Blondie's Kafe

Blondie's Kafe is a family-run cafe at Shop B/27 Golden Banksia Drive in Officer, serving breakfast and lunch seven days a week. The draw for dog owners is a covered, partly enclosed outdoor dining area set aside for seating with dogs, plus free parking directly out front, so arriving with the dog is simple.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome in the outdoor dining area, which includes a closed-off section regulars use for sitting with their dogs. Inside stays humans-only, so plan on an outdoor table. Keep your dog leashed and close to the table, and pack a water bowl if you want to be certain of one. Staff have a reputation for a warm, accommodating welcome, and locals often stop in with their dogs after a morning walk.

The vibe

This is a community cafe in the middle of a growing estate, and it reads that way: families, tradies and dog walkers cycling through from early on. The menu covers full breakfast and lunch with gluten-free and vegetarian options, and the coffee draws steady praise. Eggs benedict, French toast and the house Blondie Melt come up regularly, along with sticky chai for the cooler mornings. Hours run 6am to 3pm on weekdays and 7:30am to 3pm on weekends, with the kitchen winding up around 2:30pm.

Getting there and parking

The cafe sits on Golden Banksia Drive in Officer's residential core, with ample free parking out the front. The entrance and seating are wheelchair accessible, which also makes it easy with a dog on a lead.

Make a day of it

For a secure off-leash run before breakfast, Onyx Crescent Fenced Dog Park is the closest option, a small fully fenced neighbourhood park a short drive away. Bigger dogs get more room at Don Jackson Reserve Fenced Dog Park in Pakenham. If you would rather walk, the Cardinia Aqueduct Trail gives you a flat gravel route for an on-leash leg stretch.

Weekday mornings are the calmest time to claim an outdoor table. Best suited to a relaxed dog that is happy to settle while you linger over brunch.

More dog-friendly cafes and dog parks around Victoria: cafes in VIC and Officer.