Many cafes and bars with non-enclosed outdoor seating will be tolerant of well-behaved dogs* accompanying their equally well-behaved owners. These cafes are stand-outs, with four-legged customers often taking precedence over the two-legged variety. If there are photos of cute doggies in their Instagram gallery, they fit the bill. Most will require dogs to be on a leash.
1. Diggies and North Beach Kiosk – North Wollongong
Operating beachfront in Wollongong Council’s 1930s heritage building at North Beach, Diggies and North Beach Kiosk welcome pooches in their outdoor areas. Enjoy your well-earned beverage of choice or meal after your walk on dog-friendly Puckeys Beach (off-leash from the northern end of North Beach to Fairy Meadow) or the Blue Mile (on-leash) to the south.
2. Flat White with One – Princes Highway, Russell Vale
With resident black lab Roxy front and centre in the action, how could this little cafe not be included? The team are back from their Christmas break on January 23.
3. Pickled Poet – Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul
This licensed deli sells cheese, cured meats, salads and dinner food. Order online for pick-up or delivery or eat out the back in the dog-friendly courtyard. Check out their range of in-house sauces and relishes.
4. Lili J – Corrimal St, Wollongong
A sibling to cafe Meni near Wollongong Hospital, this olde worlde converted house has an outdoor area that welcomes canine friends. Although there is no kitchen on-site, the house-made toasties and baked items make the journey down the hill from Meni for Lili J customers.
5. Dagwood Bar and Kitchen – Market St, Wollongong
Open late five nights a week (with bottomless brunch on Sundays), this funky bar/bistro specialises in casual Latin American and East Asian-inspired street food designed to share. The drinks menu is eclectic (peanut butter jelly time cocktail, anyone?) and includes a couple of local craft beers. Dogs are “highly encouraged”.
6. Longboard Cafe – Marine Drive, Wollongong
Location, location, location - right on the bike track at City Beach, this cafe caters for thirsty doggos as well as thirsty and hungry cyclists and walkers.
7. Reub Goldberg – Meadow St, Tarrawanna
My favourite local is the ultimate dog-loving brewery. Billy and Anna’s dog Kodah no longer frequents the beer garden, but on any given sunny afternoon, be prepared to admire the regulars (dogs, that is).
8. Scarborough Hotel - Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Scarborough
Perched on the hill overlooking the expanse of the Pacific Ocean, here you can relax in the garden with a drink and a meal and your four-legged bestie by your side.
9. North Gong Hotel – Flinders Street, Wollongong
With affordable high-quality meals and your favourite sport on the big screen, everyone – including dogs – is welcome in the beer garden. Catch the live music from 4pm Sundays.
*Working guide dogs are allowed access to any public dining area in cafes, restaurants, pubs and clubs.