Two Mountains Merchant

Two Mountains Merchant is a neighbourhood cafe at 364 Lawrence Hargrave Drive in Thirroul, set slightly back from the busiest part of the village strip, with a cozy, rustic fit-out and a loyal local following. It is one of the few cafes around that welcomes dogs inside as well as out, which turns a wet Northern Illawarra morning from a dealbreaker into a non-issue.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome both inside and on the covered patio, unusual for a cafe this size and worth knowing when the weather turns. The footprint is small and it is popular, so a dog that can settle in a snug space suits it best. The staff have a habit that locals talk about: a complimentary dog sausage for visiting pups, so keep the lead handy for the excitement. Water is on hand, but a bowl of your own never hurts at peak times.

The food and the vibe

The all-day menu runs from early: weekday doors open at 6:15am and weekend at 7am, with breakfast, brunch and lunch through to mid-afternoon. Dietary coverage is a strong point, with a popular vegan burrito, vegan sausage rolls and gluten-free options alongside the classics, on Toby's Estate coffee with smoothies and a licensed list for later sittings. Service is warm and attentive, which is half the reason the regulars keep the stools warm.

Getting there and parking

The address is 364 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul, an easy walk if you are already in the village. Free street parking runs along the drive and the side streets, and Thirroul station is close by if you are arriving on foot from the train.

Nearby with the dogs

For a proper off-leash session, Bark at the Beach puts you on Wollongong council's green-zone beach where dogs run free around the clock, and Little Austinmer Beach is the next beach south with the same 24/7 off-leash status. Thirroul Beach itself is on-leash only in timed windows, so read the signs. In the village, South Sailor is the other dog-friendly table worth knowing.

Pepsi: Saturday morning ritual: beach run at McCauley's, then in out of the weather for coffee and the dog sausage.