Poke the Bear Cafe

Poke the Bear is a compact, easygoing brunch cafe on Mitchell Street, a half-block off the High Street tram strip in Northcote. For dog owners the draw is the outdoor area out front, a low-key spot to tie up while you work through the coffee and a creative brunch menu.

The dog setup. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating out front, not inside. It is a footpath-style setup on a quiet residential corner, so leads stay short and out of the way of foot traffic. Staff are accommodating, but there is no guarantee of a bowl on the day, so bring your own water, especially in the warmer months.

Good to know. The kitchen leans into an inventive breakfast and brunch menu with playful bear-themed names, and the coffee is a genuine reason locals keep coming back. It is a small venue, so the outdoor tables are the ones you want with a dog in tow.

Getting there. It sits just off High Street, an easy walk from the Route 86 tram. Parking is limited street parking on Mitchell Street and the surrounding residential streets, and signage is worth a careful read before you leave the car.

Nearby with the dogs. All Nations Park is a short walk or drive for a proper leg-stretch before or after, and the High Street strip itself makes for an easy on-lead wander.

When to go. Doors open early, around 7:30am, which suits a first-walk-then-coffee routine before the tables fill. Good for a quick, well-caffeinated stop rather than a long sit-down session.

Sources

• Poke The Bear Northcote - Facebook · facebook.com
• Poke the Bear - Reviews - Yelp · yelp.com

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.