Normal Van Main Street

Normal Van started as a food truck and now runs a permanent North American-style comfort-food kitchen at Unit 2, 115-117 Bussell Highway, on Margaret River's main strip. It has built a reputation for some of the best burgers in the South West, buttermilk fried chicken and loaded chips, and it may be the most openly dog-loving venue in town: staff run a cheerful pro-dog line and water bowls and treats are part of the deal.

The dog setup

The place to be with a dog is the outdoor alfresco and courtyard area, with casual footpath seating out the front along the highway. Indoors is compact and mostly for ordering and takeaway, so plan on sitting outside. Water bowls are usually out on the terrace, and the crew has been known to keep dog treats behind the counter, though it pays to bring backup snacks. The result is a low-stress stop where a dog at the table is the norm rather than the exception.

The vibe

The menu is handmade-from-scratch burgers on local ingredients: bacon cheeseburgers, portobello burgers for the vegetarians, buffalo chicken and a fried mac and cheese side that reviewers order by name. There is soft-serve ice cream for dessert and a short happy hour in the late afternoon. The room is casual and loud in a good way, which suits dogs that do not mind a bit of footpath action.

Hours and getting there

Per the venue's own listings, it trades Monday, Thursday and Friday from 12pm to 8pm, weekends from 9am for a brunch service through to 8pm, and closes Tuesday and Wednesday. Street parking runs along Bussell Highway with time limits to mind, and public car parks sit behind the main strip off the side streets.

While you're out there

Nearby options with the same welcome: Riversmith on the same strip does shaded outdoor breakfast tables, and Settlers Tavern takes dogs in its outdoor areas. For the off-lead side of the day, Brookfield Dog Park is the town's dedicated space and the Wadandi Track makes a long flat walk. More under Western Australia restaurants and the Margaret River guide.

Pepsi: treats on arrival and a water bowl already out is the warmest welcome a dog gets in town.