Gold Coast’s Best Dog Friendly Bars, Restaurants, and Cafes

The Gold Coast has serious pace on the dog-friendly cafe and bar front. Outdoor seating, water bowls, and a culture that treats dogs as part of the customer rather than a tolerated extra. Here's a working list of solid spots from Southport down to Burleigh Heads, all welcoming dogs in their outdoor areas.

Mr. PP's Deli and Rooftop Bar, Southport

Set in a heritage building that used to be Southport's first post office, Mr. PP's runs a ground-floor deli and a rooftop bar with skyline views. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor areas. Pizza, charcuterie boards, deli sandwiches, plus craft cocktails and an excellent wine list. Good for both daytime lunches and evening drinks.

Cafe Catalina, Southport

Sits inside Broadwater Parklands with waterfront views straight onto the Broadwater. Locally sourced menu covering breakfast through to dinner, plus a strong wine list. The alfresco area is generously sized and welcomes dogs. Worth combining with a Broadwater walk before or after.

BSKT Cafe, Mermaid Beach

Health-focused cafe known for smoothie bowls, big breakfasts and a serious commitment to local produce. Outdoor seating area is spacious, properly shaded, and dogs are well looked after with water bowls. Popular post-beach brunch spot.

Paddock Bakery, Miami

Beautifully restored old Queenslander tucked away in the Miami backstreets. Dogs are welcome in the expansive garden seating, which is large enough to find a quiet corner if your dog isn't a fan of busy spaces. Famous for dippy eggs, slow-cooked brisket burgers, and fresh-baked pastries. Worth the drive.

Custard Canteen, Palm Beach

Walking distance from Tallebudgera Dog Beach, which makes it the obvious post-beach stop. Outdoor tables welcome dogs and the menu leans heavily on pastries and sweet things alongside a solid breakfast offering. Good place to recover with a coffee while your dog dries off.

Dune Cafe, Palm Beach

Sits inside Palm Beach Parklands next to the off-leash beach alongside Currumbin Lagoon. Dogs are welcomed properly here, including a memorial dog statue out the front commemorating war dogs. The location is the draw: walk straight off the beach into the cafe. Solid breakfast and lunch menu.

Burleigh Brewing Co., Burleigh Heads

One of the original Gold Coast craft breweries. Outdoor beer garden welcomes dogs with shade and water bowls available. Award-winning beers including Twisted Palm and Bighead, paired with food truck options and live music on weekends. Can get busy on weekend afternoons, so quieter weekday visits suit nervous dogs better.

Rosella's Bar, Burleigh Heads

Australiana-themed cocktail bar that leans into 1970s Gold Coast kitsch. Lamington martinis, riffs on classic Aussie dishes, and an outdoor seating area that welcomes dogs. Good for a pre-dinner drink rather than a full evening, especially after a Burleigh Beach walk.

Daark Espresso, Labrador

Wrap-around deck cafe in Southport that locals rate highly for the coffee and the welcome. Standout breakfast menu including potato hash and house-made raspberry pancakes. Outdoor seating is generous and dogs are part of the regular crowd.

Tips for cafe visits with dogs

• Pick the time. Weekend brunches between 9 and 11am are the busiest. If your dog gets stressed by crowds, a 7am Saturday or any weekday is calmer.
• Bring a mat. A small lightweight mat gives nervous dogs their own designated spot under the table and signals to them where to settle.
• Keep them out of the walkway. Tuck the lead under your chair leg so the dog can't wander into the path of staff carrying food.
• Don't share food. Even if your dog gives you the eyes, cafe food has plenty of stuff that's bad for dogs (onions, garlic, chocolate, grapes). Bring their own treat or just water.

While you're researching dog-friendly options, also worth checking out our guides to Gold Coast wineries and breweries and dog-friendly accommodation.