Bridges MD - Belgian dining

Bridges MD is a family-run Belgian restaurant at 136 Duringan Street, sitting by the water on Currumbin Creek with mussels, prawn croquettes and a beer list of more than 50 Belgian brews. It is proper dinner-out territory rather than a quick coffee stop, and the alfresco area is where the dog comes in.

The dog setup

The venue is pet-friendly in its outdoor alfresco dining area, with hosts described as relaxed about well-behaved dogs, but the intimate indoor room is people-only. Because the alfresco space is smaller than a typical beer garden, flag that you are bringing a dog when you book and ask for an outside table so you are not turned around on the night.

The vibe

European-style dining on a creek: moules mariniere, salmon tartare, Belgian fries and chocolate mousse to finish, served in a small room by owners who know the menu. It suits dogs that will lie quietly under a table through a slow dinner rather than puppies who need to burn energy first. Doors open from 5pm Thursday to Saturday and from 2pm on Sunday; the kitchen is dark Monday to Wednesday.

Max: A creek-side table, a bowl of mussels, and the smell of waffle batter drifting past. Pace yourself, it is a two-hour kind of dinner.

Getting there and parking

There is private on-site parking for patrons off Duringan Street. If you would rather not drive, buses 767 and 768 stop at Duringan Street near Fielding Street, a short walk away.

While you're out there

The Currumbin Creek foreshore runs right past the door for an on-leash after-dinner stroll, and Atkin Park dog park at Tugun is a few minutes south if you want the dog tired out before you sit down. The Palm Beach dog off-leash beach covers the sand side of the creek, and on the food front Cafe by the Bridge and Dune Cafe handle the dog-friendly breakfast shift nearby.

For more dog-friendly dining, see restaurants in QLD, or plan around Currumbin.