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.
A great place to come and bring your dog. Unfortunately the service is terrible… The blonde girl with an accent just should be retrained on how to make coffee… Every time she’s made a coffee it’s been absolutely disgusting… She told me what I ordered was a cappuccino and I said no. It’s a latte. She didn’t know the difference between silky milk or frothy milk.. every time she’s been there her service is cold…. so was the coffee by the way! And for a positive the cakes are absolutely amazing. The cappuccino is fantastic and it’s a really nice environment to be around Dogs just not around counter staff.
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. 🐶☕
First time I walked past I was like damn what's this. I took some banana bread and was hooked like on drugs. Very charming vibes and not too busy, some dogs can get rude though. The Staff is also very polite.
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.