From the street, Old Man Drew looks like a vintage shop with a thing for climbing vines. Step inside, and it opens into a lush courtyard that feels more like a secret garden than a dog-friendly café. There’s antique furniture, wild greenery, the clink of wine glasses before noon—and a menu that backs it all up.
It’s the kind of place where locals linger. Dogs lounge on tiled paths while their humans sip flat whites under grapevines and fairy lights. You don’t have to pretend you’re cool here. You just have to show up hungry—ideally, with a four-legged mate in tow.
Whether you're in it for the chilli scramble, a cheeky mimosa, or a lazy Sunday with your pup curled at your feet, Old Man Drew pulls it off without trying too hard. It's charming without being cheesy, and the staff genuinely give a damn. That matters.
Old Man Drew’s Brunch Menu: Local, Seasonal, Damn Good
At a time when brunch menus can feel like a recycled Pinterest board, Old Man Drew keeps it honest. Seasonal produce and bold flavours. If you’re chasing breakfast in Ascot Vale or a dog-friendly café that actually serves great food, put this place on your list.
Chilli Scrambled Eggs Worth the Hype
This chilli scramble packs a warm kick without blowing your tastebuds off. Fluffy eggs, perfectly seasoned, sit on thick-cut sourdough with wilted baby spinach that tastes fresh. It’s a classic dish reworked with confidence—and it works.
Polenta Toast That’ll Convert Carb Skeptics
Golden on the outside, soft in the middle—this is polenta done right. Topped with sautéed mushrooms, charred kale, two gooey poached eggs, and a generous pour of hollandaise, it’s rich, earthy, and unexpectedly luxe. Throw in a dusting of Parmesan and you’ve got one of the most satisfying brunch plates in the inner north.
French Toast That Doesn’t Hold Back
Old Man Drew’s brioche French toast doesn’t mess around. Thick, custardy bread is fried to a golden crisp, then topped with berry-studded mascarpone, chocolate fudge drizzle, fresh strawberries, and a hit of maple syrup. It’s sweet, sure—but there’s depth too. Decadent, balanced, and stupidly photogenic.
Drinks at Old Man Drew: Coffee, Cocktails & Chill
Whether you’re chasing your morning caffeine hit or sipping something cheeky in the sun, Old Man Drew’s drinks menu keeps pace with its stellar food lineup. Not only is this one of the top brunch cafes in Ascot Vale, but it’s also a fantastic place to relax with a great drink in hand.
Barista-Approved Coffee in the Heart of Ascot Vale
Old Man Drew stands out by brewing 5 Senses coffee—a favourite among Melbourne’s coffee crowd. Expect bold flavour, rich crema, and baristas who know their stuff. Lattes, long blacks, or a double shot flat white—it all lands smooth and hot.
Not Just Coffee: Juices, Teas & the Rest
Not vibing with caffeine? Fair. But don’t expect some sad juice from a box. The tea’s legit, the juices are cold-pressed, and the smoothies don’t taste like someone blended a multivitamin. Every drink’s got some thought behind it—no fillers, no fluff, just solid options if coffee’s not your thing.
Here, cocktails are part of the brunch ritual.
Rough count? Around ten on the list. No fluff, no gimmicks—just good drinks made well.
Feeling wrecked? Bloody Mary hits like it should.
Taking it slow? Peach Bellini is light, fizzy, deceptively easy.
Still half-asleep? Espresso Martini gets you back in the game.
There’s wine that plays nice with your plate, beer that doesn’t need a sales pitch, and a courtyard made for day drinking—with your dog asleep at your feet.
The Vibe: Old Man Drew isn’t trying to impress you. It just does.
You walk in expecting another Melbourne café, and instead find yourself in what feels like your eccentric aunt’s overgrown tea garden.
This isn’t some curated Instagram set. The vines are real, the chairs are worn, and the charm hits you like a warm slap. The courtyard’s a patchwork of rusted iron tables, cracked tiles, and shady corners where locals sip lattes while their dogs sprawl out like they own the place. Which, to be fair, they kind of do.
There’s no laminated “dog-friendly” sign. No kitschy bone-shaped biscuits. Just space, calm, and staff who’ll bring your pup water before they ask for your order.
If you’re searching for rustic cafés in Ascot Vale, or want a dog-friendly brunch spot with actual character, you’ve found it.
Old Man Drew: Know Before You Go
Where is Old Man Drew located?
You’ll find Old Man Drew at 359-361 Mt Alexander Road, Ascot Vale VIC. Right in the heart of the inner north.
Is Old Man Drew dog-friendly?
Absolutely. Dogs are welcome in the spacious courtyard, and the staff are more than happy to bring out water bowls for your pup.
Do I need to book a table?
Yes—especially on weekends. This café gets busy, and bookings are highly recommended.
Is there parking at Old Man Drew?
Street parking is available on Mt Alexander Road and surrounding back streets, but it can be limited. Arrive early or consider public transport.
What are the opening hours?
Old Man Drew is open 7 days a week, typically from 8am to 3pm. Always check their site or socials for public holiday hours.
