The Long Dog Café: Located in the heart of Aberdeen’s West End, The Long Dog Café is an inviting and dog-friendly spot known for its charming ambiance and hearty menu. Whether you’re looking for a cozy brunch or a quick bite, this café has something for everyone.
With a wide range of breakfast and lunch options, from paninis to freakshakes, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a relaxed meal with your furry friend by your side. The café is also popular for its generous portions, high-quality food, and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps customers coming back.
Menu Highlights:
- Breakfast/Brunch: Treat yourself to options like a Bacon Roll, Cream Cheese Bagel, or the ever-popular Mashed Avocado. Vegan options include the Ne Sausage Naan and Avo & Pesto Tomato.
- Paninis: Delicious choices such as Chorizo Melt and Ham & Cheese.
- Flatbreads & Bagels: Indulge in a Firecracker Tuna Bagel or the Italian Parma Ham Flatbread.
- Freakshakes: Experience the café’s famous freakshakes like the Unicorn, Kinder Bueno, or Salted Caramel.
- Teapigs Tea Selection & Coffee: Enjoy a rich coffee or a comforting cup of tea with your meal.
- Desserts & Specials: Try a Chocolate Brownie, Pancakes, or their decadent Milkybar dessert.
Customer Reviews:
Customers love the dog-friendly environment and the café’s cozy vibe. The menu offers a great variety, and the freakshakes are a must-try. The service is generally praised, though a few reviews note occasional delays. Despite these, the delicious food and welcoming atmosphere make it a local favorite. Highly recommended dishes include the Unicorn Freak Shake and the Halloumi Burger.
Summary:
The Long Dog Café is a delightful spot in Aberdeen perfect for brunch lovers and dog owners alike. With its tasty food, friendly staff, and charming atmosphere, it’s no wonder this café has become a beloved destination in the city. Whether you’re in the mood for a savory panini or a sweet treat, The Long Dog Café offers a memorable dining experience.
Features:
Location:
- Situated in Aberdeen’s West End.
- Address: 66 Claremont St, Aberdeen AB10 6QY, United Kingdom.
- Convenient for locals and visitors, especially dog walkers.
Ambiance:
- Cozy and inviting atmosphere.
- Thoughtful and quirky décor.
- Warm lighting and comfortable seating.
- Dog-friendly environment with indoor and outdoor seating.
Dog-Friendly Policy:
- Dogs welcome inside and at outdoor tables.
- Water bowls and treats available for dogs.
- Staff are attentive to canine guests.
Menu:
- Breakfast/Brunch Options:
- Paninis:
- Chorizo Melt, Ham and Cheese, Tuna Mayo.
- Flatbreads:
- Italian Parma Ham.
- Paninis:
- Bagels:
- Firecracker Tuna, Korean Pulled Pork.
- Freakshakes:
- Salted Caramel, Biscoff, Unicorn, Kinder Bueno, Aero, Jammie Dodger.
- Hot and Cold Beverages:
- Coffee (Latte, Americano, Espresso).
- Teapigs Tea Selection.
- Hot Chocolate (Milkybar, Oreo).
- Iced beverages (Iced Americano, Iced Latte).
- Smoothies (Pash ‘N’ Shoot, Detox Zing, Kale Kick, Melon Refresher, Berry Go Round).
- Desserts and Specials:
- Chocolate Brownie, Pancakes, Milkybar desserts.
Service:
- Friendly, welcoming, and attentive staff.
- Self-service model with clear signage.
- Quick order-taking and food delivery.
- Personalized service for both customers and their dogs.
Community Appeal:
- Popular among diverse clientele (young professionals, families, students).
- A hub for socializing and relaxing.
- Proximity to local parks makes it ideal for dog walkers.
Customer Reviews:
- Generally positive reviews highlighting food quality, portion sizes, and atmosphere.
- Popular items include the freakshakes and paninis.
- Some constructive feedback regarding busy periods and occasional food inconsistencies.
A Warm Welcome Awaits
Stepping into The Long Dog Café, you’re immediately struck by the inviting atmosphere. The décor is thoughtfully designed to create a sense of warmth and relaxation. Soft lighting, comfortable seating, and a layout that makes the most of the café’s modest size contribute to its cozy charm.
