Pups get the royal treatment at ‘the Sheaf’, lounging beneath a towering fig tree in one of Sydney’s most iconic beer gardens. Water bowls appear as readily as schooners, and the leafy courtyard buzzes with a mix of locals, visitors and four-legged regulars until the night crowd rolls in. Heritage bones give the pub a timeless feel, but the mood is pure modern Sydney: cocktails, DJs, live bands and a menu that runs from juicy steaks to share plates for grazing. For Double Bay dog owners, it’s as much playground as pub, with plenty of space for both paws and pints. 429 New South Head Rd, Double Bay; thegoldensheaf.com.au

During his Prime Ministership, Bob Hawke was often photographed with his border collie Oz. It’s appropriate, then, that the retro-styled club, brewery, restaurant and Inner West bar that carries his name is just as dog-friendly as the man himself was. Dogs are welcomed in every part of the venue, from the outdoor tables to the museum-like pool room, and can even be spotted on chairs in bustling in-house Chinese restaurant Lucky Prawn. 8-12 Sydney St, Marrickville; hawkesbrewing.com/beerandleisure

This is one of the city’s slickest spots for a staycation, and the dog-friendly policy makes it even more ideal for a ‘holiday in your own city’ night or two away from home. Pet-friendly rooms come kitted out with dog beds, bowls and slobber-proof mats, so pups are as comfortable as their owners. The lobby hums with art and energy, while the bar and restaurant pull in a crowd that feels distinctly Sydney: creative, eclectic and stylish without being stuffy. Step outside and you’re moments from parks and dog-friendly cafes for walk-breaks between naps, room-service treats or jam sessions with the in-room guitars. 7-53 Wentworth Ave, Sydney; acehotel.com/sydney

This is basically doggy heaven disguised as a cafe, nestled right inside Hawthorne Canal Reserve’s off-leash puppy park. With pupaccinos and other treats for four-legged friends on offer (as well as solid coffee for the humans), every table is outside, so dogs can sprawl happily while owners sip lattes and swap stories. On weekends, it’s a joyful circus of wagging tails, while weekdays bring a calmer pace for those wanting a quieter stroll. It’s not about linen napkins or latte art; this is about a place where dogs are front and centre, and humans are lucky enough to tag along. Hawthorne Canal Reserve, Leichhardt; cafebones.com.au

The Shire loves its dogs, and this local proves it. The expansive beer garden is not only fully dog-friendly; it’s designed with plenty of cover so pups can stay comfortable no matter the weather. There’s no shortage of water bowls, and ample room for leashes without tangling up tables, chairs and other dogs. Humans can expect hearty pub fare with an Italian streak – pizzas, pastas and antipasto crowd tables alongside schnitzels and steaks – all served with cold drinks and a family-friendly atmosphere. With a playground nearby, it’s a one-stop spot where kids, pups and grown-ups can all have their share of fun. 121 Yala Rd, Bangor; bangortavern.com.au

‘Come. Sit. Stay…’ is the motto of this sausage dog-inspired eatery, and they’re a set of commands as apt for us dog owners as they are for our collared buddies. Dogs can choose from a menu that includes puppy gelato, a Sunday roast with veggies, or a puppycino made with lactose-free milk, while humans flock to the rejuvenating healthy bowls and array of brekkie classics. 64/66 Gladesville Rd, Hunters Hill; dachshundcoffee.com

Dogs are embraced in the leafy courtyard here, with water bowls on hand and staff who offer smiles – and sometimes pats – to four-legged guests. It’s an easy stop after a wander through Parramatta North’s historic precinct and a strong contender for weekend brunch, whether you’ve got a pup or not. The sandstone setting glows with natural light, the menu spans indulgent French toast to flaky savoury croissants, and the service keeps things polished without too much fuss. Grab a sunny table outside, let your dog bask happily beside you, and enjoy the rare mix of heritage charm and cafe comfort. 5 Fleet St, North Parramatta; havenstone.com.au

