Thai Eatery Mawson

Thai Eatery Mawson is a family-run Thai restaurant in the Mawson shopping centre in Canberra's south, with a solid local following for proper Thai cooking at reasonable prices. Dogs are welcome at the outdoor seating outside the restaurant, which makes it a practical dinner option in a part of Canberra where dog-friendly dining is thin on the ground.

The dog setup

Dogs sit in the outdoor and footpath seating area only; indoors is off limits. Bring your own water bowl, since dedicated pet amenities are limited, and keep your dog leashed and close to the table so the footpath stays clear for other diners and staff. A calm dog suits this setup best because the seating area is compact.

The vibe

The menu runs deep on the classics done well: pad see ew, penang curry, chilli basil stir-fries, tom yum kung, curry puffs and grilled meats, with the spice dial actually adjustable if you ask. It has the warm, unpolished feel of a genuine family operation rather than a chain. Trading hours have varied recently, so check their Facebook page before you head out, and mention you are bringing a dog when you book so an outdoor table is held.

Getting there and parking

The Mawson shopping centre sits off Beasley Street in the Woden Valley's south, with ample free parking in the centre car park and flat, easy access from the bays to the restaurant door, which matters when your dog is older or the temperature is up.

Close by with the dogs

The residential streets around the shops suit a short lead walk before or after dinner. For coffee with the dog in the same centre, Lil Milkbar welcomes dogs at its outdoor tables, and Grain de Cafe is in the suburb too. Over in Phillip, The Pour House Espresso is another dog-friendly stop in the Woden area.

Pepsi: Curry puffs and pad see ew with the dog under a footpath table. Simple, honest Canberra dinner.