There are certain places you probably shouldn’t take your dog: job interviews, dentist appointments, the airport and weddings. Having said that, we probably would take them everywhere if we could.
Whether you're a pup parent in need of a directory of dog-friendly cafes so you can grab your coffee and breakfast with your four-legged friend in tow, or you’re just looking to fulfil your weekly dog-pat quota, this list is for you. Read on for 15 of the best dog-friendly cafés on the Gold Coast in 2024.
BSKT
4 Lavarack Rd, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218
When you think of dog-friendly cafes on the Gold Coast, you immediately think of BSKT. This much-loved beachfront spot has loads of outdoor seating for doggos of all sizes, so you can park up and watch your pup make friends with all the other canine pals which frequent this cafe. Make sure to order one of BSKT’s organic doggie biscuits with a pupachino on the side.
Blackboard Varsity
240 Varsity Parade, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227
Image Credit: Blackboard Varsity | Instagram
Whoever visits Blackboard in Varsity Lakes instantly falls in love; maybe it’s the insanely stacked eggs bennys, maybe it’s the killer brews or maybe it’s the way they treat your dog like the VIP they are. Expect doggie treats, pupachinos and pats galore here.
Daark Espresso
41 Musgrave Ave, Labrador QLD 4215
An institution among the northern Gold Coast folk, Daark Espresso is also well-loved by all doggo parents, as their fur baby will be well catered for here. Perch on the wrap-around deck and sip on Daark’s incredible speciality brews while your dog lounges in the shade.
Social Brew
34-36 James St, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Image Credit: Burleigh Social | Instagram
Everyone is made to feel welcome at Burleigh Social and your furry friends are no exception. Tuck into their wholesome and nutrition-orientated menu while dropping sneaky mouthfuls down to your four-legged friend as they lounge at your feet.
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Le Vintage Boutique Cafe
1 Kurilpa St, Worongary QLD 4213
You know how dogs are just so easily distracted and how they find anything and everything downright fascinating? Well, that’s how you’ll feel at Le Vintage. There’s so much to gaze at, from the kooky and colourful mismatched chairs to statement artwork and the glitzy chandeliers. Plus there’s Merlo coffee and all doggies, big and small are welcome.
Tarte Bakery
1748 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Perched in a prime position on the corner of Burleigh’s bustling main street, Tarte Bakery is well-known for its superbly-crafted pastries, but the team also whips up a mean pupachino. After a morning walk along the Burleigh foreshore, kick your feet up at Tarte and your furry best friend will be welcome with pats galore.
Paddock Bakery
20 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Miami’s lovingly-restored weatherboard cottage is as pretty as a postcard with a shady picket fence-lined courtyard that welcomes doggos of all sizes. Dig into their famous dippy eggs while your dog relaxes in the shade and slurps up one of their special pupachinos.
Dune Cafe
945 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach QLD 4223
This gorgeous spot is the ultimate family friendly cafe, and that includes your beloved pooch. Overlooking the dog-friendly Currumbin Lagoon, Dune Café is situated in the perfect break spot to re-energise after a beach adventure. The doggy tie-up area is perfect for your best mate to recharge the batteries with the other pooches, while you enjoy a well-deserved coffee and deliciously creative meal.
Palm Springs
1878 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
If you hadn’t already heard of this luxe Cali-inspired eatery, then you’ve certainly seen it on Instagram because it’s drop-dead gorgeous. Sprawl under umbrellas or lax out and enjoy a bite to eat in the alfresco garden area, while your furry best friend hangs out in the shade. Hands down, one of the best dog-friendly cafes on the Gold Coast.
Cafe Catalina
10/11 Gold Coast Hwy, Southport QLD 4215
If you like your breakfast with a side of uninterrupted water views, your destination of choice at the northern end should be Cafe Catalina. Spacious, sun-drenched and totally pooch-friendly, lounge on the sun-drenched outdoor area and it will become obvious why this cafe-slash-restaurant is a fave among northerners.
The Oxley
17 Lavarack Road, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218
Image Credit: The Oxley | Instagram
One of the newest additions to the Gold Coast breakfast scene, The Oxley is a boutique dining and lifestyle precinct which marries Gold Coaster’s love of premium dining with a stunning beachside location.
In terms of breakfast, you're covered at Buoy, a sleek cafe from the talented team behind Burleigh instituion, Seadog. Serving premium coffee from 5am to 5pm seven days a week, it's one of the few places on the Gold Coast that you can score a coffee after 3pm. While dogs are only allowed outside, the exterior seating space is plentiful and your fur baby is sure to score plenty of pats from passerbys.
Bumbles Cafe
19 River Dr, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Bumbles are all about the dog life, with a full outdoor area overlooking the stunning canal so your pooch can sit and rest after your leisurely morning walk, while you enjoy a coffee and brekkie. The team at Bumbles Café will even supply your pooch with water and ample room to rest their weary legs—such a tough life they lead.
Barefoot Barista
794 Pacific Parade, Currumbin QLD 4223 &
15 Palm Beach Ave, Palm Beach QLD 4221
The folks behind Barefoot Barista are laidback, serve up some damn good food and coffee and, of course, love dogs. That's a triple win in our books. After you've exhausted your pooch with a long beach walk, stop in at one of their two gorgeous locations for artisanal coffee, creative breakfasts and plenty of pats from walkerbys.
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Main image credit: BSKT Cafe | Instagram
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