The Lighthouse Wharf Hotel

The Lighthouse Wharf Hotel sits right on the Port River at Port Adelaide, with the lighthouse at the end of Commercial Road as its front yard. It is a big, busy pub built around the water view, and per its socials and consistent visitor reports, dogs are welcome in the large outdoor beer garden and at the outside tables, with staff bringing out water bowls.

Dogs at the pub

Regulars report the deal works like this: dogs on leash close to the table in the outdoor areas, no dogs indoors. The beer garden is generous enough that a settled dog is no bother, and the balcony tables over the river are the pick on a sunny afternoon. The kitchen leans seafood, with oysters, the seafood platter and the crab linguine the regulars point at, though the chicken schnitzel has its own following. Doors open from mid morning each day and the bar stays open later on Thursday through Saturday, so an early afternoon slot is the easiest way to claim a river table with the dog at your feet. Doors open from mid morning each day and the bar stays open later on Thursday through Saturday, so an early afternoon slot is the easiest way to claim a river table with the dog at your feet.

Pepsi: water bowls appeared before we even sat down, and our dog watched the dolphins with us. Great afternoon spot.

Close by with the dogs

Port Adelaide makes an easy dog day out along the water. The Port Admiral Hotel is the other big dog friendly drink stop on the strip, Milledges Cafe covers the morning coffee run, and Salty Dog Seafood and Grill is the alternative if you want fish and chips with a river outlook. The Port Adelaide guide has the full local list.