The 12 Best Dog Friendly Pubs in Melbourne

A great venue is one that makes everyone feel at home – and why shouldn’t that extend to our beloved pets? A round of drinks with mates is made even better when you can bring along your pup for company, cuddles and sunshine together. So, we've rounded up the best dog friendly pubs Melbourne has to offer, with spacious gardens, courtyards and alfresco areas for your pooch to stretch out in.

Caretaker's Cottage

This bar has boomed in popularity over the past year, and it's not hard to see why. Named as one of the best 50 bars in the world in 2023, Caretaker's Cottage is a cosy bar right in the middle of the city, situated inside an old church. The vibes are high, drinks are divine and there's the added bonus of it being a dog friendly bar - what's not to love? Caretaker's Cottage only takes walk-ins, and after it was crowned one of the best bars across the globe, it now fills up quick. Get in early so you and your pooch don't miss out on all the fun.

139-141 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

Orrong Hotel

Restored in 2021, the Orrong Hotel is back and in all its 150-year-old glory. This dog friendly pub in Melbourne has a classic menu for you to enjoy, along with some unique additions. Depending on your mood, you can enjoy a Chicken Parma or Spaghetti Alla Nerano, amongst other things. The alfresco dining area is the perfect place to enjoy a beer with friends, all with the added entertainment of your pooch.

709 High Street, Armadale

Marquis of Lorne

Marquis of Lorne is the perfect pub for any occasion. Whether you're grabbing a bevvy after work, celebrating a birthday, or simply wanting a refreshing drink, this pub will let you enjoy its laid-back atmosphere with your pup by your side. Serving up classic pub feeds with mouth-watering twists, such as barbecued pork presa with olive polenta, pickled green tomato & basil, the food is (almost) too good to share a tasty morsel with your furry friend.

411 George Street, Fitzroy

Stomping Ground Brewery

Stomping Ground Brewery has two stunning locations: Collingwood and Moorabbin. The former is inspired by the beer halls in Europe, this converted warehouse is the perfect place for a get together with friends. The vibes are relaxed despite the bustling atmosphere, and your pup will provide everyone with entertainment as you chow down on the delicious pub food Stomping Ground has on offer. Plus, it even has a retractable roof on top of the beer garden, so you can still enjoy the scenery if it's raining.

Collingwood: 100 Gipps Street, Collingwood

Moorabbin: 9 Cochranes Road, Moorabbin

Monty's 

This bar is simple, but it's all you need, really. Monty's is minimalistic, having only two beers on tap - and the rest ready to go in the fridge - but that doesn't take away from its charm. All sorts of dog breeds can be found here, with their tails wagging and smiling wide, ready for pats.

209 St Georges Road, Fitzroy North

Rainbow Hotel

The Rainbow Hotel is a classic Melbourne inner-suburban pub - with the added bonus of dogs being allowed. There are nightly specials and activities that happen weekly here, so it's a great place to go if you live locally and want to get out and about a bit more, or even if you just want to try somewhere new. Pick from Monday night burgers, Tuesday night trivia, Wednesday night steaks or Sunday night roasts. You can't lose whichever day you pick!

Various hours, see website for more details

27 St David Street, Fitzroy

Wolfhound

A true all-day hangout, Wolfhound is open from early morning for coffee and brekky to late at night for cocktails and wine. With a name like Wolfhound you can be assured they're one of the best dog friendly bars in Melbourne, with an expansive courtyard that welcomes furry friends of all descriptions. Whether you settle in with a book and a wine, drop by for a coffee date or swing through for a quick brunch, this relaxed venue is a relaxing respite from the outside world.

386 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy

Leonard’s House of Love

Leonards' House of Love is a ‘70s log cabin-inspired bar has long been one of South Yarra’s top places to meet up for a drink. Sporting an open fireplace in winter, decked out lounge room and pool table to boot, you’ll find locals accompanied by their dogs as they sink pints and enjoy American-style burgers, fried chicken and poutine. There’s also a bustling courtyard for hanging out with mates and pets out front.

3 Wilson Street, South Yarra

Rooftop Bar

Treat your pooch to some of the best views in the city at Rooftop Bar atop Curtin House, where dogs are welcome until sundown each day (though they must be kept on leash). At seven storeys up, the vibes here are always A-plus, with refreshing spritzes, hefty burgers and astroturf making you feel eons away from the CBD hustle down below. They also cheekily promise half-price drinks if your dog looks like you.

Level 7/252 Swanston Street, Melbourne

Bonny

Bonny is a local fave, and is a place where there’s always something delicious to drink or snack on. Both the alfresco footpath space and the all-weather beer garden (it’s got a nifty glass ceiling) are dog friendly, meaning you can bring your best friend along for the afternoon. They’ve got a whopping 27 curated taps pouring local wine, cocktails and craft beer, meaning you’ll never run out of options for your next drink.

177 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy 

Hippo Bottle and Bar

Ever feel stumped at the bottleshop? Your problems are answered by dog friendly Hippo Bottle and Bar, where you can try before you commit. They’ve got a thrilling range of craft brews and interesting wines from all over the country, plus eight taps pouring straight from the keg. Sit in with your pet and crack open a can or two (feel free to BYO food), discover a new fave and buy a six-pack for later.

290 Smith Street, Collingwood

Arbory Bar & Eatery

Melbourne’s best known riverside venue, Arbory Bar & Eatery, is also one of Melbourne's best dog friendly bars. Woofers are always allowed on their outdoor patio, and they’ll enjoy watching the world go by as you share drinks and casual bites with your mates.

1 Flinders Walk, Melbourne

Goldy’s Tavern

Friends, families and four-legged friends are all welcome at this neighbourhood gem. Formerly the historic Leinster Arms Hotel, this legendary boozer has been updated for the modern age while retaining all of its old school charm. Goldy's Tavern offers cold beers on tap and a cracking parma to dig into, but also forward thinking wines and food. Grab a jug and a board game off the shelf, this is a local that you’ll want to linger at.

66A Gold Street, Collingwood

Republica

Situated right on St Kilda Beach, Republica is the ideal place to gather with friends and family on a sunny day. The bar’s courtyard is a dog’s paradise, with beach umbrellas and undercover areas providing plenty of shade for when it gets hot. Head over after an afternoon swim, because there’s nowhere you’d rather be on a good weather day that reclining with a beer and freshly-fried fish and chips.

10/18 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda

Trinity St Kilda

St Kilda's iconic Holy Trinity Hall's transformation into a drinking haven with plenty of outdoor seating has become a mecca for doggos and their owners. This dog-friendly pub in Melbourne is a must on a sunny day, when the cocktails flow freely, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming and pets of all shapes and sizes take centre stage, commanding attention with absolute ease. Trinity for that reason alone is a joyous spot, but it's made all the better thanks to the tasty array of food trucks you can abate your hunger with. 

2 Brighton Road, St Kilda 

Counting down ‘til payday? Clock off early and score yourself a deal with the best happy hours in Melbourne. This month, you’ll catch us ticking off all the must-do events in our event guide and dining at the most exciting new restaurants in the city.