10 Dog-Friendly Date Spots In The Shire
Looking For A Doggo-Obsessed Partner? The Puppi Lovers App Is Here To Help
Next Door, Cronulla
There’s one question that simply must be asked before meeting up with a potential flame and the genius Puppi Lovers app is doing away with the whole awkward debacle. You’ll never again have to find out halfway through an engaging convo that your date isn’t all that keen on dogs. Yep, this is a dating app for the exclusive use of dog lovers and in the words of Lizzo - it’s about damn time!
The legends at Puppi Lovers wholeheartedly acknowledge that finding the right partner means finding someone who will love your doggo like their own. That’s why their app is for verified dog owners only (and not just those borrowing the neighbour's pooch for a bit of street cred!). With Puppi Lovers, your dog even has their own profile to ensure the four of you are a match made in heaven.
You can download the app here and choose from multiple membership plans ranging from their free trial through to the full monty (aka the premium 6-month membership) that allows you to make unlimited matches and send unlimited messages. Super easy!
And to get you started? We’ve rounded up our fave doggy dates in The Shire. So, download the app, upload your profiles and get out there…
Next Door
Whether you’re feeling an early morning coffee and a stroll along The Esplanade or a cocktail and long lunch, Next Door are more than happy to hook you up. We recommend a late afternoon booking on a Friday or Saturday night so you can enjoy a drink and a few tasty share plates as the sun goes down. Next Door offer ample outdoor seating with an undercover alfresco area too!
Shop 2, 4-6 Kingsway, Cronulla
Cony's
If you’re looking to keep things casual, a cocktail at Cony’s is a guaranteed good time. Margaritas are their specialty so you’ve got five snazzy options to choose from, alongside lighter bites (their guac is second to none) and more hefty portions if you’re feeling it.
13 Surf Lane, Cronulla
Queen Margherita Of Savoy
Pizza is a guaranteed fave for date night and Queen Margherita of Savoy is the elite option. You’ll need to request an outdoor table as seating is limited. Expect authentic wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, delicious deli bites and a selection of gelato.
9/2-8 Surf Road, Cronulla
Bangkok Bites
Bangkok Bites was made for balmy evenings and outdoor date nights. Serving up delish Thai street food, this Cronulla fave has a relaxed atmosphere perfect for a first date. They also have an incredible takeaway menu so if you fancy strolling down towards the beach and indulging in your noms picnic-style, you’ll be sorted.
G5/30 Kingsway, Cronulla
Jack Gray
Cafe by day, wine bar by night (Fridays and Saturdays), Jack Gray’s thoughtful menu and impeccable interiors are guaranteed to leave a lush first impression. A top-notch brew and quality cafe faves can be expected during the day whilst warm marinated olives, share plates and a deliciously relaxed ambience will provide an idyllic backdrop by night. Be sure to request an outdoor table!
110 Grays Point Road, Grays Point
Zimzala
Smack bang on South Cronulla beach and The Esplanade, Zimzala is the perfect place for a doggo date. There’s plenty of doggo-watching to be done (ideal for keeping that convo flowing) and the food is always spot on. These guys are open from breaky through to dinner. Top tip: If the date is going well, we recommend taking a post-feed stroll along the rock pools just past The Point.
The Esplanade, Cronulla
O'Nikki
This sun-drenched cafe’s twist on brunch is a welcome addition to The Shire’s foodie scene. Mediterranean-inspired bites meet Aussie cafe faves in a match made in heaven - just like you and your doggo-loving date. There’s plenty of outdoor seating out front so there’s no need to book ahead. Read more here.
174 Paraweena Road, Miranda
Laneway Cafe
If you’re looking for delish cafe fare and a relaxed atmosphere we recommend The Laneway. This fully-licensed cafe boasts a lovely courtyard that makes for the perfect place to connect (and it even backs onto a park if the doggos get rambunctious!). If you’re not a morning person, make use of their courtyard sessions on a Sunday from 3:00pm (Sunday Sessions run in warmer months only and are weather depending).
487A Port Hacking Road, Caringbah
Woronora Boatshed
A local institution, The Boatshed has just undergone a huge refurb and is a great place to enjoy a date night on the water's edge. Serving breaky and lunch, we suggest going all out and grabbing the three-tier Boatshed Platter. There’s enough bacon to sneak a few bites to the pups! If you’re ready to take things to the next level, we recommend hiring a canoe or kayak and exploring the picturesque Woronora river. The cafe is BYO too!
131 Prince Edward Park Road, Woronora
Bangor Tavern
A dog-friendly, leafy beer garden is never a bad idea for a dating destination. You’ll find all the comforting pub classics, alongside an impeccable beverage list at Bangor Tav.
121 Yala Road, Bangor
