Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you and your four-legged friend have to stay inside all the time! Take some time out this winter to discover some of the best dog-friendly cafés and bars in and around Melbourne.
Welcome To Thornbury
520 High Street, Northcote
The premiere permanent food truck park (and second largest beer garden in Melbourne) is one of the best places to take your friends, both two and four-legged. With a rotating variety of food trucks daily and many events being run throughout the month, there’s always something new to try out. Don’t let the cold weather deter you, as the area is fully heated, undercover and windproof. Special dog-themed events also happen regularly, with past examples being the “Tiny Dog Festival” and “Dogs Dressed as Santa: World Record Attempt”. They also host a monthly dedicated dog night “Good Dogs of Darebin”. When you do visit with your dog, please ensure they are leashed, just so everyone (dog and human) can have a good time!
Now & Not Yet
148 Yarra Street, Warrandyte
Found in leafy Warrandyte, Now & Not Yet is a social enterprise café that creates some of the best coffee in the east. Dogs are more than welcome in their outdoor seating area (don’t forget to ask for some water for your pal!). It makes for a perfect pit-stop along the Yarra. The café is an artistic hub, with a studio often inhabited by artists, and the café walls are decorated with local art. Now & Not Yet is also run by volunteers who take time out to create delicious food and soul-soothing coffee. If you’re out walking your dog along the Yarra River, this café is definitely worth a visit.
Fitzrovia
2/155 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
If you are walking your four-legged friend around the iconic Albert Park and need a coffee break, Fitzrovia is the perfect place to visit! Located on Fitzroy Street in St Kilda overlooking the park, Fitzrovia has ample outside dining space for you and your pooch to stretch out. The views of the city skyline are spectacular, and for those who like to people-watch, there is plenty of hustle and bustle along Fitzroy Street. Coffee starts flowing from 7am daily so for those who love their early-morning dog walks, Fitzrovia has your post-walk coffee sorted.
Punchbowl Canteen
1 Fennell Street, Port Melbourne
Nestled in the industrial Port Melbourne, Punchbowl Canteen provides a dog-friendly place for locals to caffeinate and grab a bite to eat. On the turfed outside area is the perfect place to perch your pooch while you order a delicious Falafel Bowl, Breakfast Poké or fresh Calamari. Punchbowl also has an exclusive weekend menu for Saturday and Sunday punters and, if you’re lucky, you may get a little canine friend drawn into your latte. The vibrant décor pairs well with the food, and is a bright contrast to the industrial surrounds of Port Melbourne. The sound of happy barks and laughter from those sharing the space makes it a joyous place to be.
Lux Foundry
21 Hope St, Brunswick
With a unique and expansive outdoor space, Lux Foundry warmly welcomes dogs of all shapes and sizes. In colder months, patrons eating in the outdoor space are provided with blankets and heaters, and coffee by Proud Mary will warm you up. Whilst you watch your hound bounce around the terrace, feast on sweet Raspberry Panna Cotta for breakfast or delicious Pork Belly Bao for a lunchtime treat. With the chance of you and your dog getting snapped and featured on their Instagram, this open and distinctive café is easily one of the most welcoming dog-friendly cafés in Melbourne.
