Doggy dining – The best cafes to visit with your dog

Nearly 70% of Australian households have a pet to keep them company. If you’re one of the 50% of these who own a dog, chances are you’re always on the lookout for new and exciting places to take your furry friend. Fortunately, Australia is a haven for dog-friendly cafes, so you and your pup will never be short on options. Here are just a few of the best dog-friendly cafes in around the country that are sure to become your new go-tos this summer.

Melbourne

Doghouse Dog Café

Billed as “Melbourne’s first café for dogs” the Doghouse Dog café in Collingwood is a must—visit for Melbourne-based dog lovers. The retail space at the front offers freshly-made dog food that is made on-site, and out the back is a massive off-lead area where your dog can run and play. They also create dog birthday cakes! Treat your dog to a “dogachino”, and yourself to a human coffee, and don’t miss a visit to this unique café.

St Ali

If you’re looking for a bit more of a relaxed vibe, head on over to St Ali in South Melbourne. This cafe has an industrial feel and an impressive coffee menu to match. They also have a pretty big outdoor seating area that’s perfect for taking your pup for a stroll after you’ve finished your coffee. And if you happen to be there on a Sunday, they have a special brunch menu that’s not to be missed.

Toorak Cellars

While not necessarily a café, but rather an eclectic mix of a bottle shop and bar, Toorak Cellars’ aim is to supply and serve the best international and local wines they can find, at a variety of price points. Conveniently located just opposite of Toorak train station, this trendy location has an ever-changing menu of wines on offer, with your choice of trying them by-the-glass or, if a specific vino tickles your fancy, grab a whole bottle. They offer a few simple bar snacks for you to munch on during your wine drinking, but you can grab a more substantial bite from Chez Bob or Neighbourhood Pizza.        

The Kettle Black

The Kettle Black is yet another excellent choice for those who want to enjoy a good cup of coffee while also being able to bring their dog along. The Kettle Black has both indoor and outdoor seating, so you can choose whichever option suits you and your pup best. If you get hungry, The Kettle Black also has a great food menu with something for everyone, and excellent coffee sourced directly from the world’s best producers and blended to perfection.

Sydney

Café Bones

The ultimate place for dogs to go with their two-legged pets, Café Bones in Liechhardt is an excellent place to socialise, enjoy a coffee and exercise your dog. First opening its doors in 2000, this café has grown a strong community of regulars and visitors, both canine and human. Nestled inside of a park, Café Bones is a vibrant meeting place, offering food and drink for any and all visitors.

Pebble & Bark

This little gem nestled in Joynton Park in Zetland has a friendly atmosphere, and the cutest and fluffiest customers. This family and dog-friendly café is a local hidden favourite due to its friendly service, immaculate vibes, tasty food and the best coffee in the area. This café is the perfect place for a little puppy meet-up.

Dachshund Coffee

This Hunters Hill favourite is as dog-friendly as its name! Dachshund Coffee’s philosophy is to “serve food that uses quality local ingredients, is ethically and sustainably sourced, and make it accessible to the community.” Focusing their menu on a whole food and plant-based diet, Dachshund also have a dog menu to you can treat your pup to a “doglato” (dog gelato), Paw Treats by Pawsitively Awesome or a classic Puppychino.  

Adelaide

Sibling

This café located on a quiet strip of the Adelaide CBD is light, bright and dog-friendly! Their specialty coffee is locally brewed by Adelaide locals, Coffee in Common, and feature a lush breakfast and lunch menu. Seeing dogs chilling outside this southside café, while their owner sits down to a well-earned coffee is a common sight. 

Brisbane

Little Black Pug

A combined passion for food, coffee and their pugs brought wife and husband team, Louise and Josh, to open up their first café, Little Black Pug. Their background in working in the field of science brings a different perspective to their food and coffee. The café creates delicious, simple food with attention and precision, and cares about the environment. They aim to reduce, reuse and recycle as much as possible. Little Black Pug’s menu caters for a variety of dietary requirements, which is 99% gluten-free, 60% vegetarian and 30% vegan. Bring your fluffy friend to the outdoor dining area in this Mt Gravatt-located café and dine on the delicious seasonal menu and Toby’s Estate brewed coffee. 

Perth

White Elephant Beach Café

No dog-friendly café list would be complete without a beachside option, and what better pick than White Elephant Beach Café in Gnarabup. The perfect beach to take a summer day trip to with your four-legged companion, this café will refuel you for your sandy adventures. Run by Margaret River locals, Alex and AJ, White Elephant is dedicated to treating guests to the best food and drink in the area. The menu serves up a range of simple yet creative beachside meals for breakfast, lunch and takeaway, as well as house made muffins and cakes.

Whether you’re looking for a place to relax with your pup or somewhere to socialise and meet new friends, these dog-friendly cafes around Australia are sure to hit the spot. So next time you need a caffeine fix or snack attack, why not enjoy it in the company of your furry bestie?

By Sarah Panther