Alleycats Espresso

I swing by Alleycats Espresso pretty often, and it's become one of my go-to spots in Hillarys. This place stands right on Southside Drive and opens its doors bright and early at 6 am, perfect for early risers like me. Despite being nestled in a lively area of Hillarys, it always feels super chill here.

The coffee is pretty solid. I'm no barista, but I know a decent brew when I taste one. They serve a mean latte, and the baristas always seem like they know what they're doing. Plus, the staff are friendly – always a nice bonus when you're grabbing your morning fix. The more important part, it never takes too long for them to get everything ready, no matter how busy it gets.

Their outdoor seating is a big win for me, especially when the sun's out. I love places where I can bring my dog, and Alleycats is super welcoming to dogs. Having my furry buddy with me while I enjoy my drink just makes everything better. They've got a wheelchair-accessible setup too, so everyone can enjoy the space.

It's always nice to see cafes being mindful of accessibility, both in terms of seating and parking. It's just one of those details that makes you feel like they actually care about their customers.

There's no website from the past hundred years to scavenge through a million links – just one simple link. I like that. They open every day of the week from 6 am to 4 pm, so it's good to know you can count on them wherever your coffee hour strikes.

What I think is cool about Alleycats is that it's not trying too hard to be the next 'it' café. They just focus on decent coffee and good vibes. There's not a massive food menu, but they've got a few pastries and snacks to keep you going. I usually grab a muffin or a croissant with my coffee, and they've never disappointed me. It doesn't feel overwhelming like some cafes where you need a booklet to look through what's on offer.

If you're in a rush, they've got a takeaway option too. Sometimes scooting off with a coffee in hand is exactly what you need. I see a lot of locals popping by quickly during what I assume are school drop-offs since there are schools not far from here.

After spending some time here, you might want to take a short stroll. The whole Hillarys Boat Harbour area is pretty scenic. It's a lovely place to explore if you want to stretch your legs after a coffee. There's a marina where you can glimpse some cool boats, and if you're lucky, you might catch a lovely sea breeze. A few more steps away, there is a bunch of shops and the AQWA aquarium – perfect if you're into sea life.

On warmer days, families and tourists usually hang around the beach. Hey, it's Perth, you should take advantage of the coast whenever you can. I've seen people spending their whole day hopping between the spots at Hillarys.

And if you're up for a meal after your coffee, there's a number of eateries in the area. You can find fish and chips, pizza, and even some fancier dining spots. But if you ask me, I'd say let your caffeine fix settle first and then see what you feel like.

All in all, Alleycats Espresso feels like it's just right. It's cool without trying, and the drinks consistently hit the mark. You can enjoy some quiet time by yourself or have a chat with a friend. Take a beat and soak in the relaxing vibe. Better yet, bring your dog along and add a bit of happiness to your coffee break. This place feels like it knows what it wants to be, and it doesn't try to push anything it's not. It's this low-key charm that keeps me coming back again and again.