If a stay-cation is what you’re after this summer, then bars and cafes are right up there next to beaches and picnics on any holiday to-do list. Whether it’s sinfully great coffee and Eggs Benedict after an equally great workout, trying out a new beach for those surf lessons you’ve postponed for too long, or grabbing a drink with your book (or craft beer!) club – it’s more fun to keep cool with your furry friends right beside you!
It’s the best time to create new memories and there’s no reason to leave your besties at home. Here are some of Sydney’s favourite dog-friendly bars and cafes that get two paws up for letting customers dine with their best friends.
Before we begin, here’s a big Waldo high five for @dogfriendlynsw, who gave us all the great tips to create this list of pet-friendly bars and cafes you can check out in Sydney.
1: Wayward Brewing Co.
1 Gehrig Lane, Camperdown, NSW 2050
This Inner West brewery is a dog-friendly establishment that serves the neighbourhood from Thursdays to Mondays. Following their mantra “take the beer less traveled,” the 24-tap cellar bar offers exciting options for beer drinkers raring to try something extraordinary. Thanks to their award-winning classics, their in-house single-batch brews, their guest craft beers on tap, and their free popcorn, patrons and their pups keep coming back to this industrial-themed pub.
If you can’t decide on what to get, try the Tasting Flights, which consists of six unique brews in sample glasses. And be sure to get your dog up on their wall of fame by adding #dogsofwayward to their extremely hipster Inner West Instagram stream.
2: The Grounds of Alexandria
Building 7A, 2 Huntley Street, Alexandria, NSW 2015
Filled with fragrant blooms, strong brews, freshly baked goods, and organic finds, there’s so much to discover inside this industrial precinct turned garden, cafe, bar, and bakery. The Potting Shed, The Cafe (terrace area), and The Garden are animal-friendly zones where you can let your pet roam around. Who knows, he just might run into The Grounds’ resident pig Kevin Bacon or other adorable farm animals!
People bringing along their pets are advised to inform the establishment beforehand, so that they can be placed in the right area. There’s also a doggie parking for customers dropping by for a quick takeaway!
3: The Carrington
565 Bourke Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010
Locals and their pets can’t get enough of the laid-back vibe of this Bourke Street institution. One of the oldest gastro-pubs in Surry Hills, The Carro serves no-fuss pub fare and daily specials that go perfectly well with their refreshing draught beers and fine wines. Dogs will salivate over the Doggo Meal offered by the pub for only $6 (choose from Beef Tartare or Steak & Veggies #OnlyinSurryHills). But if you drop by on a Sunday, your pooch can enjoy the meal on the house!
Plan to go here only if your dog can handle being indoors for at least an hour, since the dog-friendly areas are all indoors. The front bar has high bar stools and tables, so your baby will be far down. The back enclosure is more suited for sitting with dogs, and is quite lovely.
4: Naked Brew
10 Swanson Street, Erskineville, NSW 2043
Open as early as 7:30 in the morning, Naked Brew has an outdoor seating area that’s ideal for animal lovers and pets who want to just sit and watch the world go by.
Humans will enjoy hefty servings from Naked Brew’s all-day breakfast menu paired with their specialty coffee, while dogs will be howling with happiness once they taste the delicious offerings the restaurant regularly serves doggie donuts (peanut butter is our pick!), doggie smoothie (made of blended goat’s milk, blueberries, peanut butter, and carob dusting), and doggie chino (composed of frothy goat’s milk, liver sprinkles, and carob dusting).
5: Social Hideout
Shop 2a, 20 Victoria Road, Parramatta, NSW 2150
Shop 4/5 25-33 Allen Street, Waterloo, NSW 2017
All set to visit the prettiest cafe? Popular for its flowerladen eats, over-the-top milkshakes, and jaw-dropping desserts, this beautifully decorated cafe found in Parramatta and Waterloo has many Instagram-worthy spots for you and your fluffy partner-in-crime. As your thirsty pooch laps up a bowl of cold water provided by the friendly waitstaff, stay hydrated with a cold pressed juice or fruit smoothie in hand.
If you plan a visit during the holiday season, do not leave – we repeat – do not leave! without the cake milkshakes. This is the only time of year when you’ll get away with it. Just.
6: Tandem Bar Newton
127 King Street, Newtown, NSW 2042
A hot spot that sprung up in Sydney last September, this Copenhagen-inspired bar is named after an eco-friendly mode of transportation for two (you’ll find tons of cool tandem bicycles within the premises!). Ride out the heat inside this homely bar which features exciting alcoholic collaborations and introduces Scandinavian spirits to its guests.
Adorned with fairy lights and minimalist furniture, their courtyard deck lets you hang out with your favourite mutt and watch the golden sunset while downing Bloody Marys, Micheladas, or Lageritas!
7: The Old Boy Espresso
24 Tallawong Avenue, Blacktown, NSW 2148
With an illustrated bulldog found on its logo, there’s no doubt that this Western Sydney-based cafe welcomes dogs with open arms! Take an early morning run with your pup around Tallawong Oval, then savour a strong hot brew to get you through the day.
Feeling parched? Iced coffee alternatives and summer shakes are also offered! If you need more than just a beverage, the rustic cafe will nourish you with its Brekkie Burger, Mushroom and Kale on Toast, or Old Boy Breakfast Plate. Cap off your meal with an indulgent dessert burger!
8: The Grifter Brewing Co
1/391-397 Enmore Road, Marrickville, NSW 2204
If unique and well crafted are your top two flavours, then The Grifter is ideal for a lazy afternoon with friends – both two-legged and four. Craft beer fans and animal lovers come together in this warehouse which was converted into a hip microbrewery and tasting bar. Fur babies can sit around and mingle with other guests as their parents try the handcrafted beers.
Following traditional brewing methods, The Grifter Brewing Co delivers a tap list of lagers, ales, pilsners, and stouts made with the finest ingredients. Drop by on the weekend and taste the delicious food served by guest food trucks.
9: Rosé Royale
7 Kellett Street, Potts Point, NSW 2011
See the world through rosé-colored glasses with the help of Rosé Royale. As the world’s first rosé wine bar and restaurant, this Potts Point establishment presents more than 50 light pink wines carefully handpicked from different parts of the globe.
Any of these drinks go perfectly well with their French entrees, mains, or share plates. Not to be missed are the desserts made with a touch of rosé. (The signature cake, crepe, and ice cream should be ordered and shared with everyone!) Have a casual wine and dine by the garden so that you can take your dog along.
10: Qube on Bay
56 Bay Street, Ultimo, NSW 2037
Every bruncher’s paradise, Qube serves a delightful menu of everything delicious you could be surprised with on a friendly weekend afternoon: floral garnishes on scrumptious French toasts, perfect brioche buns, roasted wild mushrooms, smoked trout, and more.
Qube has a small courtyard that may look tiny but easily packs in two to 10 seater tables. This is where your best bud can lounge in the summer sun while you sip on some must-drink Egyptian tea or equally amazing Affogato. Be sure to pick up some friands, rocky road cookies, or berry muffins on your way out! Ask their friendly staff for the season’s specials – you will not be disappointed.
Check out other weekend guides that you can do with your pooch!
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. All fields are required.