The Cafés and Pubs in Sydney Where Pooch is Welcome

Dogs are, as it’s been pointed out, the best people – and some are definitely better behaved. So it’s only right that they come along when we’re heading out for breakfast or beers. These Sydney bars and cafés get it – make the reservation under Fido.

Storehouse on the Park

A doggy degustation? It could be said we’ve jumped the shark – hurdled the hound? – with this one, but for everyone whose pooch is the apple of their eye, Storehouse on the Park’s new Dogstation Menu is no less than canines deserve. Let the furry one pull up a seat at the table to enjoy several courses including Puppycinos, Pawtein Balls and Sesame Pup Wafers. The menu was developed by animal nutritionist Anna Felton, who says all the doggy dishes are made from organic, human-grade ingredients with no preservatives, fillers or flavours. Storehouse, a new eating and drinking space at Rushcutters Bay’s Vibe Hotel, is also amenable to human guests, with an all-day menu offering coffee, meals and drinks.

100 Bayswater Road, Rushcutters Bay

The Grand National

This venerable Paddo pub won’t relegate your best mate to the courtyard. Here, pup is welcome in the front bar, which means he can hang out with you while you’re doing pub trivia Monday and sample some of your Wednesday-special schnitty. If you’re heading to the bistro for crispy-skin salmon or a veal cotoletta, make sure to leave the dog behind: he’ll be swiftly reminded of his place.

161 Underwood Street, Paddington

The Duck Inn Pub & Kitchen

Double check that the cat who presides over the Duck Inn – she can usually be seen on a stool by the bar – is fine with your dog’s presence.

If your hound gets a little over-excited by the feline, take him outside to the spacious courtyard where there’s plenty of sunny spots in which to have a calming lie down. And while you’re there, try the excellent Korean Fried Chicken Burger or the signature Duck Tasting Plate: smoked duck breast, duck prosciutto, duck rillete and hoisin duck bonbons.

75 Rose Street, Chippendale

Store Espresso

 Across the road from Camperdown Park and under the shade of an enormous old Moreton Bay fig, Store Espresso makes for a lovely outing with your mutt. Order a bacon-and-egg roll (it comes with Swiss cheese and aïoli) and an excellent coffee and nab a picnic blanket to spread beneath the tree. The staff will bring over your food and a dish of water for the four-legged friend, too.

17 Fowler Street, Camperdown

The Vic on the Park

Take your best bud for a beverage – Young Henrys for you, water for her – at the Vic on the Park. It’s the ideal compromise: you get to socialise at the pub and she gets a walk in the park across the road (and the occasional snatched crumb from your order of potato skins with sour cream mayo and pico de gallo). She can also join in an impromptu game on the pub’s own basketball court or express her sartorial streak with a special outfit – make sure you document her triumph on Instagram with the hashtag #dogsofthevic. There’s even a doggie badge draw: past prizes have included pampering at Dog Royalty Sydney and baskets full of doggy delights (toys and treats). All proceeds go to Maggie’s Rescue

2 Addison Road, Marrickville

Café Bones

This café’s raison d'être is that singular joy of the daily coffee and dog-walk excursion. Billing itself as the impossible-to-prove “World’s First Dog-Friendly Café”, Bones certainly does make our canine friends feel at home. Locals stroll down with pup in tow for a flat white and a Pupaccino™ (seriously) – a frothy, liver-treat laden drink that we’re told pups can’t pass up – and a house-made dog biscuit (if he’s been a very good boy).

1 Canal Road, Leichhardt

Wayward Brewing Co.

Camperdown’s microbrewery par excellence is a perfect place to park oneself on a weekend afternoon. There are 12 taps showcasing the latest and greatest brews, food trucks turning out top-notch fast food and kids and dogs are welcome in the enormous Wayward Cellar Bar. Just make sure you keep a leash on them (the dogs, too).

1 Gehrig Lane, Camperdown

Naked Brew

The doggy menu at Naked Brew consists of one doughnut, a tasty smoothie and a doggie chino. For the two-legged, there are healthy green drinks, sweet Vietnamese-style coffee with condensed milk, wholesome vegetarian breakfasts and an indulgent pork-belly burger. And if you’re not lucky enough to have a dog of your own, this place offers excellent dog watching.

110 Swanson Street, Erskineville

Posto no.19

An Italian-scented neighbourhood haunt, Posto does breakfast, lunch and dinner (the latter from Thursday to Sunday). Though your vet might have something to say about your dog sitting down to three square meals, there’s surely no harm in throwing the odd pizza crust his way. Take a table outside, where boxes form a makeshift fence to curb canine exploration.

19A Boundary Street, Darlinghurst

Pier One Bar

Pier One has dog-friendly rooms so it’s only civilised that the holidaying pup is welcome in the hotel’s waterfront bar. Staff will prevent Mr Fluffles from entering the dining room but he’s more than welcome to make friends with punters hanging out at the main bar.

11 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay

Arcadia Liquors

The pet-starved renters of inner-city Redfern may impede your progress to the bar but once you’ve sorted out a beverage and you and pooch are ensconced among the fairy light-strewn courtyard or the candlelit indoor tables at Arcadia, it’ll all be worth it.

7 Cope Street, Redfern

The Carrington

There are almost as many dogs as there are people some evenings at this Surry Hills watering hole where dogs are welcome in all the various rooms. Popular events include Turbo Bingo Balls (bingo plus drag queens) and the Sunday all-day roast with free dog meals.

565 Bourke Street, Surry Hills

The Beresford

This Surry Hills bar and bistro isn’t dog friendly, it’s dog mad. You’ll spot groomed, pampered and bandana-adorned breeds and look-alike owners lounging around its extensive courtyard, sipping on ice-cold water (dogs) and lapping up G & Ts (humans).

345 Bourke Street, Surry Hills

SEE ALSO: Never Leave Your Furry Friend Behind at These Pet-Friendly Stays