Far from banishing them to the kerb, the Carrington welcomes hounds as enthusiastically as it does humans, be it inside the bar or out in the leafy beer garden. Add a full dog-exclusive menu offering steak, rice with vegies and even beef tartare, and you’ve got one of those rare pubs that really makes tails wag. For humans, it’s all about pub classics done right: schnitzels, burgers and steaks, and a drinks list full of hits. Open daily from lunch, it’s as much a spot for after-work hangs as for lazy Sunday sessions with a furry mate sprawled at your feet. 565 Bourke St, Surry Hills; thecarringtonsydney.com

Dogs are practically part of the furniture at this retro-cool pub – recently made-over by the Doom Juice crew – happily joining their humans any time of day. The infectiously joyous atmosphere keeps tails wagging while owners dig into schnitties, steaks or a round of local beer. The pub’s history stretches back to the 1920s, but the vibe today is all about friendly chatter, classic bistro meals and a strong community feel. Positioned right by Moore Park and the stadiums, it’s a magnet for sports fans and concert-goers, yet somehow manages to always stay relaxed enough for a quiet pint with your pup. It’s local, lively and equally friendly to regulars, first-timers and dogs of all breeds and sizes. 495 Cleveland St, Redfern; batandballhotel.com

Dogs don’t just join you at this sprawling waterside oasis, they get to be part of the whole experience. With sweeping outdoor areas, a wealth of shady spots and water bowls aplenty, there’s more than enough room for a bit of on-leash exploring or lounging under tables. Humans are equally spoiled, with food stalls slinging woodfired pizza, fresh seafood, burgers and snacks, all served against a backdrop of sparkling water and sea breeze. Families, friends and pups mingle happily to a soundtrack of live music, and the atmosphere shifts from bright lunch crowd to sunset drinks without losing its relaxed holiday energy. 2 Kalinya St, Newport; merivale.com/venues/thenewport

The whole family is welcome at this Northern Beaches brewery. There’s a kids’ play area to keep two-legged babies entertained, while four-legged babies are welcome throughout – as long as they play nice with other pooches. For the grown-ups, there are 14 beers on tap, as well as cider, ginger beer and a range of non-alcoholic options. The food menu is equally generous, with six big burgers to choose from, as well as some epic loaded fries and sizzling wings. Once night falls, it’s time to take the hounds and little humans home, as the brewery transforms into a live music venue. 26 Orchard Rd, Brookvale; buckettys.com.au

Dogs get the VIP treatment in the beer garden here, and are welcome until around 8pm, with friendly staff happily catering for them with water bowls and pats. The beer garden itself is big, lively and full of chatter; pups stretching out under tables while their humans dive into woodfired pizzas, schnitzels or a round of beers. Big screens keep the sports crowd entertained, and the atmosphere shifts seamlessly from laid-back afternoons to buzzy evenings. For Parramatta locals with four-legged companions, The Albion is the perfect place to share a pint and a pizza without leaving the dog at home. 35 George St, Parramatta; albionhotel.com.au

Across the road from dog-filled Harry Noble Reserve, Naked Brew is home to not only some of the Inner West’s most celebrated coffee, but expansive Insta-worthy menus for dogs and owners alike. Dive into kimchi scrambled eggs while your furry mate destroys a plate of puppy friendly doggie waffles, and sip your flat white as they lap up their liver-sprinkled doggie-chino. 110 Swanson St, Erskineville; nakedbrew.com.au

Sitting beside Blackman Park’s fenced off-leash dog play area, this feels less like a cafe that tolerates pets and more like a cafe that graciously allows humans to join their dogs for brunch. Canines can choose from a menu that features ‘woofles’ (dog-friendly waffles) and doggie cappuccinos, while humans can tuck into toasties, pastries and great coffee. It’s casual, playful and full of wagging-tail energy, especially on weekends, when the park next door is buzzing. Add shade, sunshine and staff who know most dogs by name, and you’ve got the perfect outing for you and your furry buddy. Lloyd Rees Dr, Lane Cove West; puppytail.com.au/cafe

With a menu inspired by farm-fresh produce, enjoyed in a sunny outdoor courtyard, this airy café isn’t just a great place to meet for brunch, it’s the perfect spot for your pup to make some excited new friends. 13 Wentworth St, Parramatta; lilmisscollins.com.au