The Monday Morning Cafe

The Monday Morning Cafe is the cosy local on The Esplanade in Thornleigh that opens its outdoor courtyard to dogs, a short hop off Pennant Hills Road and an easy walk from the station. It opens at 6am on weekdays, which makes it a genuine pre-work coffee stop as well as a weekend brunch destination.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome in the outdoor courtyard and at the footpath tables; the indoor dining room stays dog-free. Keep your dog leashed and settled beside the table, since the covered outdoor section gets busy on weekends. A water bowl usually appears on request, so ask when you order. There is no fee and no booking, just first-in seating for the courtyard.

The vibe and the menu

The kitchen is all about hearty breakfast plates: the bacon and egg roll, eggs benedict, chilli pesto eggs and smashed avocado come up again and again, and gluten-free options are on the menu. Coffee is solid and the service has a regulars' warmth. Reviews consistently single out the courtyard as the place to be.

Getting there and parking

The cafe sits at 86 The Esplanade, Thornleigh, just off the main road. Free street parking is available nearby, and Thornleigh station is walkable if you are pairing the visit with a train trip.

Close by with the dogs

The Thornleigh Dog Park on Dawson Avenue is a short drive for an off-lead run, and Brickpit Park Fenced Dog Park is another secure option nearby. If you are making a morning of it, Brewhaha in Hornsby is dog friendly too. More options are on the Thornleigh destination page and the NSW cafes list.

Go early on weekends or pick a weekday if your dog prefers a quieter courtyard.