Barks and brews: the best dog-friendly cafes on the Gold Coast

Sunshine on your face, sea breeze in your hair, your best mate at your side.

If you want to make plans that include all your friends – two or four legs – make your way to the Gold Coast. Once you’ve had your fill of fetch and wave jumping at these dog-friendly beaches, it’s easy to refuel at a nearby café.

It’s safe to say that Gold Coast cafes love dogs: from puppyccinos to ice cream to giant bacon-topped sundaes, they’ll have as much fun tasting their way through the menu as you. Hit up these dog-friendly Gold Coast cafes next time you visit.  

Daymaker Espresso, Miami

Make your dog's day with a visit to Daymaker Espresso, where all day breakfast and Industry Beans coffee awaits. An ex-workshop now cafe, there's plenty of outdoor space for your pup to lounge with a puppuccino while you devour the likes of avo toast, cuban sandwiches and breakfast tacos. 

Tarte Bakery, Burleigh Heads

The perfect pitstop after a morning walk along Burleigh's foreshore, Tarte offers exquisite pastries and a huge menu of breakfast and lunch favourites. The puppaccinos with get five stars from your best mate, but it's the Babka french toast that will keep you coming back each weekend.

Dune Café, Palm Beach 

Heading to Palm Beach or Currumbin Creek? Make sure you stop in at Dune Café. Set right on Currumbin Lagoon, next to Palm Beach dog beach park and a short stroll from Lillson Beach, dog-friendly cafes don’t get much better than this. Menus don’t get much better than Dune either, with bacon benny stuffed croissants, organic spelt pancakes and great coffee to recharge after your morning out.

Café Catalina, Southport

Alternatively, if you’re basking in the sun on the northern Gold Coast, pop into Southport’s Café Catalina. A short drive from local favourite dog beach The Spit, this café boasts a ‘Very Important Pooches’ entrance, and an outdoor space you’ll want to spend all day in. Pull up a bean bag, grab a coffee (or cocktail) and your day is set.

Parcbah Espresso, Southport

Parcbah’s doggie menu of biscuits, ice cream and puppycinos will win the heart (and stomach) of your pup, and there’s a selection of to-go meals and frozen treats too. It’s opposite Ron Short Park and the Gold Coast dog obedience school, so stop by here for a meal for both of you after a round of fetch or a morning at the beach, which is a short drive away too.

Commune, Burleigh Heads

Commune is a local favourite for a reason. A block back from Burleigh's beach and sprawling Gold Coast Oceanway, Commune welcomes dogs in its huge outdoor area filled with greenery and vintage décor. The brunch menu more than holds its own with an organic focus, making it one of the Gold Coast's best breakfast spots.

Paddock Bakery, Miami

There’s a lot to love about Paddock Bakery. One of the hottest spots on the coast, locals will line up here for a taste of their wood-fired baked goods, from caramel popcorn cheesecake to cruffins, plus a dedicated brunch menu. And if you can brave the wait (or get here early), the leafy garden is the perfect spot for you and your pooch.

Barefoot Barista, Palm Beach

The name says it all: this Palm Beach café is one of the most laid-back spots on the Gold Coast. Stop in for artisanal coffee, breakfast and burgers – and bring your dog too.

Palm Springs, Burleigh Heads

A touch of SoCal right here on the Gold Coast, Palm Springs is a sunny day hotspot for locals and their dogs. Coastal-chic and cacti-accented surrounds welcome brunchers with breakfast classics and Cali staples like burritos and coconut margaritas. 

Daark Espresso, Chirn Park

A northern Gold Coast spot with a loyal local following, Darrk is a haven for dog-parents thanks to its buzzing wrap-around deck and plenty of shade for pups. The menu is a cut above the crowd, with vegan sourdough crumpets, spanner crab benedict, s'mores pancakes and southern fried chicken waffles - we're pretty sure your dog with beg for a taste too. 

Paradox Coffee Roasters, Surfers Paradise

Even the coast’s busy centre loves dogs. Paradox Coffee Roasters’ serves up some of the best brews you’ll find in Surfers Paradise, and has a pet-friendly outdoor balcony to relax before heading back out into the bustling precinct. They don't just open their arms to your pets too - this is a great kid-friendly cafe, so bring the whole family. 

Social Brew, Burleigh Heads

Tucked away in the streets behind Burleigh Heads SLSC, there’s more than meets the eye to this hole-in-the-wall café. The ever-changing menu features great vegetarian, raw and dairy free and sugar free options. It’s got a garden-filled dining space you’ll want to spend all day in, so bring your dog and get ready to order a few cold brew coffees.

Bumbles Cafe, Budds Beach

There’s probably no better place to soak up a Sunday than Bumbles Café. While the tourists flock to Surfers Paradise Beach, locals know the relaxing hideaway of Budds Beach flies under the radar. And Bumbles is there with riverfront views, perfect coffee, breakfast and lunch seven days a week.