Dogs Bar

Dogs Bar at 54 Acland Street is a St Kilda institution that wears its name on the sign and means it. It is a long-running, laid-back bar with free live music, a wine list that leans Australian, and share plates, and dogs are treated as regulars rather than a favour, which is why it keeps coming up in any list of Melbourne's most dog-welcoming drinking spots.

The dog setup

Dogs settle in at the front deck and footpath seating, and staff are relaxed about well-behaved dogs inside too, with water bowls usually close at hand. Keep your dog leashed and close to your seat, and think twice on live music nights if your dog is noise-sensitive, because the room can get lively. Late afternoon is the easiest window to find a comfortable table for two.

The vibe

This is a neighbourhood bar rather than a pub with a bistro: think regular free live music, happy hour, Sunday roast and curly fries on the food side, and a local crowd that spans the afternoon into the evening. It suits a casual drink with your dog at your feet more than a formal dinner.

Getting there and parking

The route 16 and 96 trams stop along Acland Street a short walk away. Street parking on Acland Street and the side streets is limited, with paid lots within walking distance near Luna Park and the beach, so public transport is the easier option most days.

Make a day of it

The Acland Street cafe strip runs straight past the door, and St Kilda Beach dog off-leash area and the Peanut Farm Reserve dog off-leash area are both walkable for a run before drinks. Further along the sand, Republica St Kilda Beach welcomes dogs in its open-air courtyard.

More options are on the Victoria dog-friendly pubs guide and the St Kilda destination page.