Paws & Perks: Brisbane's Best Dog-Friendly Cafés for a Coffee Date
Brisbane/Meanjin is a city that loves two things in equal measure: a silky-smooth flat white and a tail-wagging good time. Luckily, you don't have to choose between them. From riverside walks to forest fringes, the city is dotted with cafés that roll out water bowls, puppacinos and even full canine menus. Grab the leash—here are eight favourites where you and your four-legged pal can both get your caffeine fix.
Little Black Pug Café — Mount Gravatt
Little Black Pug Café turns the "dog-friendly" dial to eleven with shady outdoor dining zones, complimentary dog treats and even dog-specific meatballs for hungry hounds. The human menu is just as playful—try the Vietnamese pulled-pork eggs bene if you're peckish. Why we love it: Dedicated dog menu, plenty of space between tables for nervous pups.Barko & Co — Teneriffe
Set on the Brisbane River boardwalk, Barko & Co pairs single-origin brews with heritage-listed charm and a puppuccino station. Walk the river loop first, then tuck into huevos rancheros while your dog demolishes a house-made biscuit.
Pro tip: Go early on weekends—dog walkers know this spot well.Todd & Pup — Moorooka
With Toohey Forest right next door, Todd & Pup is built for a walk-and-caffeine combo. Hit the forest trail, then claim a spot on the astro-turfed deck for Genovese coffee and a lamb-shawarma brunch. Pups score filtered-water stations and shady beds.
Good to know: Outside tables are dog-designated—book ahead for busy brunch slots.Collies & Co — Samford Village
Dream café for puppy lovers: Collies & Co runs daily puppy-socialisation sessions, so you can sip a flat white while getting a cuddle fix. All-day breakfast, country-town views and plenty of space for big breeds seal the deal.
Drive time: 30 min north-west of the CBD—worth it for the fresh air alone.Frenchies Café — Wynnum
If your dog's Instagram needs new content, head to Frenchies. Peanut-butter-and-bacon dog ice-cream, colourful murals and coastal breezes make every visit a mini photo shoot. Humans, order a spinach-and-feta muffin and watch the likes roll in.
Walkies bonus: Stroll the Wynnum Esplanade afterwards.Sassafras Canteen — Paddington
Sassafras hides a leafy courtyard out back where dogs are royalty—think puppacinos, vegan dog chews and endless pats. The workers-cottage café is a brunch veteran; pair your pup's treat with the legendary banh-mi eggs. Weekend hack: Join the virtual wait-list online to dodge the Latrobe Terrace queue.PawPaw Café — Woolloongabba
East-side favourite PawPaw offers a spacious dog-friendly patio plus South-East Asian–inspired brunch and vibrant smoothies for humans. Dogs score water bowls and room to stretch out, and staff never skimp on pats.
Order highlight: Coconut-crusted French toast with kaffir-lime syrup.Black Lab Coffee — Tarragindi
Named after an assistance-dog dropout, Black Lab Coffee channels its profits into rescue charities—and welcomes every pooch with open arms. Grab a filter brew, let your dog snack on a house biscuit and feel good about supporting a café with a cause.
Coffee geek note: They often run guest-roaster takeovers—check the board.Final Licks
Whether you're after river views, forest vibes or an inner-city courtyard, Brisbane has a dog-friendly café to suit every snout. Just remember the golden rules: bring a lead, pack poo bags, and tip your barista for the extra bowl-washing. Happy sipping—and tail-wagging!