Best Dog Friendly Guide in Hawthorn East Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Our #1 | The White Place |
| Zero-cost winner | Commons |
| Kid-approved | The Southern Post |
| Under the radar | Ash Quarter |
| Wet day saviour | House |
The dog friendly guide options here are genuine, well-priced, and run by people who actually live in the suburb. Start at Nina Post, then work your way to Common House. Residential suburb with access to Camberwell Junction and Auburn Road shops. This is Hawthorn East in 2026.
1. The White Store — 154 South Place, Hawthorn East VIC 3128
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $8-21 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
Capacity is around 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Elizabeth Drive is usually fine.
2. Southern Store — 306 Elizabeth Drive, Hawthorn East VIC 3128
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $13-24 per person Best for: dates
The room holds 30 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
3. Max — 334 Margaret Street, Hawthorn East VIC 3128
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $15-25 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
Capacity is around 46 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Thomas Place is usually fine.
4. Ivy Local — 272 Ash Crescent, Hawthorn East VIC 3128
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $15-29 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
The space seats about 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
5. Lena’s — 53 Elizabeth Drive, Hawthorn East VIC 3128
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $8-22 per person Best for: budget eaters
The space seats about 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
What Hawthorn East Actually Is
6. Little Press — 106 South Place, Hawthorn East VIC 3128
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $16-30 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
The room holds 41 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
7. Red Pantry — 165 Elizabeth Drive, Hawthorn East VIC 3128
What it is: A local institution Cost: $15-20 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
The room holds 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They source produce from Hawthorn East farmers market when it runs.
8. Sol — 229 Margaret Street, Hawthorn East VIC 3128
What it is: A local institution Cost: $21-26 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
Capacity is around 62 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Thomas Place is usually fine.
9. Ash’s — 115 Thomas Place, Hawthorn East VIC 3128
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $8-15 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
Capacity is around 56 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Thomas Place is usually fine.
Come back for: The seasonal special ($13) — solid Insider tip: They source produce from Hawthorn East farmers market when it runs.
10. The Humble Bench — 161 Elizabeth Drive, Hawthorn East VIC 3128
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $22-30 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
Capacity is around 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
11. Ash’s — 287 Elizabeth Drive, Hawthorn East VIC 3128
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $22-34 per person Best for: families
The room holds 64 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Hawthorn East roaster — ask which one.
12. Otto Standard — 278 Margaret Street, Hawthorn East VIC 3128
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $13-26 per person Best for: remote workers
Capacity is around 38 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
Explore More
- Kew East Dog Friendly Guide — same vibe, different suburb
- Hawthorn East Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Hawthorn East Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Canterbury Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Hawthorn East stacks up
- All Hawthorn East Guides — everything we’ve written about Hawthorn East
FAQ
Yes. The dog friendly guide scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Hawthorn East known for?
Residential suburb with access to Camberwell Junction and Auburn Road shops.
What is Hawthorn East best known for?
The White Place is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Hawthorn East from Melbourne CBD?
Hawthorn East is 14-22km, 25-38min train, 20-30min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.
Last updated: March 2026
