Here's our list of where you can hang out with your pup, and get your caffeine fix. Wherever you choose to go, remember to keep your (socialised) dog on a leash and make sure to clean up after them, too.
Bedfordview
If you want to take your pup where they will be spoilt all day long, the plant-based restaurant, Kaylee's Eatery and Market in Bedfordview, is just the place. Their opening salvo is a giant mural of a pup dressed up as a superhero, followed by a carrot and peanut butter 'pupcake,' and special dog treats made with natural, plant-based ingredients. They also have outdoor areas where your furry friend can stretch their legs, and water bowls aplenty. The plant-based market is a vegan heaven, and for all the comic-book lovers out there, there is paraphernalia from nearly every fictional universe known to us, including Star Wars, Harry Potter, Marvel, and even Seinfeld. Kaylee's also regularly partners up with Woodrock Animal Rescue for 'puppy yoga,' so make sure to check out their social media so you don't miss out.
147 North Reef Road, Bedfordview.
Birdhaven
ARBOUR CAFÉ AND COURTYARD
If you're in the mood for a French-inspired experience in a pretty courtyard, Arbour Café in Birdhaven is just the place. For their human patrons, they have delights like mimosas, which are bottomless with brunch, and their famous (and healthy) gluten-free, buckwheat galettes, all made with fresh ingredients. And if you think that sounds good, wait until you see their doggy menu: it includes peanut butter dog treats, plus more substantial stuff. You might just be jealous of your furry friend.
64 St Andrew Street, Birdhaven.
GET BIRD
Get Bird in Birdhaven is a grab-and-go coffee truck located on St Andrew Street, just a few steps away from James and Ethel Gray Park (and Arbour Café). It's a great spot to get your early-morning caffeine fix after a brisk walk or jog through the park. They offer superb quality coffee from Seam Coffee roasters, fresh croissants from La Maison du Croissant, famous Kleinskys Delicatessen bagels from Cape Town, and most importantly, 'pupuccinos' and treats for your furry friends.
74 St Andrew Street, Birdhaven.
Located close to Arbour Café and Get Bird, Gourmet Grocer Café has it all: vegetarian meals, kosher dishes, gluten-free options, and, of course, tasty treats and eats for your dog. Central to their approach to hospitality is their collaboration with local suppliers, which is why they can offer the freshest ingredients. In addition to the restaurant, they also have a New York-style deli, grocery, and winery where you can buy anything from freshly baked bread to locally roasted coffee. So, if you're looking for a casual outing in a cosy atmosphere, head to Gourmet Grocer Café.
64 St Andrew Street, Birdhaven.
Blairgowrie
FRESH EARTH FOOD STORE
Fresh Earth Food Store is many things, chief amongst them being a plant-based heaven. From their café to their deli, they specialise in all things vegan and vegetarian. Some of our favourites include their large variety of date balls, vegan cheeses, and their kombucha. And for pet lovers, they're right next to Delta Park, which means, post-walk, you can enjoy an almond butter smoothie while your pup lounges on their lovely covered porch.
74 Hillcrest Avenue, Blairgowrie.
Bryanston
JACKSON'S REAL FOOD MARKET AND EATERY
Jackson's Real Food Market and Eatery in Bryanston is all about healthy, organic. By buying local and chemical-free produce, they have created jobs, save you money, and ensure that Joburgers of all ages get the nutrition they need. Whether you're looking for bowls (breakfast bowls, hot bowls, cold bowls – and dog bowls!), freshly squeezed juices, farm-fresh dairy, eggs, and vegetables, or just to spend some time with your family or your pooch in a wholesome space, this is the spot for you.
300 Bryanston Drive, Bryanston, Sandton
Craighall Park
If you need to get out of the city without actually leaving it, Delta Café & Don Quixote is the answer. Boasting delicious Bean There coffee, casual indoor and outdoor seating, and a collection of second-hand books to keep you entertained while you eat, this is an ideal brunch spot. It is also conveniently located within walking distance of Delta Park, so you can easily incorporate a walk with your dog into your adventure. This lovely café also attracts a lot of families, so please remember to keep your dog on a leash (and keep the outing to pups who can handle crowds of people and pooches).
