Barry's Garage

Barry's Garage is a converted mechanic's workshop at 1169 Burke Road on the Kew and Deepdene border, trading as a sandwich bar by day and a wine and sandwich stop into the evening. Weekday hours run 7:30am to 3pm and weekends 8am to 2:30pm. The garage doors, vinyl records and Detroit-style fit-out give it a casual feel that works well with a dog in tow.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome at the footpath seating out front, which is the easy option, and the open garage-style space stays more relaxed than most venues. Staff are fond of four-legged customers and dog biscuits have been known to make an appearance. Ask for a water bowl on arrival rather than assuming one, and bring a short lead and mat if you plan to settle in, because the front tables fill fast before the lunch rush.

The vibe

The kitchen is built around substantial made-to-order sandwiches: the pizza sanga has a serious local following, alongside a Reuben, smash burgers, calzones and mortadella rolls, with good vegan and vegetarian options. Coffee is the morning draw, and the wine list takes over in the afternoon. It is a quick, quality feed rather than a long sit.

Pepsi: get there before midday on a weekend or the footpath tables are gone. The pizza sanga is worth the wait either way.

Getting there

The address is 1169 Burke Road, Kew, with street parking along Burke Road and the surrounding side streets. It sits a couple of kilometres from the Anniversary Trail shared path, so it pairs naturally with a walk on the way home.

Close by with the dogs

Foley Reserve Dog Off Leash Area gives the walk an off-lead leg, and Willo Cafe on Willsmere Road is another dog-friendly coffee stop nearby. Briquettes on Harp Road is a favourite with local dog walkers for early coffee.

More options are on the Victoria pub guide and the Kew destination page.