La Hacienda 101 Mexican Cantina

La Hacienda 101 is a Mexican cantina at Shop 1, 16 Market Street in central Woolgoolga, and it goes further than most for dogs: the outdoor patio runs as a dedicated dog-friendly lounge, with staff setting out water bowls and dog beds so pets can settle in properly. The draw is authentic tacos and a strong tequila and margarita list, about 25 minutes north of Coffs Harbour.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio, which the venue operates as a proper doggie lounge rather than a bare footpath strip. Water bowls and comfortable dog beds are provided, and reviewers regularly call out how easily dogs settle in. Dogs stay on lead and need to be calm around other diners; the indoor room is people-only apart from certified service dogs. Arrive with a settled dog and this is one of the easiest patio meals on the Coffs Coast.

Worth knowing

The kitchen covers authentic tacos, prawn puff tacos, chiles en nogada and vegan options, plus a notable tequila and margarita list with happy hour specials from around 4pm. Doors open at 4pm on operating days: Monday, Wednesday and Sunday until about 7:30pm, Thursday to Saturday until 8pm, closed Tuesdays. It is popular and family-friendly, so the patio fills at peak times.

Getting there and parking

The address is 16 Market Street, Shop 1, central in town near the beach end. Free off-street parking plus street parking on Market Street cover a visit, and the whole town centre is walkable from the car.

Close by with the dogs

For a proper off-lead run, Woolgoolga Back Beach south of the headland is the council's 24-hour off-leash beach, though check signage during Little Tern breeding season when sections revert to on-lead. For another table, Bluebottles Brasserie on Beach Street welcomes dogs outdoors, and Riviera Cafe is a coffee stop with front seating for dogs.

More options are on the New South Wales dog friendly restaurants guide and the Woolgoolga destination page.

Pepsi: dog beds on the patio, water bowls out, and tacos while the sun drops. Go early evening for the quiet version.