Find out where can you take your pooch to eat, drink, and hang out in Newcastle

Dogs are a human's best friend, so we understand that you want to take your pup out and about with you. Good news, Novocastrians – Newcastle is a city full of dog-loving venues. Check out our comprehensive guide to dog-friendly cafes, bars, pubs, and parks across Newcastle and beyond.

Cafes

Akuna Cafe
Tucked into suburban Merewether, Akuna Cafe is all about dishing up nourishing food and drinks that’ll make you feel good. Bring your pup along to chill out the front and watch the world go by.
Where: 40 Patrick St, Merewether

Autumn Rooms Darby St | Autumn Rooms Stockton
You’re always certain to find at least one dog lounging around out the front of either Autumn Rooms location, so your pup will have plenty of social time!
Where: 127 Darby St, Cooks Hill | 42 Mitchell St, Stockton

Baked Uprising
The sweet smell of baked goodies wafts in the air at this lovely Maryville bakery. The front yard offers plenty of seating for you and your doggo.
Where: 21/25 Downie St, Maryville 

The Beehive
If you're soaking up the harbour views and fresh air at Honeysuckle, stop in at The Beehive with your furry friend.
Where: Shop 3/15 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle

Blue Door Kiosk
If you’re after a leisurely brunch or just need a quick caffeine fix, the team at Blue Door Kiosk Merewether Beach are happy to have you and your four-legged friend.
Where: Cnr Watkins St & John Pde, Merewether

Bolton Street Pantry
This inner city cafe is a favourite for reliable yet creative cafe classics, and good coffee. Sit with your dog on the outside tables while you enjoy your coffee and feed.
Where: 45 Bolton St, Newcastle

Cafe Inu
If you’re wondering where the name Cafe Inu comes from, well, the word inu means dog in Japanese! Your furry friends are most welcome to accompany you at the outside tables any time of the day.
Where: 43 Denison St, Carrington

Cafe Napoleon
Known as the friendliest dog cafe in Warners Bay, Cafe Napoleon is actually named after the owner's late dog ‘Napoleon’. They also have a dog wall of fame featuring snaps of its doggo regulars.
Where: 5/87 King St, Warners Bay 

Cakeboi
Snag a table out the front of this Hamilton favourite and enjoy a coffee, cake, and puppy pats.
Where: 48 Lindsay St, Hamilton

Cargo Espresso
Redhead Beach has a great stretch of sand that is off leash dog friendly. Take them for a big stroll down the beach and then head to Cargo Espresso with your dog (on lead) for a coffee and a quick feed.
Where: 1C Beach Rd, Redhead

CRUMB
Lambton’s newest craze, CRUMB, is not just a go-to spot for the pastry and coffee lovers, but for all of us dog owners! It offers us the perfect opportunity to stroll down with your doggo on a weekend, collect the baked goods, then either sit out the front to devour or head on over to Lambton Park.
Where: 113 Elder St, Lambton

Dark Horse Wickham
Tucked away in the industrial heart of Wickham, Dark Horse has long been a hidden gem for locals, tradies, coffee lovers, and dog owners alike!
Where: 26 Greenway St, Wickham

East End Hub
These guys love dog visits! With plenty of outdoor seating, a coastal breeze, and water bowls, it’s one of East End’s best dog-friendly venues.
Where: 3/3 King St, Newcastle

ELMAs on Clyde
This hidden gem is the perfect cafe spot for both kids and dogs! With a huge outdoor space, and some of the best food in Hamilton North, it’s a must-visit.
Where: 40/54 Clyde St, Hamilton North

Equium Social
Equium Social not only boasts a wholesome, ethically-sourced and seasonally-influenced menu, but it's dog friendly too, so bring your pup and people watch outside while you sip coffee and devour your breakfast.
Where: 1/5 Maitland Rd, Mayfield East

Estabar
This local favourite is perched in a prime position in Newcastle East, overlooking Newcastle Beach. Estabar continually impresses with its unwavering passion for coffee and simple food done well. Get your pup in on the action and soak up the salty air outside.
Where: 61 Shortland Esp, Newcastle East

