Shirley's Cafe & Bar

Shirley's Cafe & Bar built its Sale following on generous servings, carrot cake and a warm welcome that regulars mention as often as the food. There is one thing to sort out before you set out, though: the cafe ceased trading at its long-time home in the foyer of The Wedge Performing Arts Centre in early 2026, ahead of the centre's redevelopment, and the owners have been looking for a new venue since. Check their website or socials for current trading status before making the trip.

The dog setup

At the Foster Street site, dogs were welcome at the outdoor tables, where leashed pets could settle in beside you for coffee, breakfast or lunch. Staff were known to bring out water for canine guests, and the community-minded service that regulars praised extended to four-legged visitors. If the cafe reopens at a new address, treat this as a starting point rather than a guarantee, and confirm the setup with the staff on arrival.

The vibe

Reviews consistently landed on the same notes: friendly owners, energetic staff and plates that err towards generous, from hearty soups and quiche to roasted vegetables and chicken wings. It felt like a locals' room as much as a cafe, which is exactly why it gathered a following in a town the size of Sale. The bar side meant it worked for a late coffee-and-cake stop as well as brunch.

Pepsi: the carrot cake earned its reputation. If they reopen, order it before it sells out.

Getting there and parking

The former site sat in central Sale on Foster Street, with the main Raymond Street strip and its parking a short walk away. Any new location will change that picture, so check the address when reopening news lands.

Close by with the dogs

While you wait for updates, redd catt is a dog-friendly cafe option in Sale, and the paths around Lake Guthridge make an easy pre-coffee walk. If you are visiting with the caravan or staying over, Siesta Central Apartments keeps pets in a handful of its central rooms, and Sale The Dog Park is nearby for an off-leash run.

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