Brunswick weekend plans almost always involve good food, great coffee, and maybe even a cheeky afternoon drink. What they should also always include is your dog. Obviously. Your dog is way too cool to leave at home.
Brunswick has loads of spots where dogs are allowed, nay, celebrated! There are cafes with water bowls at the ready and pubs with dog biscuits on hand so you can sneak them a treat or two under the table while you enjoy a pint. Great times are always greater when your dog is there to enjoy them as well!
In no particular order, we’ve compiled a list of spots that will welcome your dog with loving arms. Consider these also as a hot tip for those who don’t have a dog but are keen to hang out with a bunch of them:
The Rocket Society
The Rocket Society at EBV is a quirky, laid-back wine bar with Middle Eastern-inspired dishes created by the team behind the iconic Rumi. This is the place to unwind with a glass of something special, enjoy some mezze, and spend some quality time with your dog! That’s right. How many fancy wine bars do you know that will let you bring your dog? Not many. If any.
For dog lovers, Rocket Society’s outdoor seating area is the spot for a martini, flatbread sandwich, and the goodest of boys/girls. Water bowls are readily available, and there’s the welcoming atmosphere Rocket Society is known for.
Location: 2 Village Ave, Brunswick East VIC 3057
Bellboy Cafe
Bellboy Café, also located at EBV, has quickly become a go-to spot for brunch enthusiasts and their four-legged companions. Specialising in bagels, brunch, and expertly roasted coffee, this cheery café’s outdoor seating area is designed with dogs in mind, making it one of the most dog-friendly hangouts in the area. Seriously, their water bowls are more stylish than most human drinkware (designed by Houndsome Dog). Bellboy even offers a menu of Bender & Friends doggy treats, so your furry mate doesn’t feel left out while you’re chowing down.
Bridge Road Brewery
EBV’s resident brewmaster, Bridge Road Brewery, is the perfect spot to relax with your furry friend while you enjoy a cold brew. The expansive outdoor area makes it easy for your dog to hang out beside you while you’re sipping one of their exclusive on-tap brews or trying a bite from their modern Australian menu. There really is no better spot to spend a sunny afternoon with your best mate.
The Edinburgh Castle
The Edinburgh Castle is a classic pub with a rich history, making it a beloved spot for locals and newcomers alike. Located at the top end of Sydney Road, this old-school boozer offers a no-fuss vibe with craft beers on tap, a hearty pub grub, and a lively, dog-friendly beer garden perfect for sunny afternoons.
Your pup is more than welcome to join you in the spacious, turfed beer garden, where they can relax while you sip on a cold brew and enjoy some live music. When winter rolls around, the fun doesn’t stop. You can still bring your dog indoors while you cozy up, grab a meal, and play a game of pool.
Location: 681 Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC 3056
The Retreat Hotel
If we’re talking about beer gardens, we have to talk about The Retreat Hotel, which is responsible for one of Brunswick’s biggest. Seriously, it’s deceiving. You’ll walk into this classic Melbourne pub, full of character, with two live music locations (live bar and main stage), unaware of what can be found out back. When you pop out there, you’ll find a huge outdoor space, most of which has shade, surrounded by plenty of trees.
Now, dogs are welcome and encouraged, and your furry friend will have a great time there, but be aware that it does get busy, and those beautiful trees are home to loads of possums. If your dog can keep it chill based on that, the Retreat is for you.
Lux Foundry
Lux Foundry sits in a huge old warehouse with a stack of outdoor seating spots at the entrance, all of which accommodate four-legged furballs who love to have a good time. This is absolutely the place to head to for brunch, as the menu is all-day breakfast meets shareable nibbles. It’s chill-time perfection, and the coffee is sought after by all who traverse Sydney Road.
Bring your pup, but once again, this is a pretty busy spot, and there will likely be loads of other dogs there, so if you go there to socialise, be sure your dog knows how to do it right.
Location: 21 Hope St, Brunswick VIC 3056
Project 281 Coffee Roasters
Another great all-day menu spot that loves to welcome the doggos into their leafy green surrounds, Project 281 Coffee Roasters knows what they are doing when it comes to a cup of joe. They also have some spectacular vegan chicken that you really need to try!
This giant, modern warehouse spot lets our furry friends roam indoors, where everyone can enjoy their impressive green wall and try some coffee made by a team who are truly passionate about producing a quality brew.
Location: 281 Albert St, Brunswick VIC 3056
East Brunswick Village encourages quality time spent with your pets. After all, a stack of the dog-friendly spots on this list are within our reach! For residents, our green areas and rooftops are also the perfect spot for dogs who love apartment living to get some sun and fresh air. If dogs are our best friends, Brunswick is the spot to let that friendship shine!