Family

Your Baby-Friendly Guide To Adelaide Cafés

When you’re a new parent, going out for a coffee or lunch is an occasion that’s too damn important to be worrying if your pram will fit through the cafe door! This guide is your new best friend.

If you’re a new parent you’ll know the worth of getting out of the freaking house. It’s an occasion. It can be fun if your new little person plays along and lets you get the grocery shopping done without alerting you to their emptying belly or puts on an angel face as you eat possibly your only meal for the day. But sometimes you need to just take five and when you cannot bear to look at your television or that growing pile of baby clothes that need laundering any longer, it is time to relax in a café. And so, because drinking wine alongside your baby at midday could be seen as socially unacceptable, Glam Adelaide have compiled a guide to where in Adelaide you can share a seat (pram, capsule, carry) with your little one as you enjoy a sweet, sweet coffee.

So many times I have approached a coffee shop with a pram and found I was stuck outside trying to defy the law of physics and lever my pram over steps just to get in, then only to find my generally small pram didn’t actually fit through the doorway. So let us save you the embarrassment, the hassle, the exhaustion and give you a handful of go-to cafes relatively new on the scene (plus some old faves) from all pockets of this city where you will be that confident new parent who’s had a shower, done their hair and NOT had to unpack their entire car for a coffee. 

Tell Henry – 20 The Parade West, Norwood

It’s a place like Tell Henry that reassures mum’s like me that going out to a cool café is still cool for mums. This converted workshop is bustling with parents, prams and babies. Choosing to focus on your daily dose of fuel (coffee, that is), Tell Henry offers up brownies, cakes, pastries and Bagel Boys bagels toasted to order so if you’re a local this is your best bet to stop by on your daily stroll. Being a workshop once upon a time means the entry is a roller door and there is plenty of space inside for prams as well as some tables on the footpath outside.

Highchairs: Yes                                      Pram friendly?: Yes

https://www.instagram.com/p/BI_L2CQBT5i/?taken-by=tell_henry

The Middle Store – 118 Winston Ave, Melrose Park

I have a friend that almost lives at The Middle Store with her baby and pram. She is there so often that sibling owners Haefa, George and Rose (Masterchef contestant of 2015) are considered her second family and my friend is their best marketing tool, ‘gramming her daily coffee adventures. So it’s safe to say that this Lebanese café is super family friendly, they love kids! Seating up to 40 patrons, there is plenty of space to enter and park with your pram inside and you’ll spot mum’s groups in the café weekly. There’s outdoor dining is also undercover and roomy, perfect for prams. For a traditional Lebanese dish try the manoush.

Highchairs: Yes                    Pram friendly?: Definitely

https://www.instagram.com/p/BIZw1VSBmFt/?taken-by=themiddlestore&hl=en

Karma & Crow – 249-251 Richmond Road, Richmond

This one surely has to top this list. Not only has this modern new café lived up to the hype by serving up some incredibly delicious brunch fodder that differs from your regular “eggs on this, eggs with that” fare, they have one of the most spacious places in Adelaide, perfect for prams ahoy. Surely! If you have already worked your way through last year’s menu, they are set to launch a new one for 2017 so you have every reason to head back and relax in their minimalistic, modern space while your baby snoozes (ha!). K&C also have large stool-style bucket seats at some tables which could be appropriate for your toddler. But if they are squirmy and not yet used to being seated by themselves we recommend grabbing a highchair.

Highchairs: Yes                                      Pram friendly?: Absolutely

https://www.instagram.com/p/BMFTVhKjvwZ/?taken-by=karmaandcrow_adl&hl=en

Drummer Boy Café – 132 St Vincent Street, Port Adelaide

If the Port’s cafes have anything going for them is just how darn spacious they are! But they are so much more than that, and the newest addition to this growing ‘burb is this super fresh and summery eatery. It’s pretty pastel interior features booth seating as well as a long table to easily wheel a pram up to and enjoy amazing Five Senses coffee, house made raw treats and generous brunch options. While the door is wide enough, if it’s shut you may need a hand getting in! Make sure you try the banana bread waffles, simply wholesome heaven! The Port just keeps getting better.

Highchairs: Yes                                     Pram friendly?: Yes

https://www.instagram.com/p/BNF_eqYg9hb/?taken-by=drummerboy_cafe&hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/p/BOl4zueDDec/?taken-by=monirah11&hl=en

Minestra – 123 Churchill Rd, Prospect

A little bit of an underrated brunch spot is this café featuring traditional Italian cuisine. Known for their polpette (meatballs) which can be made vegan, the menu is always seasonal and the owners encourage customers to bring in home grown produce for use in their kitchen! You should be able to fit a pram through the small door, however you might be limited for space as there aren’t a huge amount of tables once inside. The big communal table would work well for prams. Outdoor dining will be great for you and baby to chill out otherwise prepare yourself by carrying baby in a capsule or in your arms.