Good Brother Espresso
Featuring recycled retro furniture and exposed brick walls, this Newcastle coffee shop exudes a warm and homey vibe. With a reputation for excellent coffee, Good Brother Espresso will not only delight your furry friend, but you too.
Where: 40 King St, Newcastle

Goodfriends Eatery
Good food, good times and good coffee abound at Goodfriends Eatery. Just add dogs, and you've got the perfect cafe date.
Where: 144 Union St, The Junction

Ground Up Espresso
Cosy, quirky and colourful, Ground Up is the perfect place to chill out with your doggo. Soak up the sunshine with your pooch in the dog-friendly outdoor area.
Where: 120 Young St, Carrington

The Grumpy Baker
The Junction’s favourite bakery has a cute little outdoor area set up, perfect for downing your sweet treats and hanging with your furry friends.
Where: 53 Glebe Rd, The Junction

Ka-fey Cafe
The cafe on Hunter Street is big on fermented foods and big on you bringing your pooches in for a visit. Stroll along Hunter Street for some window shopping and stop in at Ka-fey Cafe for your human caffeine hit as well as doggo puppachinos and even dog beer.
Where: 148 Hunter St, Newcastle

Jimmy's at The Esplanade
This cute caravan on The Esplanade at Warners Bay loves visits from your four-legged friends! Why not go for a stroll along the Warners Bay circuit and pop into Jimmy's for a coffee hit afterwards?
Where: 568 The Esplanade, Warners Bay

The Kiosk at Newcastle Beach
Undoubtedly one of Newcastle’s busiest cafes with iconic views overlooking Newcastle Beach, it’s a no-brainer to pick up a coffee and a bite to eat before heading off on a walk along the beach.
Where: 42 Shortland Esp, Newcastle East

Little Lane Espresso
Nestled in the super family-friendly suburb of New Lambton, Little Lane Espresso is the neighbourhood coffee shop. Sip your coffee out the front in the company of your furry friend.
Where: 52 Orchardtown Rd, New Lambton

Little Millards
Pop by for a quality coffee and hang out on the grassed area with your dog.
Where: 15 Gertrude St, Cardiff South

Local Customs
Local Customs invites you (and your pooch) to their expansive leafy courtyard space. The staff are warm and friendly and the comfy furnishing invites you to stay a while.
Where: 513 Glebe Rd, Adamstown

MOA & Co
MOA & Co is a conscious market place in Carrington, offering a coffee van, baked goods, farm-gate produce, and local goods by makers like Grounded by Designs. Dogs are very welcome in the spacious warehouse venue, so bring them along when you head in next for a coffee and treat.
Where: 16 Gipps St, Carrington

Moor
Moor has some divine coffee on offer and great seating in the front patio which is often taken up by furry friends.
Where: 33 Hunter St, Newcastle

One Picket Fence
One Picket Fence is 100% puppy friendly with heaters cranking out the front to ensure you and your furry friends stay warm and cosy in the cooler months.
Where: 5/335 Wharf Rd, Newcastle

Onyx Espresso
Pull up out the front or head out to the huge courtyard at Onyx Espresso with your dog in tow. With plenty of water bowls, tie-up points, and of course, puppacinos, your pup will be loving life at Onyx Espresso.
Where: 191 Maitland Rd, Mayfield

Outdo Espresso
Outdo Espresso is the home of Flamingo Coffee, locally-roasted in Newcastle, delicious toasties, and puppacinos. Time to get slurping!
Where: 464 King St, Newcastle West

Papa's Bagel Bar
Newcastle's only dedicated bagel store, Papa's Bagel Bar is a delight for humans and dogs alike. Slinging out fresh, house-made bagels daily, it's an excellent spot for a feed with your furry friend.
Where: 569 Hunter St, Newcastle West

Paper Run Espresso
Taking up residence in the old newsagency on Ridge Street, Paper Run Espresso is a laidback neighbourhood espresso bar. Kick back with your pup out the front for puppacinos and pats.
Where: 59 Ridge St, Merewether

