Hippo Espresso

Hippo Espresso occupies a raised spot at Level 1, 468 The Esplanade in Warners Bay, looking straight over Lake Macquarie, and it has become one of the lake's busiest breakfast rooms on the strength of that view and an all-day kitchen. Dogs are welcome on the outdoor terrace, which makes it a natural midpoint on the foreshore walk that carries most of the suburb's dog traffic.

The dog setup

The outdoor terrace is where dogs are welcome, catching the lake breeze and the water view, while indoor seating stays humans only. Water bowls are usually around, and the cafe keeps dog treats on hand. The raised level is a plus for owners but means a few steps, so take that into account with older dogs. Weekend mornings are the busiest window by a distance.

The menu

Breakfast runs all day with the big breakfast spread, eggs Benedict, zucchini and corn fritters and a brekky wrap among the standards, before lunch switches to gourmet burgers, southern fried chicken and fresh salads from 11am. Vegetarian and vegan options are covered, and the drinks list goes beyond coffee into turmeric lattes, chai and thick shakes. Doors open at 6am daily and trade winds down by 2:30pm.

Getting there and parking

The Esplanade hugs the lake edge at Warners Bay, with free street parking and a nearby car park that both get competitive on weekend mornings. The foreshore path runs directly opposite the cafe, flat and paved, stretching for kilometres toward Speers Point or Croudace Bay on-lead.

While you're out there

For an off-lead run to bookend the walk, Speers Point Fenced Dog Park is a short hop up the shore and Croudace Bay Dog Park sits the other way. If the Esplanade is packed, Lena's Cafe and Bar is the other dog-friendly Warners Bay option.

More options are on the New South Wales dog friendly cafes guide and the Warners Bay destination page.