Eight Fifty Espresso

Eight Fifty Espresso is a laneway-style cafe on Marine Parade in Southport, looking over the Broadwater, that goes out of its way for dogs. Strong coffee, water bowls kept out, and a spot right across from the Broadwater Parklands make it a natural stop on a Broadwater walk with your dog.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating, both the downstairs laneway tables and the upstairs veranda. Large water bowls are usually out in the lower seating area, the team is known for puppuccinos, and a QR-code ordering system means you can stay at the table with your dog rather than leaving it tied up while you queue.

The vibe

Coffee is the headline: well-regarded flat whites and cold brew, with almond croissants, chicken and waffles and maple-glazed bacon eggs benedict around them. Staff get consistent praise for how they welcome pets, and the open-air laneway setup makes it an easy roll-up stop rather than a sit-down occasion.

Getting there and parking

Parking is on Marine Parade and the nearby side streets, and it can be busy given the main-road position, so coming earlier in the day helps on both parking and getting an outdoor table. The cafe is a very short stroll from the Broadwater Parklands end of Marine Parade. It opens Monday to Friday from 6.45am to 2pm and closes on weekends.

Close by with the dogs

Broadwater Parklands is across the road for a leashed walk with water views, and Musgrave Park dog off-leash area gives your dog a proper run nearby. If you are on the leash-friendly side of the Broadwater, The Spit dog beach at Labrador is a short drive north for off-leash sand and water.

More options are on the Queensland dog-friendly cafes guide and the Southport destination page.