The Glenelg Public House

The Glenelg Public House is an upscale steakhouse and pub on the Gold Coast Highway at Mermaid Beach, and the covered beer garden out front takes dogs at the table. It runs dinner from 5pm Monday to Thursday, then from midday Friday through Sunday, so it suits a long weekend lunch as easily as a proper night out.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome in the designated outdoor dining spaces: the covered patio and beer garden that front the highway. Well behaved dogs stay leashed beside your table, and the venue is known for bringing out a bowl of water without being asked. Because it is a sit down restaurant rather than a walk-up counter, it works best with a dog that settles for the length of a full meal. The cover helps in both summer sun and a passing shower.

The vibe

Inside it is moody and polished: dark wood, leather booths and a serious drinks cabinet, with a curated wine list, top shelf whiskey and signature cocktails. The kitchen is all about premium Australian beef, with cuts like a 1kg grain fed Angus T-bone and an 800g rib eye on the bone shown on the chef's board before they hit the grill. Sides such as the Paris mash have a following of their own, and starters run from beef tartare to local seafood.

Getting there and parking

The address is 9/2460 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach, in the middle of the dining strip. There is on-site parking around the complex plus street parking on the side streets, though a spot out front gets tight on Friday and Saturday nights, so leave a few minutes to circle. Buses run along the highway if you would rather walk in from further afield.

Close by with the dogs

Mermaid Beach and the coastal pathway are a short walk east, handy for tiring a dog out before you sit down. For daytime options on the same strip, Flipside Cafe & Cocktail Garden and Chut & Co both take dogs, and the rest of the suburb's dog friendly listings are gathered on the Mermaid Beach guide.

Max: book the garden, not the dining room. A tired dog is a good dinner guest, so hit the beach path first and settle them under the table before the steaks land.

Reserve ahead for weekends, especially for the outdoor tables, and aim for an early sitting if your dog is still learning restaurant manners. It is a strong pick for owners who want a real steakhouse meal without leaving the dog at home.