Oak and Iron Tavern

Oak and Iron Tavern sits within the historic Auchendarroch House at 17 Adelaide Road, Mount Barker, a family-friendly tavern serving steaks and Adelaide Hills beers and wines in a restored 19th century homestead. Dogs join you at the outdoor seating set among the grounds.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating attached to the venue; the historic interior, gaming room and lounge stay people only. Staff look after outdoor diners and will often bring a water bowl out, though packing your own is the safe move. The garden setting means your dog has a bit more room than a footpath table, but keep them leashed and settled.

On the plate

The kitchen leans on local South Australian produce, with steaks a staple alongside schnitzels, salt and pepper squid and a creme brulee finish, poured with Adelaide Hills beers and wines. A fireplace warms the interior in the Hills winter. The tavern trades seven days, from 10am until late, covering lunch and dinner.

Getting there and parking

The street address is 17 Adelaide Road, but the dedicated car park is entered off Dumas Street and it is easy to miss the first time. Free off-street parking puts you a short walk from the outdoor tables.

Close by with the dogs

For an off-leash run before lunch, Barka Park fenced dog park is the council's dedicated fully fenced park with bag dispensers, and The Glebe at Littlehampton offers a big open off-leash space about ten minutes up the road. Elsewhere in town council rules keep dogs on a leash of two metres or less. If the day starts with coffee, the Gawler Street Cafe on the main strip is a dog-friendly option. More on the Mount Barker guide.