Posh Plonk on Main

Posh Plonk on Main is a cellar door, pizza kitchen and function space at 62 Main Street in the historic gold-rush town of Chiltern, and it carries a local reputation as one of the region's most dog-friendly tables. Dogs are welcomed in the outdoor patio and dining area, where giant Jenga and croquet are set out for a slow afternoon, so a lunch stop here easily turns into the whole afternoon.

The dog setup

The patio is the place for dogs, on a lead and settled, because this is a working dining space rather than a beer garden free-for-all. Indoor seating is not the default for dogs, so call ahead if the weather turns and you want to check whether they will make an exception. Bring your own water bowl to be safe. Staff are used to dogs and the vibe is genuinely relaxed, but a dog that will lie quietly under the table is the right fit.

Worth knowing

The draw is regional High Country produce: wood-fired pizzas, cheese and charcuterie platters, home-baked brownies, and a wine list heavy on local labels including Rutherglen durif, sparkling and muscats, with tastings available at the table. Hours shift by day, with breakfast and lunch services most days and a Friday dinner service, closed Tuesday and Wednesday, so check the current schedule before planning a long drive. It sits in a heritage Main Street building, which makes the setting part of the visit.

Getting there and parking

Chiltern is just off the Hume Freeway between Wodonga and Wangaratta, so it is an easy detour on a Melbourne-to-Albury drive. Street parking runs directly outside along Main Street, and the whole township is compact enough to explore on foot from the door.

Close by with the dogs

Lake Anderson is a short stroll off Main Street, with a flat, peaceful loop for a leashed walk before or after lunch, and Lake Anderson Caravan Park beside it is the base if you are staying over. For an overnight with more character, Willuna Sanctuary is nearby, and Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park's bushwalking tracks suit more active dogs.

More options are on the Victoria wineries guide and the Chiltern destination page.