There’s no shortage of dog-friendly pubs in Sydney, especially in the inner city, with dogs welcome in plenty of beer gardens and even inside the bar area of some pubs. Whether you want to enjoy a quiet beer or tuck into some classic pub meals, head to one of these dog-friendly pubs.
The Carrington, Surry Hills
Surry Hills is home to multiple dog-friendly pubs, but one of the most dog-friendly is The Carrington. This laid back pub on the relatively quiet Bourke Street has both outdoor and indoor dog-friendly spaces, and a section for the menu just for dogs.
Options for your pup include steak and veg, beef tartare, brown rice and veg, or perhaps just a pup cake, if it’s between meal times. For humans, there’s regular specials during the week, both in the evening and for lunch, as well as a Happy Hour from 4pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday. I particularly recommend their steak special!
Afterwards, it’s just a short stroll across South Dowling Street to the off-leash section of Moore Park, or head to Centennial Park for lots of doggie adventures.
The Newport, Newport
The Newport is a fabulous waterfront pub right next to Pittwater in Sydney’s north. As well as a great family-friendly destination to head on a sunny day out, it’s also very dog-friendly.
The pub has a huge outdoor area, that is largely dog-friendly. Dogs are welcome to join you at the outdoor tables, except inside the Pavilion and the Pergola, plus the indoor Arms Bar and the Gymnasium play zone for kids.
While there’s no menu for dogs, there’s plenty of water bowls scattered throughout the venue, as well as taps to top them up. On the menu for humans is a wide range of pub classics, plus plenty of seafood. I loved the Vietnamese prawn salad when it was on the menu.
The Newport can get quite busy, so bookings before the start of the weekend, particularly for larger groups. Walk-ins are also accommodated, with an early arrival best, or wait until late afternoon. From the balcony area, you can see the off-leash Bayview Dog Beach, the perfect spot to head before or after.
BrewDog, South Eveleigh
BrewDog is a Scottish-based craft brewery and pub chain with locations around the world. In late 2022, their forth Australian location but first in Sydney opened at South Eveleigh, close to Redfern Station.
BrewDog South Eveleigh occupies a fabulous location in the former locomotive workshops of Eveleigh, next to a modern-day blacksmithing workshop. Both the indoor space, divided into a bar and dining area, and the outdoor beer garden is huge. Dogs are welcome to join you both outside and in the bar area inside, as long as they’re well-behaved.
If planning on dining outside, note that bookings aren’t taken for this section, but you’ll nearly always be assured of a table, especially if you arrive at lunchtime. Their menu features plenty of plant-based options, with the burgers and tacos particularly tasty. Note to mention there’s a huge list of craft beers to order…
The Alex, Alexandria
Just down the road from BrewDog is another fabulous dog-friendly pub in Sydney, The Alex. A heritage pub that was luckily saved from being bulldozed, it’s now part of the Merivale stable of venues, with it’s name shorted from the Alexandria Hotel to simply the Alex.
The highlight of a visit to the Alex is its huge backyard area, the perfect spot to hang out on a sunny day at one of the long communal tables, next to the basketball court. Dogs are allowed in all outdoor areas, although naturally they need to remain leashed.
When I recently visited the Alex I spotted a basket of dog toys next to the outdoor bar, along with treats at the counter and plenty of dog bowls to grab for your pup. There’s also a wall of Polaroid snaps of some of the regular pups, the “Top Dogs”.
The Erko, Erksineville
The Inner West suburb of Erskineville is especially dog-friendly, with the Erko a Sydney pub that really stands out for being truly welcoming towards dogs. Dogs are welcome both inside and outside at the pub on Erskineville Road, with a gallery of local pups on their website.
There’s plenty of dog bowls in the beer garden, plus dogs have their own menu. Choose between the raw beef tartare, a nut bone, a nana treat or the latest treats behind the bar. Humans are also taken provided for, with reasonable priced meals, Happy Hours on weekdays and a weekly Sunday Roast.
The Australian Heritage Hotel, The Rocks
Once you head into the city centre of Sydney, generally there’s not as many dog-friendly pubs to choose from. However, one delightfully dog-friendly pub in the city is the Australian Heritage Hotel, located next to the Harbour Bridge in the Rocks.
The Australian Heritage Hotel is the perfect spot to visit when you’re enjoy an outing to the city with your pup, whether walking across the Harbour Bridge, taking a stroll along the Barangaroo Foreshore or visiting the dog-friendly Rock Markets. It’s also close to the off-leash Observatory Hill Park.
Dogs are allowed throughout the hotel, including their extensive outdoor tables on both inside, inside the bar, and even up on the rooftop. (Although unfortunately some buildings block most of the harbour views.) Special dog events are sometimes held on site.
