Cafe Alfons

Cafe Alfons is a busy breakfast and lunch spot at 38 Thomas Drive on Chevron Island, just across the bridge from the Gold Coast tourist strip, and easy to spot under its big red umbrella. It is well regarded for its coffee and a strong line in gluten-free and lactose-free dishes, and dogs are welcome at the alfresco tables.

The dog setup

Dogs join you in the licensed alfresco dining area out front, on lead, under the red umbrella on the street side. Let staff know you have a dog when you arrive and they will seat you outside; the indoor room stays people only. This is one of the rare cafes that puts puppicinos on the drinks menu, so your dog is a genuine guest here rather than a tolerated extra. Bring a water bowl anyway on warm mornings.

The vibe and the menu

Open 6:30am to 2pm every day. The menu is a something-for-everyone brunch list: the Alfons Benny with smoked salmon, smashed avo and feta, a vegetarian big breakfast, donut french toast and a brekky burger, with generous portions that regulars keep praising. The kitchen works hard on gluten-free and lactose-free options, including GF dishes and alternative milks, and table service is genuinely friendly. It has a relaxed village feel, a world away from the high-rise crowds across the bridge.

Getting there and parking

Chevron Island has street parking around Thomas Drive, and the island is a short walk from the main strip over the footbridge. For an off-lead run with the dog nearby, the Musgrave Park dog off-leash area at Southport is the closest option, and Humble Cafe is another dog-friendly coffee stop if you are heading north.

The full state list of dog-friendly cafes is in the Queensland cafes index.