Paws-itively dog friendly dining

You couldn’t call your brewery Parrotdog and not welcome dogs into your bar (you’ll have to ask about the parrots). Make sure to dust off your sandy feet (or paws) before heading to the brewery and eatery, a street back from Lyall Bay beach. If they’re good, they might even earn a dog treat.

Inspired by traditional pubs, retro decor brings the spacious bar to life. What’s better, there’s a dedicated Polaroid wall for the dogs of Parrotdog. There’s a pool table to keep you busy, and a window through to the adjacent brewery.

Dogs are welcome inside and out at Heyday. The restaurant, bar, and brewery on upper Cuba Street has everything you and your four-legged friend need for a great time. Dog-friendly amenities include free dog treats and water bowls for the goodest boys and girls. Human entertainment includes a huge selection of board games, with cornhole and giant Jenga outside also. 

If you aren’t familiar with the ever-changing beers of Heyday, try a tasting flight. With sometimes up to 12 beers on tap, this is an excellent way to find your favourite. The food menu is delicious and simple pub grub, with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.

This craft beer bar is the place to be for all dogs and their humans on a sunny afternoon. Take your craft beer outdoors and lounge in Glover Park. The inner-city green space allows your dog to lounge on some grass, and your pooch is bound to make a friend or two. Provided beanbags and seating allow for a relaxed vibe. Best of all, Fridays and Saturdays have live music. The gigs generally cover jazz, funk, and a bit of rock to set the mood. Bring your doggo, lie back in the sun, and enjoy the atmosphere.

Taking your furry friend for a walk around Oriental Bay and decide you fancy a puppuccino? Beach Babylon is your place. This beach-side café has a special menu just for your discerning canine companion. A gourmet selection of dog biscuits, ‘pupsicles’ (that’s puppy popsicles), and meat platters are sure to delight. The menu for humans is pretty good, too. Beach Babylon is open for brunch, lunch and dinner. The coffee is by local roastery Peoples Coffee, and the bar is licensed. With plenty of four-legged regulars, you’re sure to get some puppy love.

Tucked in Hannahs Laneway, Golding’s Free Dive is a much-loved Wellington bar. Dogs are always welcome, both indoors and outside on the patio. If they’re a lucky puppy, someone might drop a piece of their Pizza Pomodoro on the floor. Flanked by a bakery, a pizzeria, and a chocolate factory, Goldings is right in the thick of the bustling city. The interior is a cacophony of twinkling lights, taxidermy, photographs, and Star Wars memorabilia. It’s been described as “like drinking inside a pinball machine”. The light-up ‘BEER’ sign above the door is the perfect backdrop for those cheeky dog pics everyone knows and loves.

The smaller sibling of Maranui Café, Queen Sally’s has the same approach to delicious, wholesome food and great coffee. This cosy café attracts a loyal following of pups and humans alike. It’s little in size but big in character, with a strong community feel.

There are a couple of tables and benches outside under a sheltered awning. There are water bowls for thirsty pooches, and dog treats are available to buy. Humans can take their pick from plenty of sweet and savoury treats, including some amazing pink Chelsea buns. Fuel up on coffee from local roastery Havana, before taking your dog to smell the seaside scents at the beach across the road.

The hillside suburb of Hataitai has a strong sense of community, and the neighbourhood bar and restaurant Bambuchisan is a great destination to meet, eat, and drink. The restaurant was named after the owner’s husky Labrador cross, Smuchi Bambuchi. In his honour, dogs are encouraged, and the outside patio is perfect for them to chill out.

The suburban oasis offers cosy dinner dining that will bring friends and family together over a craft beer, cocktail, or wine. The menu is casual and changes seasonally, featuring Japanese-fusion food with Canadian influence. The plates are made for sharing, and everything is gluten-free.

Despite the name, this inner-city café is very dog-friendly and has no small woodland creatures to tempt your furry friend. For humans, there’s an enticing array of fresh salads, tarts, sourdough crumpets, soups, and sweet treats to meet every craving.

Squirrel welcomes all four-legged companions. There are water bowls to keep dogs hydrated and happy while you enjoy your beverage of choice from the café. Park your dog up on a handy hook outside and wander next door to browse Small Acorns. The sister homeware store has a fun selection of gifts and contemporary decor.

Now you know where to take your dog for brunch or a brew. But before grabbing the leash, Amelia from dedicated pet shop Smack Bang has some tips. Is your pooch okay with loud noises, busy crowds, and other dogs? If the answer to any of these is ‘not so good’, pause before bringing them with you, or test them out during a quiet period.

When taking your dog out remember to make sure they have enough water and shade. Check that the footpaths aren’t too hot for them to walk on (if it’s too hot for you it’s too hot for them), and never leave them in a hot car.

Visit Smack Bang’s dog-friendly store for a great range of pet accessories, homewares and treats for good boys and girls.