Is there anything better than a Saturday brunch in the sunshine? We think so: brunch with your favourite dog in tow!
With so many cool cafes, bars and restaurant offerings across Queensland, Sydney, and Melbourne, it’s important to find the best local hot spot where your four-legged friend is just as welcome. So, we’ve rounded up the best dog-friendly cafes and best dog-friendly restaurants to make sure your furry bestie’s never left out of your hunt for a great Eggs Benedict or cool beer.
Sunshine Coast
Endless beaches and sunshine for days – the Sunshine Coast is a dog (and human) paradise.
Notable dog-friendly cafes on the Sunshine Coast worth your visit include:
New Earth Cafe, Coolum Beach
This vegan and vegetarian hotspot isn’t just dishing up plant-based goods, it’s welcoming your four-legged friend in at the same time. With a dog-friendly outdoor courtyard, this is the perfect spot to settle in for a protein pancake stack or a stack of raw nachos.
Check out their Facebook page to find details on opening hours and location.
The Velo Project, Maroochydore
The Velo Project is one of the Sunshine Coast’s most beloved cafes – and for good reason. Dishing up beautiful local produce across a packed menu, this is an excellent spot for a pre-beach breakfast, or a post-swim lunch. For dog owners, the doggy menu means no family member is left behind.
If you’re not sure what your dog can eat from the normal menu, here are our thoughts on baked beans, Vegemite, and avocado.
Keen for a visit? Find out more about The Velo Project and make sure to stop by the next time you’re in Maroochydore.
Brisbane
Queensland’s capital city isn’t holding back when it comes to dog-friendly food options. With a suite of new openings seeing this river city delivering all kinds of experiences to locals and visitors alike, you can enjoy a new dog-friendly venue every day of the month.
Our top picks for cool cafes & bars in Brisbane are:
Felons Brewing Co., Brisbane City
Situated right on the Brisbane River, Felons Brewing Co. is a beloved hotspot for locals and tourists alike. There’s no shortage of options here: with a brewery, fish ’n’ chips, beer garden, and river deck, you can pull up a chair and enjoy the Brisbane sunshine any time of the week. Their drinks menu is well worth a thorough investigation, and we can guarantee your dog’s going to love the people-watching on offer as you make your way through it.
Plan your trip to Felons Brewing Co.
Hope and Anchor, Paddington
This gastropub’s got it all: a bustling beer garden, comfortable sidewalk tables, and a food menu that’s just as impressive as the beer options on tap. Perched up on the top of a Paddington hill, this little pub is one of the local area’s best-kept secrets. You and your furry friend will be back for more before you know it!
Head over to their website to scope out their menu.
Gold Coast
There’s no better way to start the day on the Gold Coast than grabbing a coffee with your pup in tow. Our must-do list includes:
Social Brew, Burleigh Heads
Enjoy an avo smash and a wellness shot at this nutritionally rich Gold Coast cafe. Your dog’s welcome to sit at your feet as you do so, giving you both the fuel you need for another day of adventuring in south-east Queensland.
Drool over Social Brew’s scrumptious menu.
Sydney
NSW, represent – it’s time to spill the beans on what your capital city has to offer our four-legged friends!
With the beauty of the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, and Bondi Beach, Sydney’s rich in adventures you can go on with you doggo. When it’s time for a break, we recommend:
Lil Miss Collins, Parramatta
This cafe’s beautiful courtyard seating isn’t even the best bit of this Sydney dog-friendly cafe – it’s their incredible brunch menu. Find breakfast burgers, Mediterranean platters and mojito towers at the ready. Time to book your next dog-friendly brunch date? We think so.
Check out Lil Miss Collins here.
COOH, Alexandria
This roomy, light-filled cafe offers a pup-friendly verandah that’ll seat the whole family. With healthy, delicious meals and fresh salads made daily, this is a great spot to refuel before a big day of exploring everything Sydney has to offer.
Drool over everything COOH has to over, on their Instagram.
Melbourne
While many other hotspots are giving Melbourne a run for its foodie-capital money, there’s no denying Melbourne’s got the goods. No matter your craving, there’s a smorgasbord of cafe and restaurant options for you in Victoria’s capital city. When it comes to taking your dog along for the ride, we recommend…
The Terrace Cafe, South Yarra
This cafe comes to life in an iconic Melbourne location: lakeside in the Royal Botanic Gardens. With lush greenery in all directions, you’ll have plenty of options for a post-meal stroll with your dog in tow. Enjoy the sunshine in the alfresco outdoor seating and dig into a produce-led menu.
Find everything you need to know for a visit to The Terrace Cafe.
Edinburgh Castle Hotel, Brunswick
Looking for a dog-friendly pub? The Edinburgh Castle Hotel is calling your name. This Brunswick institution has a turfed beer garden that’s as welcoming of your pup as it is of you. Pull up a chair, order a drink, and settle in for some live music in this year-round winner of a venue.
Check out their website for upcoming events and specials.
Studley Park Boathouse, Kew
Having just completed a major transformation, this place is a serious hot spots for all Melbournites. With four different spaces to choose from, as well as boat hire so you can take your brunch experience down the river, you and your pup will create a mammoth amount of memories here!
Other notable features: Guided tours for kids, gardening and pizza-making workshops, and live music from Friday to Sunday.
Discover the beauty of the oldest public boathouse on Melbourne’s Yarra River. Visit the Studley Park Boathouse website to find out more.
Conclusion
With so many incredible cafes and restaurants embracing a dog-friendly culture, there’s no reason your dog can’t enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner by your side.
If you’re heading off for an adventure further afield, or need a cosy date night that’s pooch-free, the Mad Paws Pet Sitter community can give you even more options. With trusted Pet Sitters who’ll shower your dog in love, you have the perfect solution at your fingertips the next time you’re heading off for a dog-free date.
Your pup will have such a good time, they’ll be hard-pressed to decide between joining you next time for a puppuccino or another Mad Paws Sitter hang!
