For pet owners in Melbourne’s inner-west, finding dog friendly cafes Footscray has to offer isn’t a challenge at all. This vibrant suburb boasts numerous pet friendly cafe Footscray options – from explicitly dog-welcoming hangouts to casual eateries with outdoor seating where your pup can join. (Local health regulations in Victoria require that dogs stay in outdoor dining areas at cafes), but Footscray’s establishments make it easy with ample patios and footpath tables.) Below we highlight some of the best cafes in Footscray (and West Footscray) where dogs are welcome, including addresses, menu highlights, and the special pet-friendly features each café offers.

Rudimentary, Footscray (16–20 Leeds St, Footscray)
Rudimentary is a beloved dog-friendly cafe known for its unique setting – it’s built from repurposed shipping containers and centered around a spacious garden courtyard. With plenty of outdoor seating and dog water bowls never far from reach, Rudimentary provides a relaxing oasis for owners and pups alike. They serve delicious modern Australian brunch fare (think all-day breakfast and creative lunch options) alongside quality coffee. It’s open seven days a week for breakfast and lunch, so you can enjoy a leisurely weekend brekky while your dog lounges by your feet in the shade of the garden. The laid-back atmosphere and attentive staff truly welcome dogs – making Rudimentary a must-visit when in Footscray with your furry friend.
Footscray Milking Station (35 Bunbury St, Footscray)
Housed in a refurbished historic shop near the train station, Footscray Milking Station has become a trendy cafe and a hotspot for dog owners. There’s plenty of outdoor, shaded seating – great for larger dogs or multiple-pup families – and staff ensure there’s always a water bowl available for thirsty canine customers. The cafe serves up tasty brunch and lunch 7 days a week, featuring a creative menu that might even tempt you away from Footscray’s famous dumplings in favor of pancakes or their much-loved pulled pork panini. With its convenient location a stone’s throw from Footscray Station and its genuinely pet-friendly setup, Footscray Milking Station is an ideal spot to enjoy a coffee or meal with your dog happily by your side.
Myrtle Café (45 Moreland St, Footscray)
Tucked by the riverside lawns of Footscray Community Arts precinct, Myrtle Café is a cozy oasis of coffee and comfort. This hidden gem boasts a lush, plant-filled outdoor setting and dogs are always welcome – in fact, the cafe keeps healthy treats on hand for their furry customers Owners Raj and Siva focus on family-friendly service and quality food, offering everything from all-day breakfast to burgers and fresh juices. For humans, menu highlights include signature brews and even an irresistible drink selection (they’re a licensed cafe with expertly crafted cocktails and refreshing mocktails)For the pups, water bowls and pats are plentiful. Myrtle’s combination of friendly atmosphere and dog-friendly perks makes it a delightful stop, especially if you’re strolling by the Maribyrnong River with your dog.
The Local Café (38 Moore St, Footscray)
True to its name, The Local Café is a neighborhood favorite and a great dog-friendly spot for a coffee or breakfast pit stop. They have a relaxed outdoor seating area where dogs can join you, and the staff is super friendly – not only to human guests but to the four-legged ones as well. In fact, they keep treats behind the counter for any visiting pups. This cafe is known for its excellent Padre coffee and classic brekkie dishes (from eggs and bacon rolls to pastries), perfect to fuel your morning. Uniquely, The Local opens as early as 5:00am, catering to early birds and their dogs who might be out for a morning walk. With water bowls available and a welcoming vibe, The Local Café ensures you and your dog feel right at home.
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West 48, West Footscray (48 Essex St, West Footscray)
Just a short hop from central Footscray, West 48 in West Footscray has firmly established itself as a dog-lover’s haven. Regulars flock here for the delicious brunch dishes made with local, ethically sourced produce – but equally notable is how crazy about dogs the owners are. “The more dogs the better!” they proudly say, a motto reflected in the sight of happy pooches lounging by the communal tables out front.The cafe provides plenty of sidewalk seating, with dog bowls aplenty next to the tables. West 48 even supports the local pet community by serving as an approved fundraiser for the Lost Dogs Home. Menu-wise, you can expect top-notch coffee and scrumptious all-day breakfast options (avocado smash, anyone?) as well as hearty lunch salads and sandwiches. With its warm hospitality toward canine companions, West 48 makes every dog owner feel like part of the family.
Dumbo, West Footscray (11 Argyle St, West Footscray)
Located on a leafy suburban street, Dumbo is a stylish West Footscray café that combines great design with dog-friendly sensibilities. The interior is chic and welcoming, but it’s the spacious outdoor areas that dog owners will appreciate most. There are plenty of footpath tables and a back courtyard, providing lots of room for you and your pup to relax – plus shade to keep everyone cool on warm days.
. Staff are attentive and will happily bring out a bowl of water for your dog. Dumbo’s menu features all the café classics with a creative twist, from vibrant smoothie bowls and eggs benedict to tasty lunch bowls and sandwiches, along with quality coffee to match. It’s open early seven days a week, making it an easy choice for your morning coffee run or brunch after a walk. With dogs welcome in all outdoor sections, Dumbo offers a mellow, enjoyable vibe for both two and four-legged patrons.
Conclusion: Footscray’s café scene proves that you don’t have to leave your best friend at home when grabbing your morning latte or weekend brunch. These dog friendly cafes in Footscray (and neighboring West Footscray) not only allow dogs, but truly make them feel welcome – whether through dedicated water bowls, treats, or just plenty of pats from the staff. Next time you’re in the inner-west, check out these spots where cafes dog welcome Footscray locals and their pups with open arms. You’ll enjoy great coffee and food, and your furry companion will love tagging along for the adventure. Bone appétit!
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