Gypsy Burger

Gypsy Burger is a family-run burger shop in the Baines Crescent pocket behind the Surf Coast Highway in Torquay, and the beef comes from the family's own farm. The menu covers angus burgers, southern fried chicken, a cauliflower burger for vegetarians, loaded fries and wings, and live acoustic music runs on weekends. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor courtyard, so it works as a relaxed weekend dinner with the dog alongside.

The dog setup

The courtyard is the dog zone: outdoor, casual and social, with room to settle a leash under the table. Indoor seating follows standard Victorian rules and stays dog-free. Staff are used to dogs turning up with surf-coast regulars and are accommodating, though a busy burger kitchen will not always have a water bowl out, so bring your own.

Pepsi: get in early on a weekend evening, the courtyard fills fast once the live music starts and the best corner tables go first.

Worth knowing

This is an evening venue more than a lunch one: doors open from 4pm Thursday and Friday, with weekend lunch from midday Saturday and Sunday, and Monday to Wednesday closed. Live music lands on weekends, so the courtyard gets loud. A settled dog that is happy in a buzzy outdoor space will love it; a noise-shy dog will do better at a quieter sitting or an early weeknight.

Getting there and parking

Find it at Shed 2, 22 Baines Crescent, just off the Surf Coast Highway in the commercial strip behind the town centre. Free street parking is usually available on Baines Crescent and the surrounding business streets.

Close by with the dogs

Torquay's beaches and foreshore are a short drive back toward the coast for a walk before or after dinner, with seasonal off-lead rules signed by the Surf Coast Shire. For other dog-friendly tables in town, Blackman's Brewery and 4 Pines X Boardriders are both close, and Badger & Brown's Burgerie is the other burger call in town. More are on the Victoria dog friendly restaurants guide and the Torquay destination page.

Come for a weekend dinner with the music on, arrive early, and let your dog claim a spot in the courtyard before the crowd lands.