There’s no need to leave your best mate at home. Many of Sydney’s top cafes, restaurants, pubs and bars are happy to welcome your four-legged friend.
- 4 min read
Pubs & bars
Forrester’s
Where: Surry Hills
This century-old pub might just be Sydney’s most dog-friendly venue. Pups are welcome anywhere inside Forrester’s, from the public bar to The Art Room bar and Phylli’s restaurant. They can dine on a ‘pawkie’ – a special version of their famous yorkie roast made with gravy and kibble – and the staff will snap a pic for their doggy wall of fame.
Forrester's, Surry Hills - Credit: Kitti Gould
Bar Demo
Where: Newtown
If you’ve ever dreamed of sharing a cocktail with your furry friend, Bar Demo is the place for you. Order a classic martini for yourself and a puppitini for your pal – don’t worry, it’s just water garnished with prosciutto. Then you can both sit back and enjoy the music with full albums played on vinyl through a custom sound system.
The Magpie
Where: Enmore
A tiny pub/sports bar in the Inner West, The Magpie has just 30 seats and an atmosphere inspired by the classic Sydney pubs of the 1980s. Amongst the big screens, sports memorabilia and meat raffles, expect to see at least a few happy pups joining their owners for an afternoon beer.
The Magpie, Enmore - Credit: The Magpie
Harbord Hotel
Where: Freshwater
Set just a few blocks back from Freshwater Beach, the Harbord Hotel has been serving drinks to a thirsty community since 1923. Today, that community includes its four-legged members and dogs are always welcome in the sunny courtyard. After lunch, stroll around to Manly Lagoon where they can roam and paddle off-leash all day long.
Harbord Hotel, Freshwater- Credit: Harbord Hotel
The White Cockatoo
Where: Petersham
With two leafy courtyards that welcome pups and their people, The White Cockatoo has long been a favourite with local dog owners. Relax with a cocktail or a craft beer from one of the nearby breweries, order a classic chicken parmi and sneak your pal a few chips under the table.
The White Cockatoo, Petersham - Credit: The White Cockatoo
The Old Fitzroy Hotel
Where: Wolloomooloo
One of the oldest pubs in Sydney, The Old Fitz has been pouring beers since the 1860s. Dogs are welcome everywhere except the bistro, so you can grab one of the coveted tables out the front, retreat to the cosy mezzanine level or relax in the pretty courtyard. In winter, the open fire is always a favourite for warming the paws.
The Old Fitzroy Hotel, Woolloomooloo
The Alex
Where: Alexandria
With its shipping container bar, colourful graffiti, basketball hoops and grandstand seating, The Alex feels like a cross between a pub and a pop-up street party. The busy courtyard is dog-friendly and you’ll always find a few happy pooches enjoying the buzzy atmosphere (and hoping for a bite of your cheeseburger).
The Alex, Alexandria - Credit: Steven Woodburn
7th Day Brewery
Where: Brookvale
This busy craft brewery on the Northern Beaches is both dog- and kid-friendly, so expect to see a few of each in the huge beer garden during your visit. There’s always something fun happening at 7th Day Brewery, from sport on the big screen to live music and DJs, plus delicious wood fired pizzas and handmade pasta.
7th Day Brewery, Brookvale - Credit: 7th Day Brewery
The Vic on the Park
Where: Marrickville
They keep things pretty relaxed at The Vic and you’ll likely see dogs snoozing in the charmingly shabby front bar as well as sniffing around the courtyard. You can even burn off your beers with a game of half-court basketball out the back.
Vic on the Park, Marrickville
The Albion
Where: Parramatta
A favourite of Parramatta locals for almost 100 years, The Albion is a laid-back pub by day and a pumping club by night. Dogs are always welcome in the sprawling, sunny beer garden, and on Sundays the rest of the family can enjoy live music and entertainment for the kids.
Dogs welcome in the beer garden at The Albion, Parramatta
Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre
Where: Marrickville
Step back in time to the 1980s and the era of the late, great Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke at this huge brewery, bar and restaurant. The beer is cold, the walls are covered in memorabilia, the restaurant serves retro Chinese classics and dogs can join you at the outdoor seats.
Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre, Marrickville - Credit: The James Adams
The Carrington
Where: Surry Hills
Famously one of Sydney’s most dog-friendly pubs, at The Carrington you’re welcome to have a drink with your pup at the bar inside or relax in the outdoor courtyard. And if they’re feeling hungry, you can order them a meal from the special dog menu – beef tartare anyone?
The Carrington, Surry Hills
The Newport
Where: Northern Beaches
An icon of the Northern Beaches, The Newport has more space outside than in, making it perfect for a dog day out. Order a pizza or bucket of prawns, grab a table on the deck and watch the dogs frolicking at Bayview dog beach directly across the water.
The Newport, Newport
The Duck Inn Pub and Kitchen
Where: Chippendale
Tucked away in a leafy back street of Chippendale, The Duck has been pouring beers since the 1890s and still a pub you’d be happy to call your local. Don’t be surprised to see a dog (or two) sitting at the bar when you arrive – they're welcome inside and in the sunny courtyard.
The Duck Inn Pub and Kitchen, Chippendale
The Henson
Where: Marrickville
The Henson is the centre of its community, supporting local football teams, hosting fundraisers for small organisations and working with local artists. That community vibe extends to dogs, who are always welcome in the courtyard.
The Henson, Marrickville - Credit: Alana Dimou
The Beresford Hotel
Where: Surry Hills
If you think your pooch has what it takes to be a star, enter them in the annual Beresford Dog Show, run by this popular inner-city pub. There’s also a sunny, Italian-inspired courtyard where dogs can lounge all year round.