Pegs
Pegs is a staple Whitebridge cafe, serving up tasty food for breakfast and lunch every day of the week, and dinner on Fridays and Saturdays. Bring your pup when you next head in to hang out, sip coffee, and enjoy a meal!
Where: 157 Dudley Rd, Whitebridge

Perry the Feeder
As well as serving their killer toasties, Perry The Feeder also makes for the perfect place to take your pups, with their lush courtyard area being open to everyone.
Where: 53 Maitland Rd, Mayfield East

The Pocket Mayfield
Originally known as Side Pocket Espresso, this much-loved cafe moved across the road and rebranded in late 2024. If you’re wandering past, you’ll often see owners and their doggos perched out the front waiting for their coffee orders.
Where: 223 Maitland Rd, Mayfield

Praise Joe Urban Pantry
This Melbourne-esque corner cafe serves up delicious coffee, mouth-watering snacks and cool street-art. Rest assured your doggos are bound to feel the love, as Praise Joe greets them with pats and biscuits!
Where: 8/20 Elizabeth St, Tighes Hill

Red Parrot Coffee
This little coffee roastery is set back in the residential streets of Islington and welcomes both keen coffee and dog lovers to set up both inside and out.
Where: 23 Hubbard St, Islington

Rosie & Shell
Tucked away from the main hustle and bustle of New Lambton, Rosie & Shell offers a great little open space for you to come along with your little ones and your four-legged friends.
Where: 10 Regent St, New Lambton

Slingtown Espresso
With specialty coffee and wonderful food, Slingtown Espresso is a great place to lounge with your pooch. Get in through the back entrance to bring your dog into the cafe's outdoor courtyard.
Where: 3 Beaumont St, Islington

Son of a Gun
Son of a Gun is open from 5.30am right through until midnight every day, so you've got the whole day to make it down to this Beaumont Street diner with your furry friend by your side.
Where: 66 Beaumont St, Hamilton

Sonny & Betty
Reece Hignell’s newest cafe opened in February 2025, and is often seen with rows of dogs (and their owners) perched out the front enjoying a feed.
Where: 122 Maitland Rd, Islington

Southy Canteen
Brought to you by the same loved team behind The Kiosk, Southy Canteen is located at the south end of Newcastle Beach and is a great spot to pick up a coffee and a doughnut and watch the waves roll in with your doggo by your side.
Where: 50 Shortland Esp, Newcastle

Sunnyboy Kiosk
Taking your dog for a walk along the Bathers Way? Make sure you stop in and grab that crucial morning coffee and treat with your pup. Who knows, they might even make it to the cafe's 'Dogs of Sunnyboy' series on Instagram!
Where: 15 Ocean St, Merewether

Swell Kiosk
With two locations along Newcastle's coastline, Swell Kiosk is a no brainer for a coffee stop along your beach walk with your pooch.
Where: 1 Memorial Dr, Bar Beach | 35 Nobbys Rd, Newcastle East

Table 1 Espresso
Table 1 Espresso has two locations – one perched along the Warners Bay Esplanade, the other right near Speers Point Park. Both boast a delicious menu and top-notch coffee, and you’re encouraged to bring your pooch along to hang about outside.
Where: 450 The Esplanade, Warners Bay

Talulah
The corner cafe at the Junction loves hosting your furry friends in their outdoor area. People-watch together while you enjoy a delicious breakfast.
Where: 52 Glebe Rd, The Junction

Three Monkeys Cafe
Three Monkeys Cafe has become an iconic brunch spot on Darby Street since its inception over 20 years ago. Grab a table out the front and let your dog lap up some water while you eat.
Where: 131 Darby St, Cooks Hill

TINTA
This Lake Macquarie eatery is welcoming of on-leash dogs on their landing and lower deck.
Where: 690 Pacific Hwy, Belmont

Welsh Blacks
Head to Welsh Blacks for excellent coffee, home-style meals, and homemade cake. Bring your dog along to bask in the sun, chill out in the shade, and enjoy a drink from the water bowl.
Where: 84 Bull St, Cooks Hill

The Wickham Boatshed
Featuring a menu with a Mediterranean touch, the Wickham Boatshed offers delicious meals made with local produce. Both you and your doggo can enjoy its lovely waterfront views.
Where: 91 Hannell St, Wickham 

