Auckland’s dog-friendly cafes
Summer holidays are almost here, and I am sure there are loads of us looking forward to some downtime, enjoying a quiet coffee and stroll in the park or along the beach. The type of outing where nobody wants to be left home – especially not your best mate, ‘the dog’.
Auckland City has a dog population of around 100,000, and thankfully, the Auckland cafe scene is adapting to the growing pooch population; more and more cafes are allowing dogs in Auckland to come along for that coffee and a snack. Maybe they’re realising that allowing well-behaved dogs in cafes just makes for happier places all round.
With the holidays in mind, we’ve decided to put together a list of some of the nicer dog-friendly cafes in Auckland. We think a great pet-friendly cafe is one with al-fresco dining, a few water bowls, perhaps some designated doggy parking, and even the odd canine comfort food on the menu.
This list is not in terms of preference, they’re just ones we know about and wanted to share with other Auckland dog owners and visitors on holiday with their dogs.
Our list of cafés who open their doors to dogs in Auckland.
The Huia Foodstore
After a big drive through Waitakere Ranges National Park, past Kakamatua Inlet, one of the few western beaches where dogs can run off-leash, you arrive at this gorgeous café set on the beachside. The Foodstore is set up with water bowls outdoors and delicious doggy treats in the cabinet.
Cornwall Park Cafe
Cornwall Park encompasses the largest area of parkland in Auckland City. Located in the heart of Greenlane, Cornwall Park can have hundreds of dogs roaming around dragging their owners along on a busy day. But when you’ve had enough fun, you can head to Cornwall Park Café for a bite to eat. The cafe has a lovely grassy area, with plenty of shade, beanbags and doggy water bowls for tired dogs.
Takapuna Beach cafe
This cafe is very much geared towards dogs and their owners, they have even offered a doggy degustation menu in the past, and there are three different dog troughs – small, medium and tall – attached to the walls. Right on the beach, the Takapuna Beach Café has plenty of outdoor seating, and after your coffee and recharge, head to the beach where there are loads of dogs for your pooch to make friends with.
Little & Friday
Located in Belmont, the endless amount of water bowls and outdoor space, which is larger than the indoor space, makes it look like Little & Friday was purpose-built for dogs and their walkers. Little wonder this is a very popular café for the pet owners of Belmont and environs.
Ponsonby Central
The place for both canine and human spotting. Dogs are welcome in the laneways and outdoor cafe seating areas in this central city location.
Best Ugly Bagels
The staff here are very open to your dog joining you for breakfast or lunch, both inside and out. The majority of the seating is outside so you can enjoy the fresh air, but if you do need to head indoors you can take your furry friend with you.
Crumb
This could be Auckland’s most dog-friendly cafe. They serve up Puppercinos (a dairy-free milk fluffy for four-legged friends) and offer a small discount on coffee for those who come with man’s best friend in tow. Crumb café is on the corner of Ariki St and Crummer Road in Grey Lynn. They also intend to host regular art events, exhibitions and talks, items for sale, as well as plenty of Flight coffee on the go.
Ampersand & Eatery
The new development at Orakei Bay Village is a very dog-friendly centre. You can grab a coffee from one of the many cafes then take your dog for a loop around the basin across the road, approximately a 40-minute walk. Or you can wander into Ampersand & Eatery for a relaxed meal on the veranda that overlooks the harbour.
Woodworks Cafe
In Avondale, this café is open and airy with a lovely deck where you and your best friend can enjoy the fresh air, sunshine, coffee, treats and doggy water bowls.
Even though we’d love to, we won’t be able to take your dog to one of Auckland’s dog-friendly cafes when they stay with us at our boarding kennels when you can’t be with them. But we promise, when they’re with us, they’ll get pampered and they’ll still feel like they’re one of the best-loved dogs in Auckland.