The Old Dog Cafe

The Old Dog Cafe leans into its name. This small local on High Street in Thornbury is a regular stop for the suburb's dog walkers, and dogs are welcome across the outdoor seating, both the front tables on High Street and the courtyard tucked away from the foot traffic.

The dog setup

Dogs sit with you in the outdoor areas, and water bowls are usually set up out front. The courtyard is the pick with a dog, because it sits back from the High Street foot traffic and gives an excitable hound room to settle. Keep your dog on lead in both the footpath and courtyard seating, and a weekday morning will usually have the courtyard to yourselves.

The vibe

The feel is relaxed neighbourhood Thornbury rather than destination brunch, with soft music, welcoming staff and coffee that holds its own, almond milk orders included. The food is hearty: smashed avocado, loaded toasties and a Reuben sandwich that gets regular mentions, along with a free hash brown that regulars have come to expect. Vegan options cover the plant based half of the table, and the kitchen runs seven days from 7:30am until mid afternoon.

Getting there and parking

The cafe is at 618 High Street, Thornbury, with the 86 tram stopping close by along High Street. If you are driving, street parking is on High Street, where the clearway signs matter, or in the side streets such as Gooch Street and Rossmoyne Street.

Close by with the dogs

For a run either side of coffee, the Henderson Park dog off leash area is one local option and the Mayer Park dog off leash area is another. Thornbury's dog cafe scene runs deep too: Jerry Joy bakes daily dog treats for its courtyard regulars, and Little Henri up the street has a big open outdoor area that welcomes pups.

Pepsi: A cafe with my name on the door, water bowls out front and hash browns on the house. Thornbury, you had me at hello.

More picks are on the Victoria cafes page, or see everything dog friendly around Thornbury.