BearBrass

BearBrass is a casual all-day bar and eatery on the mid-level of the Southgate complex, with outdoor tables looking straight down the Yarra River toward the city skyline. Dogs are welcome at those river-facing tables, which makes it one of the easier Southbank meals to plan around a dog: book alfresco, settle in, and the promenade is at your feet.

The dog setup

Dogs join you in the outdoor seating on the walkway side, where the river-facing tables are, and they should stay on a lead throughout. The indoor dining room is for humans only, so always request an alfresco table and mention the dog when you book, because outdoor seats fill up fast in good weather. Staff are generally happy to bring out a water bowl, but packing your own is never a bad idea.

The vibe

The kitchen covers the crowd-pleasing end of things: burgers, fish and chips, wood-fired pizzas, paella, calamari and chicken schnitzel, with weekend breakfast through to dinner service. It runs from 11am to 10pm most weekdays and from 9am on weekends, with later finishes Friday and Saturday. Expect a lively, social room; the alfresco tables catch the river breeze and the people-watching is constant.

Getting there and parking

The address is GR3A/3 Southgate Avenue, reached easily on foot along the Yarra promenade or across Princes Bridge from Flinders Street Station. Paid parking is available within the Southgate complex, with limited paid street parking nearby. If you are coming by train, the walk across the bridge doubles as a short leg-stretch for the dog.

Close by with the dogs

The Yarra River path runs right past the door, so a walk before or after is automatic: the Yarra River Short City Loop starts within reach and the river route toward Chapel Street extends it. For a run off the lead, the Southbank Small Dog Park and Moray Street Reserve Fenced Dog Park are both close, and The General Assembly across the river in South Wharf is another outdoor-friendly fallback.

Check the BearBrass website for menus and current hours, and book a river-facing outdoor table when bringing your dog.