The Australian Heritage Hotel is well-known for their pizzas, including their “Coat of Arms” pizza featuring kangaroo and emu. I can also recommend their crocodile pizza, while on my recent visit we shared a Peking Pork pizza. There’s also no shortage of beers to choose from, with over 130 craft beers available.
The Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre, Marrickville
Former prime minster Bob Hawke was well-known as a beer lover, and was happy to lend his name to Hawke’s Brewing Co, pouring their first beer in 2017. A few years later, the Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre launched in Marrickville.
A true retro gem, this dog-friendly club, brewery, restaurant and bar features all the essentials of an old-school Australia hotel, from the RJLH Pool Room with its collection of memorabilia taking pride of place, to a retro Chinese restaurant, the Lucky Prawn.
Dogs are welcome throughout most of the Leisure Centre. Choose between the outdoor tables, some under shelter, or the bar area or pool room inside. It’s just asked that dogs don’t sit with you in the main bistro area, although dogs can pass through. Dogs are also kindly asked to stay off the furniture, no matter how comfy it looks.
Tasting flights of the Hawke’s Brewing range of beers are available, plus there’s also wine, ciders and non-alcoholic options available. The prawn toast is a must to order, while the main dishes are large enough to share.
Forrester’s, Surry Hills
A proper local watering hole in the heart of Surry Hills, Forrester’s has been serving up beers and meals to patrons for over 100 years. And your dog is also welcome at this pub, which has its own “Dog Wall of Fame”.
Every Tuesday evening from 6pm to 8pm it’s time for Yappy Hour. With every meal purchased, your pup will receive a “pawkie”! It’s a miniature version of their famous Yorkshire pudding just for dogs, served with gravy and kibble.
If you’ve got a hankering yourself for Yorkshire pudding (minus the dog kibble!), the pub’s signature dish is the “Big Yorkie.” It’s a gigantic Yorkshire pudding filled with their roast of the week, roast potatoes, peas and carrots – available daily until sold out.
The Vic on the Park, Marrickville
The Vic on the Park is an Inner West institute that has retained its laidback charm, despite being added to the Merivale stable of pubs. You’ll find regular live bands and DJs, a daily happy hour on weekdays and regular meat tray and beer case raffles.
Dogs are welcome to join you in the extensive outdoor area of the pub, which even has its own basketball court. On Sunday afternoons, a Doggy Badge Draw is held, with the chance to win a Vic doggy bandana, dog treats or toys – it’s free for all dogs to enter.
The East Village Hotel, Balmain
Balmain is home to plenty of dog-friendly pubs, but I recommend heading to the East Village Hotel in East Balmain, just metres from the ferry wharf. A welcoming sign out the front invites pups to join you in the spacious dog-friendly courtyard – step inside past the bar to nab a table outside.
When I recently visited with a friend, their dog was warmly welcomed by the staff and offered free treats and a bowl of water. If dining in (check out their weekly specials), you can also order your dog their own “Doggie Dinner”, consisting of roast beef, rice and peas.
Before leaving for a walk around the Balmain waterfront (nearby Lookes Reserve and a large part of Illoura Reserve are off-leash all day long), ask one of the staff members to take a photo of your pup to be added to the “Dogs of the EVH” wall!
Rag & Famish, North Sydney
The Rag and Famish in North Sydney is a true old-school pub. The pub dates back to 1860, although it has since been rebuilt multiple times (including one time when it was burnt down in a bushfire when this was still Sydney’s outskirts). It’s the oldest pub in North Sydney still trading by a long shot!
The Rag and Famish is a fabulous spot to head for a laid back Sunday afternoon or to enjoy the Happy Hours in the evenings. A large range of regular and craft beers are available, plus the downstair bistro services up traditional pub meals, including popular pies and a Schnitty special on Monday nights.
Dogs are welcome to join you throughout much of the pub, including in the large outdoor beer garden, plus in the downstairs section of the pub – just skip heading upstairs to the more formal restaurant.
The Scarborough Hotel, Sydney
Okay, now the Scarborough Hotel isn’t technically within Sydney, but it’s just an hour’s drive south of the city – close enough to visit for lunch with a view. The historic hotel is perched on the cliff top in Scarborough, with a large beer garden with large tables, perfect for a relaxed lunch or to just enjoy a cold drink.
It can get quite busy at the Scarborough Hotel, so it’s advisable to book or arrive before midday. If visiting with a dog, walk past the main entrance and use the gate to the right hand side, to directly access the garden. Feel free to ask for a water bowl for your pooch, but remember they need to stay on a leash.
Note that this pub is only open at lunchtime – closing late afternoon. It’s perfect to combine with a visit and walk along the Sea Cliff Bridge, just a few kilometres north.
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About the Author
Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.