The Old Milk Bar

The Old Milk Bar does exactly what the name promises: a former corner milk bar on quiet Dundas Street, converted into a family-run brunch cafe with exposed brick, a retro fit-out and a kitchen that takes breakfast seriously. Off the main drag and with undercover seating out front, it is an easy cafe to bring a dog to without navigating High Street traffic.

The dog setup

Dogs sit with you in the front outdoor area under the canvas awning, on casual undercover pavement seating. The covered setup means rain is not a dealbreaker, and there is room for a dog and a pram alongside the tables. Water bowls often appear without asking, but bring your own to be sure. A dog happy to watch the street go by is the perfect companion here; the traffic is light and the vibe is unhurried.

Worth knowing

The chilli scrambled eggs with jalapeno jam get named again and again, alongside croquettes, eggs benedict and a solid smashed avo, and the coffee holds its own. It runs 7am to 3pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 3pm on weekends. Locals rate it, so weekend mornings fill; the trade-off for the quieter street is a smaller room inside, which is people only anyway.

Getting there and parking

The cafe is at 101 Dundas Street, tucked off the busier streets. Street parking is available on Dundas and the neighbouring residential streets, and trams on St Georges Road or Nicholson Road put you within a five to ten minute walk.

More walks nearby

Penders Park is a short walk for a run-around, and the Merri Creek trail suits a longer scenic loop along the water. For off-lead time nearby, Mayer Park Dog Off Leash Area and Henderson Park Dog Off Leash Area are both within reach. Little Henri is another dog-friendly Thornbury option if this one is full.

More picks are on the Victoria dog friendly cafes guide and the Thornbury destination page.

Pepsi: the awning makes this a rare all-weather dog table. Mid-morning on a weekday is when you will actually get one.