the banh mi has a genuine local following with lemongrass beef and pork versions, and there are smashed avo, vege wraps, burgers and hot chocolates for the rest of the table. Doors open 6am weekdays, 7am Saturday and 7:30am Sunday, wrapping up mid-afternoon.

Getting there and parking

The cafe is at 28/64 Kelleway Avenue in the Nicholls shops, with free parking in the precinct and on surrounding streets. Gold Creek Village is a short stroll for extending the outing.

Pair it with

The nearest fenced off-lead sessions are a short drive away at the Springbank Rise dog park in Casey and the Forde dog park, and both earn their coffee stop after. Back in Nicholls, Hungry Bird Cafe and Pulp Bookcafe cover the rest of the week. The ACT cafe guide and the Nicholls destination guide round out the options.

When to go

Early mornings are the thing here: the 6am weekday open means you can walk first and still catch breakfast, and weekend mornings fill with locals from about 8am.