Castaway Coffee Bar

Castaway Coffee Bar sits directly on The Esplanade, and the selling point is exactly what you would expect from a beachfront shopfront: ocean views from the outdoor tables, all day, from a 6am opening through to a 3pm close seven days a week. On the Gold Coast's busiest strip, it manages to feel more local corner cafe than tourist trap, which is no small trick.

Dogs on the deck

The venue states plainly that it is a dog friendly establishment, and dogs are welcome anywhere in the outside seating area, not just a token corner. Walk in takeaway and QR code ordering mean you never have to leave your dog unattended to order, which is the detail that separates a genuinely dog friendly cafe from one that merely tolerates leashes. Leashed, well behaved dogs are the expectation, as the venue notes itself.

The menu covers the breakfast standards well: eggs benedict, smashed avo and avo toast, plus the coffee you want before a beach walk. Staff get regular mention for being welcoming, which helps when your dog decides the person at the next table is now their best friend.

Worth knowing

Hours end at 3pm, so this is a breakfast and lunch venue rather than a sunset one. The Esplanade foot traffic is heavy through the middle of the day, especially in school holidays, so an early table is the calmer option for dogs that find crowds stressful. There is no fenced area, it is outdoor seating on an open promenade, so settle your dog at your feet and keep the leash on.

Getting there and parking

You will find it at Shop G1, 84-86 The Esplanade, in the heart of the beachfront strip, with paid parking in the surrounding lots and the light rail running nearby. Coming on foot from the beach is easiest if you are staying close.

While you're out there

Cafe Alfons is a dog friendly standby a few streets over, and Central Lounge Bar and Dining covers dinner. If you are travelling with a dog, QT Gold Coast is one of the nearby stays that takes pets.

Browse more dog friendly cafes in QLD or explore the area guide.