Short answer: Yes, The Elstern Social at 572 Glen Huntly Road, Elsternwick, is a family-friendly cafe. Entry is step-free on the ground floor, there’s room between tables for a pram, and our all-day menu includes berry pancakes, French toast and grilled chicken that kids tend to go for. We’re open 7am to 3pm on weekdays and 8am to 3pm on weekends.
Anyone who has taken a pram and a hungry toddler out for brunch knows how it goes. You get to the door and there’s a step. Inside, the tables are so close together you have to fold the pram up. Then the menu turns out to be all eggs benedict and nothing a four-year-old will touch.
We run a cafe on Glen Huntly Road and see families deal with this every week, so here’s how we handle each of those problems.
Will my pram fit at The Elstern Social?
Yes. The whole venue is on the ground floor with step-free entry, so prams, wheelchairs and mobility aids all get in without a fight. Tables are spaced so you can actually move between them, and you won’t be squeezing a double pram past someone’s flat white.
What will the kids eat?
We don’t have a separate kids’ menu, and we’d rather say so than have you find out at the counter. What we do have is an all-day menu where a lot of dishes already work for small people.
- Berry pancakes and French toast are the reliable winners.
- Grilled chicken and the chicken burger suit older kids and fussy eaters who want something familiar.
- Half-serves or swaps: tell the team what your child will eat and we’ll see what we can do. If there’s a specific need, a quick call before you arrive helps.
What if someone at the table has dietary needs?
That’s common with families, and it shouldn’t mean two separate orders at two separate cafes. Our menu has vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options throughout, so everyone can order from the same page.
What if my toddler gets loud?
They will at some point, and here nobody minds. There’s plenty of seating, so no one is hovering to turn your table. If you’d like a calmer visit, weekday mornings are usually quieter.
Can the dog come too?
Yes, we’re pet-friendly. Dogs are welcome at our outdoor tables, so the whole family can come, four-legged member included.
Where else in Elsternwick works for families?
We’re not the only good option nearby, and it’s worth knowing what’s around. It’s worth checking each cafe’s current details before you go.
- Next of Kin Cafe (546 Glen Huntly Rd): has a kids’ menu, high chairs and courtyard seating, which is handy if your kids need room to move.
- Green Tree Cafe (322 Glen Eira Rd): has a kids’ menu and dietary tags across the whole menu, useful if you’re feeding a mixed table.
Getting to us
We’re at 572 Glen Huntly Road, Elsternwick, in the heart of the Glen Eira area. [Add: walking time from Elsternwick Station, nearest parking, and a nearby park or playground for the after-brunch run-around, once you’ve confirmed the details.]
Planning something bigger than brunch?
If you’re hosting a christening, a baby shower or a family milestone, our function space has the same step-free, family-friendly setup, with zero venue hire fee. See our baby shower venue in Elsternwick and social gatherings venue pages for details.
Book ahead, or just walk in
Weekend mornings fill up, and a table already waiting makes arriving with a pram and a hungry toddler much easier. Book online, or walk in any day of the week at 572 Glen Huntly Road, Elsternwick.
FAQs
Is The Elstern Social family-friendly?
Yes. We have step-free ground-floor access, a spacious layout, and a menu with plenty of options for kids and adults.
Is The Elstern Social pram-friendly?
Yes. Entry is step-free and the layout leaves room for prams to move between tables.
Does The Elstern Social have a kids' menu?
No separate kids’ menu. Berry pancakes, French toast and grilled chicken are popular with kids, and we can adjust dishes on request.
Is there a dog-friendly cafe in Elsternwick?
Yes. We welcome dogs at our outdoor tables.
Can I book for a large family group?
Yes. Book at theelsternsocial.com.au/book-a-table, especially for weekends.
What are your opening hours?
7am to 3pm weekdays, 8am to 3pm weekends.
