Cafe La Wheels

Cafe La Wheels is a 50s-themed retro diner on Hartnett Drive in Seaford, run as a social enterprise employing people living with disability. It is one of the more genuinely dog-forward cafes on the bayside, with a dedicated dog menu rather than a token water bowl, and its own Facebook posts promise every visiting pup is treated like a VIP.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome in the outdoor dining area, with the indoor diner kept for people. Water bowls are provided, and the doggie menu runs to doggie burgers, doggie pancakes and puppacinos, so your dog gets a plate alongside your brunch. Staff are warm and generous with pats, which suits sociable dogs; the outdoor area is relaxed rather than busy-traffic, so nervous dogs also cope well here.

Worth knowing

The retro fit-out is the draw for humans, along with well-regarded, reasonably priced food: pancakes, milkshakes, loaded fries and burgers, with vegan options covered. Hours run from 10:30am on weekdays and 9am on weekends to mid-afternoon, so it is a late-breakfast and lunch venue rather than an early coffee stop. Knowing your visit supports supported employment is a decent bonus.

Getting there and parking

Find it at 34 Hartnett Drive, a short drive inland from the Seaford foreshore. There is a free car park on site, which makes arriving with a dog straightforward compared with the beachside strips.

Close by with the dogs

Pair the visit with the Seaford (Keast Park) Off-Leash Dog Beach or the off-lead reserves along the creek, with Maple Reserve the closest. For another pour in the suburb, Seaford Coffee Train is a local stop.

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

Pepsi: a dog menu with pancakes on it. Seaford, you had me at puppacino.