Stirr It Up

Stirr It Up is a relaxed all-day brunch cafe at 283 Maroondah Highway in Ringwood, known for generous plates and a warm, family feel. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor courtyard and at the front footpath tables, and it is a popular destination for local dog owners. The menu runs big: all-day breakfast and brunch with eggs benedict, corn and zucchini fritters, the hash hug, chicken avo toasties, chocolate brownies and caramel slice, with vegetarian and vegan options and well-rated coffee.

The dog setup

The leafy courtyard has trees and timber with umbrella coverage, and there is room to settle a dog beside you, though some tables sit in full sun, so pick your spot by the weather. Keep the lead on and bring a bowl. Staff are welcoming to well-behaved dogs and the clientele skews regulars, so a calm dog gets a calm reception.

Worth knowing

The cafe is closed Mondays, opens 7:30am Tuesday to Friday and 8am on weekends, closing at 3pm each day. Check current hours before a long trip since the Monday closure catches people out. Portions are the recurring theme in reviews, so arrive hungry.

Getting there and parking

The cafe sits on Maroondah Highway with free parking nearby including a lot and street options, and the site is wheelchair accessible. Ringwood Station and the Eastland precinct are a short drive or reasonable walk away.

Close by with the dogs

For a walk either side of brunch, the Towerhill Drive Reserve dog off-leash area and the on-lead Mullum Mullum Reserve are both within easy reach. Lot 7 Espresso Bar is another local coffee option on the same strip.

More options are on the Victoria dog friendly cafes guide and the Ringwood destination page.

Max: umbrella-shaded courtyard table, eggs benedict big enough to share, and Mullum Mullum for the walk it off.