Wildflower Espresso
This Wallsend favourite welcomes all doggos! What's better than sipping on a delicious coffee whilst your pup sips on their puppacino?
Where: 71 Cowper St, Wallsend NSW 2287

Bars, pubs, and restaurants

Adamstown Bowling Club
Everyone is welcome at Adamstown Bowling Club, including dogs! There's plenty of room outside to hang out all afternoon long, listen to live music, and have a few drinks.
Where: 504 Glebe Rd, Adamstown

Carrington Bowlo
Enjoy the ever-so relaxing atmosphere on Carrington Bowlo’s patio and lawn tables where dogs are welcome!
Where: 1C Cowper St N, Carrington

Clarendon Hotel
Clarendon Hotel absolutely loves dogs! Its entire courtyard is pet-friendly and there's even a designated puppy bar, where the pups can grab themselves a cold drink with their owners.
Where: 347 Hunter St, Newcastle

Customs House Hotel
This iconic venue welcomes on-leash dogs into the beer garden area on the ground floor (as long as they’re on a leash at all times). Need a water bowl? Ask one of the staff and they’ll get it sorted for you.
Where: 1 Bond St, Newcastle

The Falcon
Pull up a bench out the front at The Falcon with your doggo whilst you enjoy a drink or two!
Where: 10 Pacific St, Newcastle

The Greenroof Hotel
This Hamilton favourite has a huge outdoor dining and drinking area and they’re stoked to welcome your dogs in too!
Where: 71 Tudor St, Hamilton

Hamilton Station Hotel
This classic art deco pub on Beaumont Street is a big lover of furry friends, and welcomes you and your dog into the beer garden (up until 10pm).
Where: 2/6 Beaumont St, Islington

The Happy Wombat
Feel at home with quality craft beer, tasty bites, and puppy cuddles at The Happy Wombat. The team here are welcoming of all well-trained dogs – pull up a spot in their lounge, bar, or outside area. 
Where: 575 Hunter St, Newcastle West

Lambton Park Hotel
This family-friendly suburb is even dog-friendly with the local pub, Lambton Park Hotel, allowing dogs to come into the covered deck area.
Where: 19A Morehead St, Lambton

The Lass O'Gowrie Hotel
The Lass O'Gowrie's huge beer garden is dog-friendly! Grab a schooner and hang with your friends (furry and otherwise) out the back.
Where: 14 Railway St, Wickham

The Lot Smokehouse & Beer Garden
Located on Maitland Road in Islington, The Lot Smokehouse & Beer Garden offers a super relaxed outdoor dining space perfect for those with on-leash dogs. And the best part? They’re soon to launch a puppy menu!
Where: 116 Maitland Rd, Islington

Maryville Tavern
The outdoor beer garden (currently under renovation) at the Maryville Tavern is sure to be a winner for you and your four-legged friend! Whilst we await the relaunch of the outdoor space, you can take your doggos into the front bar.
Where: 71 Lewis St, Maryville

Method Brewing
The Islington-based brewery is welcoming for on-leash doggos! Check out its craft beers, brewed onsite, and rotating food menu from local food trucks – all enjoyed with your furry pal.
Where: 18 Maitland Rd, Islington

Modus Merewether
Modus Merewether not only has a massive lineup of craft beer fresh from the tanks and an awesome food menu they also welcome pups (if they’re on their best behaviour).
Where: 20 Merewether St, Merewether

MoneyPenny
Cocktails by the harbour with your well-behaved on-leash pooch? Can it get any better? Get down to MoneyPenny for a good time.
Where: 1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle

The Oak
The Tighes Hill venue has undergone some minor renovations and is totally dog friendly (for friendly dogs). So much so their Thursday trivia nights are hosted by Theo (the dog).
Where: 207 Maitland Rd, Tighes Hill

Queens Wharf Hotel
This iconic harbourside venue can be enjoyed by all – even the pups! Queens Wharf Hotel is dog friendly on the wharf and boardwalk as long as dogs are on the lead at all times.
Where: 150 Wharf Rd, Newcastle

