OK, you didn’t try to be on-trend, you just found yourself cruising with Melbourne’s caffeine scene, and of course, you need to take your dog (even if it’s not a French Bulldog, Blue Heeler or Pug). More and more of this town’s cool places are opening their doors to doggies as well as their minders: with dog friendly cafes in Melbourne becoming increasingly popular, we’ve made a list of some of Melbourne’s canine friendly hotspots…
Check out our list of dog friendly cafes in Melbourne for your next brunch or coffee date.
The Doghouse 195 Johnston St Collingwood, 94174253
Really boosted the trend. It’s hep-dog territory and ‘hoomans’ (as they call them) are merely welcome additions. For some: coffee, juices and snacks; for others: brisket bones or trotters, also their special Dogacino!
Open: Wednesday-Friday 10am-5pm. Weekends 9am-5pm
Arbory 1 Flinders Walk, Melbourne, 8648 7644
In the very heart of Melbourne, wedged between Flinders St Station and the Yarra River: Dogs are welcome in the outdoor zones of this pet friendly cafe. The food is more human than dog-friendly, so bring along a little snack for Poochie.
Open: 365 days a year from 7.30am-late
Madame Brussels Level 3, 57-59 Bourke Street Melbourne, 9662 2775
Madame Brussels welcomes dogs during daylight hours. It has a covered outdoor area and provides water bowls. The human food is a little bit rich to share with your dog, so bring along a few dog-biccies. Friendly, leashed dogs welcome.
Open: 7 days a week from 12pm-1am (daylight only for dogs please)
Kitty Burns 24 Acacia Pl, Abbotsford, 9427 0164
Named after the original models for the famous Skipping Girl sign, Kitty Burns’ is a natural choice for dog walkers, next to a bushy stretch of track along the Yarra. Great place to sit with your dog under the trees.
Open: Weekdays 7.30am-3pm. Weekends 8am-3.30pm
Farm Cafe Collingwood Children’s Farm, 18 St Helier’s St, Abbotsford, 9415 6581
Kick back and listen to the sounds of peacocks and pigs, while enjoying a hearty breakfast or lunch. (No dog-only snacks, so bring treats. )Afterwards, take a stroll around Abbotsford Convent, or to Dight’s Falls.
Open: Weekdays 9am-3pm. Weekends 9am-4pm
Lenny 113 Victoria Avenue, Albert Park, 9699 8543
Lenny is not only a dog-friendly cafe – it’s also just a few blocks from some year-round off-leash beaches. After brekkie, take your dog for a run on the sand. What more could you (both) ask for?
Open: Weekdays 6.30am-4pm. Weekends 7.30pm-4pm
Rudimentary 16-20 Leeds Street, Footscray, 8596 6909
Rudimentary’s architecture is, well, rudimentary: Shipping containers and a large outdoor seating area. A rudimentary haven for you and your dog on a sunny day. (Human menu. Bring treats.)
Open: Weekdays 7.30am-3.30pm; Weekends 8am-3.30pm
C.H. James 86 Station St Fairfield, 9486 3484
Take your dog for a walk at Yarra Bend, and finish off with a bite in C.H. Jame’s courtyard, next to the old church. This relaxing outdoor setting makes it a natural choice for dog owners in the area.
Open: Weekdays 7am-4.30pm; Weekends 8am-4pm
Dog-friendly cafes near Dogdayz
OK, inner-urban Melbourne can be pretty cool, but to be really cool you need to venture to the leafy outer-urban reaches just a little closer to one of our amazing dog boarding facilities, located in Toolern Vale, Warrandyte, and Silvan. Some options include:
The Trail Café 1 Clancy’s Road Mt. Evelyn
Located on the Lilydale-Warburton Trail: what a great stopping-place for dogs and people! Quality lunchtime menu, outdoor dining spaces and enclosed playground.
Open: Closed Tuesdays. Other days 8am – 4 pm. Weekends til 3 pm.
