Five of the Best: Gold Coast’s five best Dog-friendly cafes

Don’t leave your best mate at home when you’re cruising for a coffee. Here are the best places on the Gold Coast for a doggie date

Raw Espresso owner Mark Fannin with his late Siberian Husky, Si. Picture: Richard Gosling

DON’T leave your best mate at home when you’re cruising for a coffee. Here are the best places on the Gold Coast for a doggie date

Cafe Catalina

Broadwater Parklands, 10/11 Gold Coast Highway, Southport

Some happy customers at the dog-friendly cafe Catalina in the Broadwater Parklands, Southport.

Fur babies of all shapes and sizes are welcome at this restaurant and outdoor bar in the heart of that kids and dogs playground, the Broadwater Parklands.

Thirsty pooches are provided with their own fresh water bowls and healthy additive-free Pet Performance doggie treats.

Events co-ordinator Leesa Glasgow says staff are well used to requests for puppy lattes, creamy milk froth served in lick-friendly takeaway cups — chocolate dusting too on request.

Dressing for the occasion: doggie customer at cafe Catalina, Broadwater Parklands, Southport

Raw Espresso

1/59-73 Meron Street, Southport

The doggie house special, The Buster Big Dog Woof Sundae at Raw Espresso, Southport.

Owner Mark Fannin just wants it to be clear: Raw’s dog friendliness is really all for him.

“I get to feed them, pat them, play with them. I’m the winner out of all this,” he says.

Canine regulars love sampling the latest batch of house-made doggie biscuits featuring a revolving list of ingredients including salmon, peanut butter and fresh fruit, but always gluten-free. (Note: humans can try them too if they’re so inclined. It’s all human grade food.)

Then there’s The Buster Big Dog Woof sundae, made with coconut based doggie ice cream, dog biscuits, coconut cream and bacon pieces, topped with maple syrup.

Raw Espresso hosts regular doggie events, most recently a get together for the local King Charles Cavalier Rescue group.

“We all love dogs here,” Mark says. “It’s part of the job description.”

Parcbah Espresso

Shop 4/5, 19 Alicia Street, Southport

Doggie treats from Parcbah Espresso

Adjoining Ron Short Park, a dog walking and training hot spot, and with professional dog groomers nearby, Parcbah is definitely barking up the right tree with its selection of Hugo’s Doggie Ice Cream.

Owner Todd Cawe says the favourite flavours are peanut butter and bacon and the strawberry.

“The salmon wasn’t quite as popular so they’ve swapped it to carob,” owner Todd Cawe says. Parcbah has bought its homemade doggie biscuits from a local microbusiness for the last four years.

“Luca started Paw-A-Licious when she was ten; she’s now 14,” he says.

Humans are well cared for as well. If you pop in for a quick coffee, staff will always slip your best mate a free bone biscuit.

Lakeview Espresso

100 Burleigh St, Burleigh Waters

As well as being dog-friendly, Lakeview Espresso, Burleigh Waters was the 2018 winner of the Gold Coast’s Best Coffee. Owner Dylan Rackley offers a brew. Picture: Jerad Williams

If you follow local doggie Insta stars Polly Pops the Frenchie or Frank the Bulldog, you’ll see their regular suburban hang is Lakeview Espresso.

With its large outdoor area, multiple leash points and handy stash of doggie biscuits behind the counter, owner Dylan Rackley says it’s a favourite drop in destination for local dog owners.

“We supply bowls of water and, on request, we do pretty good puppychinos,” Dylan says. You’ll even find bowls of water left outside the cafe when it’s closed.

“Our doggie Instagram regulars tag us often,” Dylan says. “And they have a lot more followers than me.”

Goji Granola Bar & cafe

7/60 Santa Cruz Blvd, Clear Island Waters

Bob (left) and Bill enjoy a doggie treat at Goji Granola Bar and Cafe, Clear Island Waters. Photo: Steve Holland.

So many doggie love stories have evolved from this suburban gem, local dog owners have even been known to accompany their pets on doggie dates for Valentine’s Day.

Goji is a dog oasis with its outdoor seating, fresh water bowls and ready supply of Hugo’s special doggie ice cream.

Owner Monica Pirotta says the peanut butter with bacon chunks is the bestseller but, rest assured, humans are not missing out.

“I’ve actually tried it,” Monica says. “Dogs can’t have sugar and it’s lactose-free so, to us, it’s not really tasty but to dogs, they love it.”