Hey Buddy

Hey Buddy is a retro-styled cafe on Queen Street in West Ulverstone, decked out in 70s colours and pouring Allpress coffee, and it may be the most dog-committed cafe on the north-west coast: water bowls are standard and the puppicino is actually on the menu.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating on a leash, including the garden space out the back. Inside is generally reserved for assistance animals. Water bowls are usually set out, and staff are used to four-legged customers, so the only thing you really need to bring is a dog that settles. Keep the lead on and your dog clear of the walkway between tables.

Worth knowing

The menu runs all-day breakfast and lunch, with a well-reviewed chicken-and-seasoned-chips plate, burgers, a reuben and gluten-free options, plus a double-shot flat white that regulars order by default. Hours are unusual and worth checking before a long drive: closed Monday and Tuesday, open Wednesday to Friday from 7am to 2pm and weekends from 8am to 2pm.

Getting there and parking

The cafe is at 35 Queen Street, just off the main road through West Ulverstone, and it notes ample parking for cars, campervans and caravans, which is handy for travellers working along the Bass Highway.

Close by with the dogs

The Ulverstone coastline and its beaches are a few minutes away for a leash-on stroll, and Beach Hut Coffee or @ Coffee & Soul in Ulverstone proper are the nearby fallbacks on days Hey Buddy is shut.

More options are on the Tasmania dog friendly cafes guide and the West Ulverstone destination page.

Max: order the puppicino. It is on the actual menu here, not a favour you have to ask for.