Café at the Cat & Dog Steps

The Promenade, Whitburn Rd, Sunderland SR6 9NQ, United Kingdom
$$$ Cafe
(76 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Welcome to the Café at the Cat & Dog Steps, a delightful gem perched right on the enchanting Promenade of Whitburn Rd in Sunderland. This charming café is the perfect pit stop for both locals and visitors alike, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere paired with stunning views of the coastline. Whether you're celebrating a sunny morning or unwinding in the late afternoon, this café promises to be your go-to spot.

Picture yourself basking in the morning sun while savoring a no-frills bacon butty alongside a rich, aromatic coffee. This café's simple yet satisfying menu is designed to complement its breathtaking surroundings. Customers rave about the friendly service provided by the new owners, although some have hinted that the warmth could use a little rekindling. Despite that, the café remains a hit among patrons who seek freshly made bites and comforting beverages while enjoying a front-row seat to the mesmerizing waves.

Take a moment to relish the vibrant atmosphere as you sit at one of the outdoor tables, watching the dancing waves and soaking in the coastal charm. For dog lovers, rest assured that your furry friends are more than welcome here, making it an ideal outing for pet owners looking for a friendly environment. However, it’s wise to be prepared; some guests have noted an occasional presence of flies, so a little vigilance during your visit would be prudent.

The café's location makes it a prime spot for a day out at the beach. After a leisurely meal, you can take a stroll down to the shore, where reviews by visitors like Peter Curtis highlight the invigorating experience of descending the steps to the beach – perfect for a bit of exercise or a peaceful beach day.

Many locals, like Steph C, attest to the café being a total sun trap, an ideal setting to enjoy your favorite egg sandwich as you gaze out at the captivating horizon. Combine this with the practical prices and the beautiful seating arrangement, and you've got a winning combination for any time of the year.

In summary, the Café at the Cat & Dog Steps isn't just another coffee stop; it's a community hub that thrives on connection, conversation, and the love of good food and coffee. With lovely beach views and a reputation for friendly service, it is a location that truly captures the heart of Sunderland. Whether you're seeking early morning sunshine or a delicious meal after a beach walk, the café welcomes you to enjoy every moment within its cozy embrace.

Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Groups
Tourists
Payments
NFC mobile payments
Children
Good for kids
Pets
Dogs allowed
Openings Hours

Monday

08:30 AM - 04:00 PM

Tuesday

08:30 AM - 04:00 PM

Wednesday

08:30 AM - 04:00 PM

Thursday

08:30 AM - 04:00 PM

Friday

08:30 AM - 04:00 PM

Saturday

08:30 AM - 04:00 PM

Sunday

08:30 AM - 04:00 PM

76 Reviews
Peter Curtis

31 Aug 2025

These steps lead to a fantastic beach and are also great for excercise. Run up and down these ten times and you know about it.

Den Wanley

03 Aug 2025

Positively the best place to catch the early morning sunshine. There's some lovely tables right on the promenade and you can look out across to the lighthouse. I love nothing more than a Nice cheap, no frills bacon butty and a coffee in the sunshine, any time if the year . Although just lately it's not the friendliest service with the new owners. It always seems to attract a huge amount of elderly people just sitting in the sun first thing on a morning. Always makes me chuckle! And of course a huge amount of dog walkers. You can walk round the bay on the sand when the tide is low and often when dolphins and seals are spotted along the coast its here that they come.

Robert Hadden

31 Jul 2025

Lovely views but there was a plague of flies there today

colin fishwick

15 Jul 2025

A beautiful place with plenty of seats and a beautiful view what could anybody else ask for

Fogy Dew

15 Jun 2025

Very nice pace plenty off seats. Dog friendly. Prices seem a bit high. But realy at the moment with the cost of living rises I might be unfair there. Nice walk to get here all in Al very good.

Ben English

13 Jun 2025

Nice coffee and tosted tea cake, lovely beach view.

John B

08 Jun 2025

Fantastic hide out, but very well known coffee hut.. the couple who runs it are so friendly and always make time to chat to you.. the service is second to none and the hot drinks and food are fabulous.. seating area is perfectly situated to watch the sea waves and just chill out.. Pleasant, polite and professional business.. highly recommend..

Steph C

08 Jun 2025

Total sun trap here and always a lovely egg sandwich from Gary's kiosk walk here most days, whether it be morning or evening always a nice view

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