Retroespresso

Retroespresso is the red-and-black coffee bar on Edinburgh Castle Road in Wavell Heights, a Brisbane northside local that is easy to spot and easy to bring a dog to. It runs cafe hours in the morning and opens up as a bar later, with the outdoor seating built around bringing the dog along for the coffee run.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome at the footpath seating and in the courtyard; the indoor seating is people only. Water bowls go out in the outdoor areas, and the tables have enough space to sit comfortably with a dog at your side. Staff have a local reputation for being quick and friendly with both ends of the lead, and the morning rush moves fast enough that a well mannered dog is never a problem.

The vibe

Retro colour scheme, fast service, serious coffee. The menu leans towards breakfast burgers, avo toast and light bites with gluten free options, and the regulars treat it as their everyday coffee stop rather than a weekend destination. Opening hours are early: 5am starts on weekdays, with Saturdays closing around 12:30pm, so plan the dog walk accordingly.

Getting there and parking

The cafe is at 194 Edinburgh Castle Road, Wavell Heights, about 10 kilometres north of the Brisbane CBD. Street parking runs along Edinburgh Castle Road and the side streets, and the completed footpath along the road makes it an easy walk from the parks nearby.

While you are out there

Pair the coffee with a run: the Wavell Dog Off Leash Area and the Wavell Puppy Park are both close by, and Murray Duus Park's off leash section is a short walk down the road. Further afield, Fuel & Co in Nundah is another northside dog friendly coffee stop.

More Queensland dog friendly cafes and the Wavell Heights guide are below.