Frankies Pakenham

Frankies is a busy cafe at 5 Lakeside Boulevard in Pakenham with a modern American-diner feel and a strong coffee reputation, and dogs are welcome in the outdoor dining area. The Lakeside lake and its walking circuit sit right next door, which makes this one of the more natural cafe-plus-walk combos in Cardinia.

The dog setup

Dogs join you in the outdoor seating area, which has room to spread out, though it gets busy with other dogs on weekend mornings, so a well-settled dog helps. Tables are spaced wide enough that two dogs can settle without drama. Staff are friendly and accommodating. Bring your own water bowl to be safe. The indoor room is loud, so outside is the better bet with a dog anyway.

Worth knowing

The kitchen is known for hearty breakfasts, fried chicken burgers and brisket burgers, with solid vegetarian and vegan options and well-rated coffee. Hours are 6:30am to 4pm Monday to Friday and 7am to 3pm on weekends. Expect a wait at Sunday brunch; a weekday morning is the easy visit.

Getting there and parking

The cafe sits in the Lakeside Shopping Centre precinct on the corner of Lakeside Boulevard, with free parking in the centre car park and street parking nearby, and flat access from the car park to the outdoor tables.

While you are out there

The loop around the Lakeside lake is right next door for an on-lead walk either side of brunch, and the Cardinia Aqueduct Trail gives you a longer option. The Don Jackson Reserve fenced dog park covers the off-leash run, and Brewing Bliss further along Lakeside Boulevard is the local alternative.

More dog friendly cafes in Victoria and everything dog friendly in Pakenham.