14 Dog Friendly Pubs, Bars, Cafes and Parks to Visit in Footscray, Melbourne
An inner-western suburb, Footscray, can be found five kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD. Its diverse and multicultural shopping and eateries reflect the successive waves of immigration Melbourne experienced for several decades in the latter parts of the 1990s. There are numerous dog-friendly parks and walks to be enjoyed in this western suburb. You can’t go past a Vietnamese roll or a smooth latte down Footscray Road with your pup.
Dog-friendly Parks and Walks
1. Footscray Park
Ballarat Road
This 15-hectare Edwardian Park is on the Heritage list of Victorian parks, and for a good reason. The park boasts beautiful local fauna and is a central hub for many socialists. So take your furry friend on a walk through the park and enjoy the views of the city and the Yarra River. Park had a dedicated off leash area.
2. Martin Reserve
Essex Street, West Footscray
Martin Reserve is fenced off making it an ideal area for dogs to be off-lead. The reserve has seating available for dog owners/handlers to sit while supervising their dogs as they roam and play in the shade of one of the many trees in this open space.
3. Hansen Reserve
Roberts Street, West Footscray
Hansen Reserve is a designated dog off-lead area with the exception of the area between the tennis courts and Roberts Street. At no times are dogs permitted to be off-lead in the area between the tennis courts and Roberts Street.
4. Newells Paddock
Jamieson Avenue
This beautiful park is a great place to walk your dog (on lead) as you both enjoy the peacefulness and enjoy the wetlands throughout. Note of warning, there are snakes about, so keep an extra eye out.
Free V.I.Pooch Travel Kit with every booking!
Dog-Friendly Pubs and Bars
5. The Station Hotel
59 Napier Street
Known for their steak, the Station Hotel will cater for any steak eater with their unique cooking styles and cuts of meat. So enjoy a cut in their large courtyard and maybe slip a tad bit under the table for your furry friend.
6. Back Alley Sally’s
4 Yewers Street
A previously abandoned multistorey warehouse, Back Alley Sally’s is the perfect pit stop for a beer and a cheap slice of pizza. With specials on most weeknights, you might as well grab your dog and say you’re going for a walk and ‘accidentally’ end up here.
7. Up In Smoke
28 Hopkins Street
Yes, this references the Chich and Chong film of the same name, but that’s where the references end. This dog and kid-friendly venue features a 20k smoker that cooks mean BBQ meat. Your pooch is welcome in the large beer garden where you can sip away on the numerous craft beers.
8. The Cheeky Pint
231 Barkly Street
With great homebrewed beer and a menu to match, what’s there not to like? This small and comfortable bar has outdoor seating for you and your pup, weather permitting. So, grab the dog, have a walk and grab a cheeky pint or two.
9. Lickety Split
40 Moreland Street
Quirky, colourful and community-driven, yet outdoorsy and a vegan-friendly haven. There’s no one category that fits this dog friendly bar in Footscray because it has plenty of characters. Dogs welcome at the covered outdoor area.
10. Littlefoot Bar
223 Barkly Street
The food and bev menu is kept substantially Victorian or Australian and they support local traders and farmers wherever possible. The delicious new dining options are inspired by their own and Footscray’s Italian heritage. Dogs are welcome on the covered outdoor dining area.
Free V.I.Pooch Travel Kit with every booking!
11. Hop Nation
109 Whitehall Street
Hop Nation is a dog friendly brewery devoted to showcasing not only the glorious ingredients in beer, but also the origin of the ingredients – coinciding with the course of quality winemaking. Dogs are welcome everywhere in the brewery.
Dog-Friendly Cafes and Eateries
12. Counterweight Vinyl and Espresso
32 Chambers Street
This one’s a little different! – adorning a disco ball in the front entrance, it is hard to miss. As the name suggests, it’s everything vinyl and coffee. It’s a great place for vinyl collectors and dog lovers. You can have a quick shop and a sit-down coffee in their outdoor area.
13. Small Graces
57 Byron Street
A café committed to Victorian producers – you’ll have an array of fresh options when dining here. With numerous vegan and gluten-free options, it is a perfect café to indulge while eating healthy. Your pup can join you on the partly covered outside seating area while you skim through the menu and sip on your latte.
14. Rudimentary
16-20 Leeds Street
With a refreshing minimalistic vibe and no-fuss fundamentals, Rudimentary focuses on its quality food and service. With a very spacious outdoor area, you can bring your furry friend down to this dog-friendly venue laid out with Astroturf and a café niftily fashioned from three shipping containers.
