humble cafe

humble cafe occupies Shop 1/9 Nesbit Street in central Southport and has become one of the Gold Coast's most talked-about brunch rooms by doing something specific: classic brunch plates rebuilt with Southeast and East Asian flavours. It trades 7am to 2pm, Monday and Wednesday to Sunday, with Tuesdays off.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating along the front of the cafe, where the footpath tables catch the morning sun. Staff are accommodating and will arrange a water bowl, though the space is compact rather than sprawling. Weekend mornings run busy, so the visit suits a dog that settles quietly under a table; arriving before eight gives you the pick of the front tables and a calmer queue.

Worth knowing

The menu is the reason people queue. Signatures rotate around dishes like soft shell crab toast, black tom yum squid linguine, red curry beef omelette, potato pave with poached eggs and a brisket burger with waffle chips. The drinks list is just as inventive, with hojicha lattes and the purple sweet potato taro latte drawing their own fans. Vegetarian and vegan plates are covered, so mixed groups are easy.

Getting there and a walk to pair

Free street parking and nearby council lots serve the Nesbit Street block, though peak brunch hours thin the options, and the Southport CBD light rail stops are a short walk away. James Overell Park on Brighton Parade sits a few minutes toward the water for an on-leash stroll. For a real off-leash run, the fenced Musgrave Park dog area on Nakina Street has shade trees, agility equipment and water taps.

Make a day of it

Burn energy first at Musgrave Park Dog Off Leash Area, then claim a footpath table here. Other Southport tables that take dogs include Hazel Espresso and Caffe Republic, with the rest in the Queensland dog friendly cafes list and the Southport guide.