Highchairs:                             Pram friendly?: Yes, outdoors is better

Third Time Lucky Coffee – 4/436 Henley Beach Road, Henley Beach

Now here’s one for a treat. What’s going to fix a sleepless night? A coffee and a bagel. Followed by more coffee and a donut. House made pastries are TTLC’s thang and when you accompany it with a coffee as good as this you may as well call it lunch and be done with it. A wide door and plenty of space means you can stroll up easily and park yourselves at the front window and watch the world (Henley Beach Road….) go by. The bagels are all served with a different flavor combo (both sweet and savoury options feature) so you will be back to work your way down the menu.

Highchairs: Yes                                         Pram friendly?: Very much so

https://www.instagram.com/p/BMFY6e9g7GF/?taken-by=thirdtimelucky.adl&hl=en

Mister Sunshines – 32 George St, Thebarton

With a newly raised pergola, Mr Sunshine’s have just made themselves all the more appealing for these summer months. Whilst it may be a squeeze trying to get your pram inside the café, you’ll quite comfortably be able to brunch beside baby al fresco. If you’re extra nervous about space carry your little one in your arms or bring them in the capsule. The place is always bustling on weekends so be prepared! Relax once you’re settled with one of the best coffees going!

Highchairs: Yes                                      Pram friendly?: Yes, outside

https://www.instagram.com/p/BNXvOkUjZPf/?taken-by=mistersunshines&hl=en

CAKE by Jenna Marie – 2/22 Metro Parade, Mawson Lakes

Since her appearance on My Kitchen Rules and the dessert fairy some years ago, Jenna Marie has made a firm name for herself with her lush, feminine desserts catering for weddings, christenings, birthday and more. But now you don’t need an event as an excuse to eat Jenna’s gorgeous creations as she just last year opened her airy and spacious French patisserie in Mawson Lakes. You can “sample” for baby’s first birthday cake easily with bebe in your pram and enjoy macarons that you might just need to serve at their christening. You’ll be back to taste test many times over.

Highchairs: Yes                    Pram friendly?: Yes

https://www.instagram.com/p/BOWAyWYhUw6/?taken-at=384348022

Pane e Latte – 587 Regency Road, Broadview

If you happen to live northside of the city you have just had one heck of a café pop up in your ‘hood. Pane e Latte is run by an Italian chef that previously worked in restaurants but decided to step back from the nightlife after the birth of his son. So you know you and your little tackers are welcome here! Easy pram access, highchairs and lots of space means you can be at ease about coming here and the staff are incredibly warming, polite and professional. But let’s get to the food and coffee. Italian cuisine lets the ingredients do the talking and chef Matteo Giordano knows just how to get them to converse into classic flavours with modern brunch twists. Full marks for coffee, for sure.

Highchairs: Yes                                     Pram friendly?: Yes, if someone can help you with the door

https://www.instagram.com/p/BO_dGBAjMpO/?taken-by=monirah11

https://www.instagram.com/p/BNIwmBcgtnX/?taken-by=paneelatteadelaide&hl=en

The Coffee Barun – 219 Main North Rd, Sefton Park

An oldie but a goodie. A hub for local businesses’ coffee runs and meetings as well as a popular hang-out for parents with wee ones, The Coffee Barun has long been a favourite and is always busy during the week. If you like eggs, you’ll find yourself in heaven; have them anyway you like from their very eggy menu, share a pizza or enjoy a hearty lunch option. Coffee game, as you’d expect, is strong here with cold brew, siphon filter and batch brew on offer. Bonus parent points are awarded here as there’s also a nook for toddlers with their own little table and bench, toys, books and, if they’re lucky, other kids…

Highchair: Yes                      Pram friendly?: Yes, if you can maneuver the huge steps to the door or have someone help you lift it up.

Flying Fig Deli – 161 Jeffcott Street, North Adelaide

Boasting an extensive menu, this new Jewish café is a really hip place to be. There are a couple of steps to get into the space so it’s advisable to leave the pram behind. Capsule, carrier or hold your baby to be able to sip on one of their many varieties of coffee. The Coffee Barun actually supply their blend for milk based brews so you know you’re up for a good one.