The Barn Owl Cafe1 Parker Rd, Silvan, 9737 9546
A true farm feel: shed, rustic wooden tables, outdoor spaces. Dogs are welcome outside, as is the rest of the family. Great during a Sunday acoustic music session (your dog can howl along.)
Open: Weekdays 7am-3pm; Weekends 8am-3pm
The Dog Cafe Rear of 120 Boronia Rd, Boronia, 0422 865 490
Has its own dog menu! There are Carob Paws, Donuts and Sparkly Bones on offer. Puppacinos of course. Humans catered for with coffee, drinks, cakes, sandwiches etc. They also run dog parties.
Open: Thurs-Sun 9am-4pm
The Stonehouse Café Corner Yarra Street (Main Road) and Tills Drive, Warrandyte.
Just a few steps from Dogdayz Warrandyte on the banks of the Yarra. Heritage stone building in leafy surrounds with ample indoor and outdoor spaces. Tempting lunchtime menu – and dogs always welcome on the shady deck.
Open: Thurs-Sun 9am-4pm
The Bakery, Warrandyte 193 Yarra Street (Main Road) Warrandyte.
Right on the banks of the Yarra dog-walk trail and again just a short stroll from Dogdayz Warrandyte. Pies, pasties and a great range of cakes baked on site. All outdoor seating and a playground for kids. Always lots of lovely dogs passing by or stopping for a rest.
Open: Seven days, til 5 pm.
Riverview Deli & Cafe 262 Yarra Street (Main Road) Warrandyte.
So many options for dog friendly cafe’s in Warrandyte! The Riverview offers coffee/drinks and a range of quality lunches and salads through until 4 pm daily. Dogs always welcome at the outside tables.
Open: Seven days, til 4 pm.
Warrandyte Café 61 Yarra St, Warrandyte, 9844 0365
Situated on the banks of the Yarra. Take your dog for a walk then enjoy a meal or a drink after. Ample outside treed space and they make a special mention of dogs being welcome.
Open: Weekdays 8am-5pm, Weekends 8am-5pm
Houdini’s café e cucina Old Calder Hwy, Diggers Rest VIC (at Railway crossing)
Named after the famed magician and escapologist, who also piloted Australia’s first airplane flight nearby. (True!) Dining with a stylish Sicilian flavour – and dogs welcome at outside tables.
Open: Tuesday- Friday. Lunch 11.30 – 3; Dinner from 5pm. Saturday/Sunday 8am – 11.30 am. Lunch to 3pm,. Dinner from 5 pm.
The wrap-up
There are plenty of options available when it comes to dog friendly cafes in Melbourne. The list above is by no means exhaustive, so give your local cafe a call and check their pet policy. You can even do a quick search in google for “dog friendly cafe’s near me” with more and more cafe’s becoming dog friendly theres sure to be one close to you! Also, check out our tips below to make cafe times with your dog a pleasure rather than a pain.
Tips for visiting dog friendly cafes across Melbourne:
- Ensure your dog is on a leash.
- If your dog has bad manners (it fights with other dogs or isn’t toilet trained), invest in some training before you invest in a Puppacino.
- Keep your dog comfortable. Don’t hesitate to ask the cafe for a water bowl, and ensure your dog has plenty of shade to sit in.
- Bring some treats to keep your dog occupied while you eat your human food.
- Keep an eye on your dog and make sure they don’t pick up food they shouldn’t eat off the ground, as some foods are hazardous to dogs.
- If you’re heading to that cafe for a special occasion, and taking your dog seems like too much trouble, consider booking them into Dogdayz dog daycare for a few hours. We promise while you’re enjoying cafe time, they’ll be having a ball with us!
We hope you’ve enjoyed this list of dog friendly cafe’s around Melbourne, and we look forward to seeing you and your pet at one of premium dog boarding locations around Melbourne.
