Cafe Bones
Cafe Bones sits inside Hawthorne Canal Reserve in Leichhardt — Sydney's original dog-focused cafe, where the seating area looks out onto an off-leash dog park. The menu includes treats and food for dogs alongside the coffee and food for humans. Long-time customers describe coming here for nearly 20 years to watch their dogs play while they have a coffee.
Dogs must be on-leash at the cafe seating area itself. The surrounding Hawthorne Canal Reserve has off-leash zones — check the reserve's signage for the specific designated areas. Poo bags are available on site. The cafe staff are well-known to regular dog-walking customers.
At a glance
Before you go
- 💧No confirmed water bowl for dogs — bring some just in case.
- 🌤No confirmed outdoor dog area — best to check before visiting.
What people say
Food is delicious and nutritious, typical Cafe style food. It’s located inside a huge dog park, so you are likely to have some furry friends to accompany you while you are eating :)
Cute old fashioned cafe in a beautiful riverside setting, which is the best part about it (also the only option nearby). Great for dog lovers, less so for coffee lovers. The latte leaves a lot to be desired and a smile would be nice with the service too
The Good: Café Bones Leichhardt is a dream for dog lovers! It’s not just a dog-friendly café—it’s a full-on pup paradise with a fantastic dog menu, from muffins to treats, plus plenty of space for off-leash fun. The staff are always friendly, and the park itself is well-maintained with poo bags readily available. The atmosphere is great, with well-behaved dogs and owners, and the canal running alongside adds to the charm (even if my pup did take an unexpected swim—thankfully, he found his way back!). The Room for Improvement: Not much to complain about here! The only slight challenge is if your dog is a little too adventurous (like mine) and takes an impromptu dip in the canal, but that’s all part of the fun, right? Would I Return? Absolutely! Whether for a coffee, a treat for the pup, or a stroll along the Bay Run, Café Bones Leichhardt is a regular go-to. The Verdict: In conclusion, if you have a dog (or just love them), Café Bones is a must-visit. Great vibes, happy pups, and a fantastic spot to relax while your furry friend enjoys some off-leash fun. 🐶☕
Cafe bone is a simple coffee place in the middle of a park where everybody leaves there. Dogs unleashed it's quite a funny experience but I have to say they serve a coffee which is good but the highlight is their toasts. Worth trying! The atmosphere is the most original thing in the world like at the center of organized chaos by dogs. The thing is that everybody's relaxed and the dogs are playful too. Because of that it's worth going, especially if you have dogs with you.
I've been visiting Cafe Bones for almost 20 years, and it still brings a smile to my face every time I walk into the park... The coffee is consistently great, the food is comforting and reliable, and the team are always friendly and welcoming. It’s one of those rare local spots that never loses its charm. A true Sydney hot spot for any animal lover.
Happy Dog Guides
View all guides How we know this
We check council regulations, official sources, and community reviews to verify dog access at every venue. Access may change — always check on-site signage. Something wrong or missing? Submit feedback. How it works.


