ROUTE 21

ROUTE 21 is a casual local cafe on Edgars Road in Thomastown, well regarded for its coffee and generous breakfast and lunch menu. It is a genuinely dog-friendly stop, with owners reporting dogs welcome in the outdoor seating.

The dog setup. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area. Keep your dog on a lead and under control, since the cafe gets busy with local workers grabbing a quick coffee or bite. Ask staff for a water bowl if your dog needs one, there is no dedicated bowl out on display.

Good to know. Route 21 is known locally for its coffee, toasties, burgers and generous servings, plus a friendly barista who keeps regulars coming back. It is more of a quick-bite, laptop-and-coffee kind of spot than a long lingering brunch, so it suits a short stop rather than a leisurely sit-down with the dog.

Getting there. Route 21 is at 13 Edgars Rd, Thomastown, in a commercial pocket of the suburb. There is a free parking lot as well as free street parking, so getting a car park is usually easy outside peak morning hours.

Nearby with the dogs. Edgars Creek Parklands is a short drive away and makes a good stretch-the-legs stop after coffee. Thomastown Recreation and Aquatic Centre (TRAC) also has open grounds nearby for a walk.

Sources

• Route 21 Cafe · route21.com.au
• Dog-Friendly Restaurants & Cafes in South & Central Gippsland · carrajung.com.au

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.