Canberra has a large foodie culture and community with so many great places to sit back and enjoy a coffee and a meal.
Not only that, it’s also bursting at the seams with dog-friendly cafes and restaurants. With welcoming staff, outdoor spaces and excellent menus, we’ve put together a list of our favourite dog-friendly cafes and restaurants in Canberra.
Redbrick Coffee
Redbrick is serious about their coffee. A trendy cafe with lots of open space, it is always a hive of activity perfect for social butterflies – and social pups! There is outdoor seating but many prefer to sit in the grassy yard where dogs can play. Another bonus: there are heaps of dog-friendly parks, field and activities nearby.
Fox and Bow
Fox and Bow is a fun and buzzy joint that serves breakfast and lunch every day of the week. They have lots of outdoor seating and a cool, welcoming vibe for both you and your pooch. With breakfast classics, great coffee, burgers and rolls you can’t go wrong. And don’t miss their famous fish and chips served with homemade tartare – known as The Codfather.
Little Bird
If you’re looking for an excellent and peaceful pet-friendly cafe in Canberra, close to the CBD, then Little Bird is a fab option. A beautiful cafe with a generous outdoor area where your pups can soak up some morning sun. They serve excellent and efficient breakfast and lunch fare, including eggs benny, sourdough toast and tasty chicken salad.
Common Grounds
Common Grounds is a busy pet cafe, and a favourite with the Tuggeranong locals – so you’ll need to get in quick! There are a few tables out front and more out back which have stunning views over the Brindabella Mountains. There is ample space for humans as well as their four-legged companions to enjoy a great coffee.
Millhouse Café
Just a short 20-minute drive from Canberra, Millhouse Café is the jewel in Queanbeyan’s crown. Located in the heritage-listed old Queanbeyan mill house, it is a popular dog-friendly spot, beloved by locals. There are plenty of tables outdoors for pets to lounge around and a huge shade tree to keep your pooches cool in summer. They also do an excellent coffee and great breakfast.
The Knox
This small yet groovy cafe/bar is a local’s favourite. The Knox provides dog-friendly outdoor tables and sheltered nooks where you and pets can relax. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner three nights a week, you can enjoy a cold local beer or rosé with your furry best friend. What’s not to love?
Capital Brewing Co.
Crack a cold one with your dog! Located in an industrial area in Fyshwick is the microbrewery of Capital Brewing Co – and yes, they even have dog beers and doggie beef burgers on the menu! There is also human food, including burgers and hotdogs from Brod Burger Red Van. There is plenty of dog-friendly seating, with picnic tables and a courtyard.
Open Wednesday to Sunday from 12pm until late, Capital Brewing Co is a vibrant, welcoming place to enjoy with your four-legged friends in tow. The brewery is also carbon neutral – so you’re doing a good thing for the planet too!
Some Cafe
If you’re heading out on a road trip, this fantastic hidden gem is just 45 minutes from town, just off the Federal Highway in Collector. Some Cafe has beautiful cakes and pastries on offer, as well as an all day menu, and is open from Thursday to Monday. Best of all, your pooch is more than welcome!
For more wonderful things to do in our nation’s capital, check out the best activities in Canberra.
For our dog-lover’s guide to Australia, click here.