The Royal Crown Hotel
This Dudley local comes complete with a great beer garden and picnic tables out the front – making it perfect for the pooches.
Where: 94 Ocean St, Dudley

Scotties
Only a short distance from the water, Scotties is the perfect place to dine after a nice stroll at dog-friendly Horseshoe Beach. You and your doggo can dine in the outdoor seating area under the festoon lights.
Where: 36 Scott St, Newcastle East

The Ship Inn
This iconic building on the corner of Bolton and Hunter Street has a great collection of outdoor dining spots for you to bring your pooch along with you.
Where: 102 Hunter St, Newcastle

Shout Brewing Co.
This great little community brewery is welcoming of all dogs (on lead) and they can go anywhere humans can go (except for the bathrooms)! Plus, the team has doggy treats behind the bar for when they arrive.
Where: 22 Clyde St, Islington

Thirsty Messiah Brewery
Since opening in 2023, Thirsty Messiah Brewery has become a favourite among Newcastle dog-lovers. The dog-friendly beer garden is a great spot to drink craft beer in the company of your pup.
Where: 140 Lambton Rd, Broadmeadow

The Wickham Park Hotel
The Wicko, as the Wickham Park Hotel is affectionately known, has a huge beer garden which makes for the perfect spot to hang out after getting your dog exercised at Wickham Park.
Where: 61 Maitland Rd, Islington

The Young St Hotel
This Carrington go-to is a favourite among dog-lovers! There's plenty of outdoor space at the front of the pub or in the beer garden to chill with your pup. Plus, for an extra special treat you can order a puppy platter!
Where: 132 Young St, Carrington

Parks & Beaches

Off Leash Areas

Acacia Avenue, North Lambton
This one is Newcastle’s first fenced dog park where you can let your dog roam free inside their very own playground.
Where: 92 Alnwick Rd

Ballast Ground, Stockton
On the other side of the harbour is this great off-leash area for dogs. Take them for a stroll along the breakwall before letting them burn the last of their energy at Ballast Ground.
Where: 45 Fullerton St

Carrington Foreshore
Fronting Throsby Creek, Carrington Foreshore has plenty of sandy walkways and grass for your four-legged friend to explore.
Where: 1A Young St

Horseshoe Beach
Does your dog love the water? Well, you’d be mad not to take them down to the small stretch of sand on Newcastle’s harbour at Horseshoe Beach!
Where: Horseshoe Beach Rd

Islington Park
Another crowd favourite, Islington Park offers plenty of shady spots with wide grassy spaces and even a small agility area complete with holes, posts, bars, and ramps for the doggos!
Where: 151 Maitland Rd

King Edward Park
Right at the top of this historic park with sweeping views of our coastline is one of the best spots for your dog to run free!
Where: Reserve Rd

Maryland Drive Reserve
The off-leash area at Maryland Drive Reserve is a great spot, with a dog bubbler, seating areas for the humans, and plenty of space for the dogs to run.
Where: 3 Ajax Ave, Maryland

Michael St Reserve, North Lambton
Live in North Lambton? This is the perfect spot to let your dog socialise and get their daily exercise in!
Where: 56 Michael St

Nesca Park
Right next to the playground at Nesca Park, you’ll find an off-leash dog area! Take the kids and the dogs and wear them both out in one hit.
Where: 3 Greenslope St

Pitt St Reserve, Stockton
Perfect spot for those four-legged friends who can’t get enough of the water.
Where: 1 Pitt St

Purdue Park, Mayfield
A nice big open grassy space for fur babies to explore and socialise right in the heart of Mayfield.
Where: Entry off Scholey St

Time Restricted Areas

Dog owners are welcome to take their pups for a walk any time of the day on the lead at the following locations, but can only take them off-leash from sunrise until 9am, and from 5pm until sunset.

Braye Park Waratah
When: 68 Clarence Rd

Dixon Park Reserve
Where: Ocean St

Elermore Vale Park
Where: 15 Cheviot Cl

West End Park, Adamstown
Where: LOT 3152 Dora Rd

Did we miss somewhere? Email us!