Jimmy D's Grill & Bar

Jimmy D's Grill & Bar is the restaurant attached to the Alara Motor Inn at 52 Nebo Road, West Mackay, and it is a straightforward dinner option if you are travelling with a dog. The dining room runs an alfresco verandah over the pool and tropical gardens, and dogs are welcome at those outdoor tables while the indoors stays humans-only. It suits an early dinner on Nebo Road rather than a long evening sit-down.

The dog setup

Dogs on lead are permitted in the outdoor dining and verandah areas, which look over the pool and gardens rather than straight onto the road. Because the restaurant is tied to the motor inn, which keeps pet-friendly rooms for small and medium dogs by prior arrangement, the staff are used to guests arriving with animals. Water bowls are not guaranteed, so pack a travel bowl for the table.

The vibe

The kitchen is built around hearty plates: rump steak with pepper sauce, caesar salad, garlic bread and generous portions are what regulars call out, with a cocktail list alongside. Service is dinner-shaped, running from 5:30pm to 8pm Monday through Saturday, and closed Sundays, so plan the visit early in the evening. Reviewers consistently mention the friendly, unhurried staff.

Getting there and parking

The address is 52 Nebo Road, on the main arterial through West Mackay, with free off-street parking in front of the Alara Motor Inn, so you can walk the dog from the car straight to a verandah table. Evening trade can be limited some nights, so it is worth confirming hours on the Jimmy D's dining page before you set out.

Close by with the dogs

The Botanic Gardens Cafe inside the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens on Lagoon Street welcomes dogs at its outdoor tables and pairs well with a garden stroll, and Woodman's Axe Espresso Bar covers the morning-coffee run in Mackay. If you are staying over, the restaurant sits beside the Alara Motor Inn, which takes dogs in some rooms. More dinner options around the state are listed under QLD restaurants.