76 Marlborough Avenue, Craighall Park.
Emmarentia
FINGERS CROSSED COFFEE SHOP
It might surprise you that there is a quaint little coffee shop right around the corner from Johannesburg Botanical Gardens and Emmarentia Dam where dogs and humans are equally welcome. With outdoor seating, bicycle racks, and specially crafted brews, this is a great place for cyclists, runners, walkers, and pets. The perfect place to relax after a morning outing to the park, have a quick snack, or enjoy brunch on a weekend morning.
3 Levubu Road, Emmarentia.
Fourways
GUILT AND CO. EATERYGuilt and Co Eatery in Fourways is a sophisticated and stylish easy-eating café open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Situated in Cedar Square, it has plenty of pet-friendly seating and readily available water bowls. It's a great spot to enjoy morning mimosas, a late lunch, or their tasty 'breakfast basket'. They also have their resident charmer and 'manager,' Tagay the Husky, on the job to make sure you and your dog get the very best service.
Cedar Square Shopping Centre, Cedar Road, Fourways.
Kramerville
CULT COFFEE CO.
Formerly known as Flynn Coffee, this trendy coffee bar is attached to the Coricraft Store in the heart of the Kramerville Design District. It has a sunny outdoor seating area where you can enjoy your coffee while your hound wolfs down a 'puppuccino'. In addition to speciality coffee, they also have plenty of freshly baked goods and gourmet sandwiches and are ideally placed if you're in the mood to explore Kramerville's many design stores.
14a Kramer Road, Kramerville.
Linden
THE ARGENTINEANThe Argentinean is all about croissants – and we are here for it! Baked fresh at their own bakery, they claim to have "South Africa's finest croissants". They also boast Lavazza coffee, a casual bistro-like atmosphere, and a covetable corner spot on Linden's popular high street. There is outside seating, so your pup is guaranteed to love this adventure. Just follow the flags and the smell of baked goods, and let your taste buds do the rest.
Cnr 4th Avenue and 7th Street, Linden.
GODDESS CAFÉ
It's pink, it's pet-friendly, it's... Goddess Café! In September 2021 this Pretoria classic opened their Joburg branch in Linden. Pretty in pink is the name of the game, with everything from the flowers and décor to the cakes and lattés taking on shades of pink. (Our favourite is the Spanish latté, made with condensed milk, espresso shots, and coloured frothed milk of your choice.) For your pet, there are abundant water bowls and a full dog's dinner menu that includes four meal options made with chicken, rice, and vegetables.
44 1st Avenue, Linden.
THE WHIPPET
The Whippet is a city-wide favourite. Given that their name was inspired by a dog breed, it's no surprise that The Whippet is popular with dog owners. Located in the Old Linden Hotel, they regard their store as a "celebration of this suburb's farming history". The Whippet believes in excellent coffee, innovative and nostalgic food, a passion for design and décor, and creating a "second home" for you and your pet. Their menu includes delights such as a macaroni cheese sandwich and an almond, chia, and strawberry French toast. For your pup, they have the obligatory 'puppucinos', 'Whippie biscuits,' and water from their gorgeous Rialheim water bowls.
34 7th Street, Linden.
YIELD COFFEE BAR
Located right next to the popular Herbert Evans art shop on Linden's charming main street, 4th Avenue, Yield Coffee Bar's standout feature is its bright and sunny plant-filled (and pet-friendly!) courtyard. The coffee is fantastic and we can also recommend their gourmet sandwiches. If you're an early riser, you'll be pleased to know Yield Coffee Bar opens early during the week and on weekends.
Linden Mews, cnr 8th Street and 4th Avenue, Linden.
Lonehill
DC COFFEE CO
DC Coffee Co is a local neighbourhood coffee shop in Lonehill that prides itself on serving good coffee and “brewing kindness” with feel-good initiatives like a 'pay it forward' wall. The quirky interior décor pieces, comfortable seating, and lots of board games make for a cosy spot to hang out for an afternoon. They really love dogs here and there's an entire special menu for them that includes "the best Jozi Doggycinos" (frothed milk with treats added) and organic dog snacks from Mimi & Munch SA.
