Piggyback

Piggyback is an Asian street-food restaurant at 1 Koorawatha Lane in Palmwoods, in the heart of the Sunshine Coast hinterland town. It is a walk-ins-only spot known for share plates and cocktails, and the dog-friendly beer garden is a genuine part of the offer rather than a grudging exception: the venue even runs a monthly dog photo competition on its socials for pups dining with their owners.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome in the outdoor beer garden and courtyard seating, on a lead and under control. Water bowls are typically available, though a collapsible one covers the busy sittings. Because the venue takes no bookings, arriving early on weekends is the difference between a garden table with your dog and a wait on the footpath.

The menu

The kitchen works in Asian street-food and share-plate territory: Korean fried chicken, crispy eggplant chips, sticky pork belly, pad see ew and green curry, backed by a wide cocktail and beer list. It trades 11:30am to 9pm, seven days, and the mood is casual and contemporary rather than fine dining.

Getting there and parking

Koorawatha Lane sits just off the Palmwoods main street, an easy walk from the train station side of town. On-site and street parking are available around the lane, though spaces tighten during the lunch and dinner rushes, especially Saturday evenings.

Close by with the dogs

Ricks Garage is the other big dog-friendly eatery in town if the garden is full, and the Woombye Pub a few minutes down the road is a classic country-pub stop with dogs. For morning coffee before a hinterland drive, the Kimnat Cafe in Woombye is nearby.

More options are on the Queensland dog friendly restaurants guide and the Palmwoods destination page.

Max: no bookings means turning up early beats waiting around with an impatient dog on a lead.