Highchairs: Yes                                     Pram friendly?: Entry may be tricky

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJzF-l8hub3/?taken-at=290793201266525

https://www.instagram.com/p/BNF-ocvjjwH/

Coffee Journey – 640 Grange Road, Henley Beach

So, Coffee Journey have stacks of space. Because they roast coffee in-house. But it doesn’t mean they’ve skimped on giving their customers a beautifully open café to chill out in. There must be something in the beach water as the staff and owners here are so warming toward everyone they serve. Whether it’s a mid-week coffee stop or bringing the whole fam-bam in for breakfast, Coffee Journey are happy to have you. The door is also so huge, if you have a pram that doesn’t fit through it, I’ll eat my hat.

Highchairs: Yes                                     Pram friendly?: For sure

https://www.instagram.com/p/BMKrrBLjV2K/?taken-by=monirah11&hl=en

Aquacaf Gourmet Café – 94 Barrage Road, Goolwa South

If you happen to be in the Fleurieu Peninsula you cannot pass on Aquacaf. You guessed it, seafood is their bag but, my word, the humble seaside eatery knows how to do it. There’s no pretentiousness, just a great café-style fish and chips but easily trumping any pub’s attempt at the favourite. A nice easy space to come into with a pram and there are even rather decent baby-change facilities on site. Got a toddler in tow as well? Head over to the AWESOME playground just on the other side of the carpark afterwards to wear them out.

Highchairs: Yes                                                       Pram friendly?: Yes

https://www.instagram.com/p/BMX2nFgDhW3/?taken-by=monirah11&hl=en

The Seller Door – 73 Jetty Road, Brighton

The Seller Door is a fresh face on the café scene and is quickly making an Insta-name for itself! Its super baby friendly, boasting plenty of space for pram parking and easy entry via two doors and they even have a small basket of toys to keep little hand occupied during “shhhh, coffee-time”. Opening its doors just before Christmas, this rustic pantry/market/cafe is currently serving god’s elixir itself, pastries, raw treats care of Sweet Nectar and breakfast bowls, with a full menu due to launch in February. But for now, coffee and more coffee is all we need, right?

Highchairs: Yes                                      Pram friendly?: Yes

https://www.instagram.com/p/BORAqQ0AO-B/?taken-by=thesellerdoor_brighton

Yankee Café – 11 Henley Beach Rd, Henley Beach South

Yankee is run by an American and an Aussie; the perfect balance in hitting the nail on some American fare and executing a cafe experience that Aussie’s want. They don’t do overly fancy, just well-made American home-style and street food. Don’t let the size of this place fool you, the menu is extensive. Think rubens, bagels (best I’ve had yet), pulled pork, burgers, huevos rancheros, hot dogs, cinnamon buns, key lime pie, cupcakes… it’s all here. Coffees are done our way but the milkshakes are sweet, generous and hit the spot. Maybe not the best intro to food for baby but here’s your guilty pleasure for the week. You’re welcome.

Highchairs: ??                                         Pram friendly?: No, unless you’re outside

303 By The Sea – 303 Seaview Road, Henley Beach

On your jetty to jetty walk make sure you stop by 303 at least for a takeaway coffee, it’s fabulous. But if it’s a long stop you’re in for the owners of 303 are always so kind and friendly, they are happy to accommodate for you and your little one, just ask for a highchair so you can enjoy one of their house made cheesecakes with your brew. Or even go the whole hog and eat a decadent serve of French toast while your baby looks on and nibbles on ricecrackers or whatever.

Highchairs: Yes                    Pram: Yes, outside and at some tables inside.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJ-Gh8HBYxI/?taken-by=303bytheseahenley

https://www.instagram.com/p/BIKWvCtBYwU/

Peter Rabbit – 234-244 Hindley St, Adelaide

Umm, little cute fluffy bunnies to coo over after your baby has had a meltdown? Who’s cuter now? This place is so darn pretty it’s hard to believe it’s nestled into one of the CBD’s busiest streets. You will have so much space to get into the garden style café and park your pram with ease at any table. The undercover section at the back also allows for plenty of patrons and prams. Say hi to little Flopsy and Mopsy while you sip your latte! If you have a toddling baby keep a watchful eye as the gates that open to Hindley Street are usually open at Peter Rabbit.

Highchairs: Yes                                     Pram friendly?: Definitely

https://www.instagram.com/p/BK6iQOkgfxH/?taken-by=peter.rabbit.hindley

https://www.instagram.com/p/BN5uJmEgpbe/?taken-by=peter.rabbit.hindley

Originally published August 18th, 2016. Cafes and guide updated January 2017. 

More News

To Top