18 Sunset Avenue, Pineslopes, Lonehill.
Melville
If you've ever wondered about the colourful eatery on the corner of Melville's high street, wonder no more: it's De Baba Eatery! Home of delicious croissants and good people, this quaint café has attracted quite a bit of attention since it first opened at the beginning of 2022. Located in one of Joburg's most interesting suburbs, owners Ansie van der Mescht and Jean Rene Onyangunga have truly created a home away from home. In a place where smiles, rainbow mugs, and baked goods of the highest quality abound, you and your pup are guaranteed to feel at home.
11 7th Street, Melville.
Muldersdrift
Green Bean Roastery is an intimate coffee roastery situated on Casalinga, an organic farm in Muldersdrift. They have a great variety of high-quality beans on offer originating from Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia. There are tables scattered outside the roastery building under the shade of towering oaks where you can sit down with your furry friend, or grab a coffee to go and roam with your dog (on a leash) around the working farm.
Rocky Ridge Road (cnr Beyers Naude Drive), Muldersdrift.
Based at the ever-popular Ground the Venue in Muldersdrift, Ground Café is a wonderful place to escape from the city. They have loads of outdoor seating in a large and well-manicured garden, and across a spacious terrace. Their coffee is made with Naked Coffee (always a favourite) and they have a variety of mouth-watering breakfast and lunch options. This is a great place to take your pet for a treat (we hear chicken livers and mince is on the menu) or a 'pupuccino', or to say hello to their very own "Ground Hounds." We recommend booking to make sure you and your furry friend get the spot you deserve. You can also take your dog on one of their hikes across the property; trails range from 3km to 9km.
19 Driefontein Road, Muldersdrift.
Norwood
LOOF COFFEEA favourite with early-morning runners and cyclists in leafy Norwood, Loof Coffee recently moved across the road. They are a boutique coffee shop that is a definite must for you and your furry friend. Their speciality coffee is excellent, especially when paired with one of their home-baked treats or something from their delicious brunch menu. After taking your pup out for an early morning run, drop by for a coffee while your pooch refreshes from one of their doggy water bowls.
Cnr Grant Avenue and Iris Rd, Norwood.
Parkhurst
4th AVENUE COFFEE ROASTERS & CAFÉ
It's a dog's life at this hip little spot, where the neighbourhood denizens drop by with their pampered mutts (who are catered for with their own doggie water bowls) for a quick espresso. Try a pastry with your shot or a delicious toastie (possibly the best in town). Tables outside offer a great vantage point to watch the street life.
FAB AND CO
Situated in the heart of the buzzing Parkhurst, Fab and Co is famous for its coffee, gelato, and wood-fired pizza. They are not scared of interesting décor (cue a bicycle hanging from the ceiling), and they love your furry friend almost as much as you do. They offer water bowls, dog treats, and fun memories for you and your pup.
35 4th Avenue, Parkhurst.
Parkview
Thanks to its proximity to Zoo Lake, Croft & Co is particularly popular with the suburb's early-morning joggers and cyclists. The delicious casual brunch and lunch menu has everything from shakshuka and home-styled crumpets to prego rolls and toasted sandwiches. Outside seating is also provided for customers with dogs. Open early, it's an ideal spot if you are a morning dog walker.
Cnr Tyrone Avenue and Ennis Road, Parkview.
Richmond
Richmond Studio Café is a charming and eclectic neighbourhood hangout in historic Richmond (neighbouring Melville). Sporting a bicycle rack, lawn, a deck, and plenty of outdoor seating, it is a great place to spend quality time with your furry friend. They also have an authentic wood-fired pizza oven that dishes out delicious pizzas daily.
14 Menton Road (cnr Park Road), Richmond.
Rivonia
ZARA'S CAFÉ
A bright and welcoming café in Rivonia with gorgeous indoor and outdoor spaces, Zara's Café has a full breakfast and lunch menu. They also serve coffee from KZN's Coastal Coffee Roasters, and are famous for their decadent cakes and baked goods. Classic favourites include the lemon cake and generously portioned custard slices. Totally pet-friendly, this is a sunny and casual space for a post-dog-walking brunch.
329 Rivonia Boulevard, Edenburg.
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