The Beresford Hotel, Surry Hills - Credit: Dimitri Tricolas
Public House Petersham
Where: Petersham
You’ll always find water bowls in the huge beer garden and treats behind the bar at the Public House Petersham. For the people, there are wood-fired pizzas, 16 beer taps and big screens showing any sport you can think of. Just keep an eye out for the resident pub cat.
Public House Petersham, Inner West - Credit: Yaya Stempler
Wayward Brewing Co
Where: Camperdown
Hidden down a graffitied laneway in Camperdown and housed in an old winery, Wayward pours 24 rotating taps of craft beer and seltzer all week long. Food trucks dish up dinner seven nights a week (and lunch from Thursday to Sunday) – think diner-style delights such as burgers, chicken wings, mac ‘n’ cheese croquettes and cheeseburger spring rolls. Dogs are welcome indoors and if you fancy do a spot of shopping, be sure to peruse the Wayward merch to pick out hoodie for pooch.
Wayward Brewing Co., Camperdown
The Erko
Where: Erskineville
The Erko is an Inner West favourite famous for its community vibe. The staff are always chatty and personable; the chances of running into an old mate are high; and often the dogs-in-tow outnumber the people – and everyone is eager to hand out ear scratches and treats (there’s an entire section on the menu dedicated to dog treats!).
The Erskineville Hotel, Erskineville - Credit: Oliver Minnett
Cafes & restaurants
BabaG’s Cafe and Grooming Salon
Where: St Peters
Does your dog need a haircut but you need a coffee? Enter BabaG’s, a sprawling warehouse space with a cafe, dog grooming parlour and doggy daycare centre that will keep everyone happy. There are pastries, burek and gourmet sandwiches for you and hamburgers, Korean-style fried chicken and cheese pies for the pups.
BabaG's Cafe and Grooming Salon, Saint Peters - Credit: BabaG's Cafe and Grooming Salon
Doglateria
Where: Bondi Junction
You have probably seen Doglato doggy ice cream for sale at cafes all over the city, but now there’s a dedicated cafe just for these tasty treats. Doglateria serves lactose-free, human grade Italian gelato to pampered pups in flavours like peanut butter and honey or mango and carrot. There’s also a special doggy high tea and even gelato for humans on the menu.
Doglateria, Bondi Junction - Credit: Doglateria
Cafe Bones
Where: Leichhardt
More a cafe for dogs than a dog-friendly cafe, pups outnumber people most days at Cafe Bones. Set inside the Hawthorn Canal Reserve dog park, you can order a cappuccino for yourself, a pupaccino for your mate and species-appropriate muffins for everyone.
Cafe Bones, Leichhardt - Credit: Cafe Bones
Honkas Bar & Eats
Where: Potts Point
Taking inspiration from the cultural melting pot that is Hong Kong, Honkas serves up the best cuisine from across Asia, like bao buns, dumplings, tataki, karaage, san choy bao and more. They’ll also treat your pooch like a king – they'll even be fed free snacks from the special dog menu.
Honkas Bar & Eats, Potts Point - Credit: Honkas Bar & Eats
Puppy Tail Cafe
Where: Lane Cove
Take zoomies to the next level at Blackman Park with a dedicated dog agility course featuring tunnels, ramps and bars to jump. Then you can both refuel at the Puppy Tail Cafe. It’s run by a pet nutritionist, so you know the ‘woofles’ (dog waffles) will be healthy as well as tasty.
Puppy Tail Cafe, Lane Cove
Lil Miss Collins
Where: Parramatta
After two successful pop ups, Lil Miss Collins now has a permanent home just a short walk from Parramatta Station. Dogs can hang out in the spacious outdoor area that’s surrounded by timber fencing, reclaimed furniture and shipping containers, the perfect backdrop for your #dogsofinstagram post.
Lil Miss Collins, Parramatta
Outfield Cafe
Where: Ashfield
On a sunny day, there are few better spots than the sunny grass in front of Outfield. Set within Yeo Park, they provide picnic blankets; coffee; a short but interesting menu of toasties, bowls and sweets; and plenty of room for dogs and kids to romp.
Outfield Cafe, Ashfield
Harry’s Bar
Where: Bondi
A legend of the Bondi cafe scene, Harry’s is always buzzing and you’re likely to see as many happy hounds as sandy surfers. No matter how busy it gets, the team will always be able to rustle up a dog biscuit or two from behind the counter.
Harry's Bar, Bondi
The Greens
Where: North Sydney
A classic lawn bowls club that’s become a hub for the community, The Greens as food, drinks, music, views and lots of good times. Dogs can join in the fun in the outdoor eating area – just make sure they don’t try to play fetch with all those tempting balls.
The Greens, North Sydney
Naked Brew
Where: Erskineville
At Naked Brew, there’s an order of waffles for everyone – buttermilk pork belly for the people, Belgian peanut butter for the pups. This cute corner cafe describes itself as ‘super dog-friendly' and there’s an off-leash dog park just across the road for when you both need to run off those calories.
Naked Brew, Erskinville - Credit: Naked Brew
Three Blue Ducks
Where: Rosebery
At the Rosebery location of the always popular Three Blue Ducks (housed in a trendy, heritage-listed Koskela warehouse), guests can settle in for a breakfast, lunch or dinner of delicious farm-to-table fare. Dogs are welcome to join if you are seated outside in the pretty courtyard.
Three Blue Ducks, Rosebery