The walls are adorned with quirky artwork, adding a touch of personality to the space. This is not a generic chain café but a unique, locally-owned spot where you feel at home from the moment you walk through the door.
One of the first things you notice is how dog-friendly the café is. There’s something special about a place where you can enjoy a meal with your dog happily seated beside you. The Long Dog Café goes the extra mile to ensure that canine guests are as welcome as their human counterparts.
Water bowls are thoughtfully placed around the café, and the staff are always quick to offer a friendly pat or a treat to any visiting dogs. This attention to detail helps set the café apart from other establishments and makes it a popular choice for dog owners in Aberdeen.
The Menu: A Delightful Mix of Classic and Contemporary
The Long Dog Café’s menu is a well-curated selection of breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dessert options that cater to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re a fan of traditional comfort food or looking for something a bit more adventurous, there’s likely something on the menu that will catch your eye.
Breakfast and Brunch:
Start your day with a satisfying breakfast or brunch at The Long Dog Café. The menu offers a range of options, from the hearty Bacon Roll to the lighter Cream Cheese Bagel. For those who prefer something more modern, the Mashed Avocado on toast is a popular choice, often served with a side of poached eggs or smoked salmon.
Vegan diners are well-catered for with options like the Ne Sausage Naan, which features a flavorful vegan sausage, and the Avo & Pesto Tomato toast, a refreshing combination that’s both healthy and delicious.
The breakfast and brunch menu strikes a perfect balance between indulgence and health, ensuring that there’s something for everyone, whether you’re in the mood for a comforting classic or a trendy dish.
Paninis and Flatbreads:
For lunch, the café offers a selection of paninis and flatbreads that are perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely meal. The Chorizo Melt Panini is a standout, with its rich, smoky flavors and gooey cheese.
The Ham and Cheese Panini is a classic done right, with quality ingredients that elevate this simple dish. Tuna lovers will appreciate the Tuna Mayo Panini, which is generously filled and perfectly seasoned.
If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, the Italian Parma Ham Flatbread is a must-try, featuring savory ham, fresh greens, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Each of these options is made to order, ensuring that your meal is fresh, hot, and satisfying.
Bagels and Specialty Items:
The café’s bagels are another highlight, offering a variety of fillings that range from the spicy Firecracker Tuna to the sweet and tangy Korean Pulled Pork. These bagels are perfect for those who want a hearty, handheld meal that’s easy to eat on the go or enjoy at a leisurely pace in the café.
In addition to the regular menu items, The Long Dog Café often features specials that showcase seasonal ingredients or creative twists on classic dishes. These specials keep the menu fresh and exciting, encouraging repeat visits and offering something new to discover each time.
Freakshakes: The Café’s Signature Treats
No visit to The Long Dog Café is complete without trying one of their famous freakshakes. These over-the-top milkshakes are a feast for the eyes and the taste buds, with towering layers of ice cream, toppings, and sauces that make them a dessert experience like no other.
The Salted Caramel Freakshake is a crowd favorite, offering the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. The Biscoff Freakshake is another popular choice, with its rich, spiced cookie flavor and generous dollops of whipped cream.
For those who love a bit of whimsy, the Unicorn Freakshake is a must-try, with its vibrant colors and playful presentation. Other options include the Kinder Bueno, Aero, and Jammie Dodger freakshakes, each offering a unique flavor profile that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Hot and Cold Beverages:
To complement your meal, The Long Dog Café offers a variety of hot and cold beverages. Coffee lovers can choose from classics like the Latte, Americano, or Espresso, while tea drinkers will appreciate the Teapigs Tea Selection, which includes a range of flavors from traditional English Breakfast to herbal and fruit infusions.
On warmer days, the iced coffee options, including Iced Americano and Iced Latte, are refreshing and perfectly brewed. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more indulgent, the café also offers a range of hot chocolates, including the decadent Milkybar and Oreo options.
For a healthy twist, try one of the café’s smoothies, like the Pash ‘N’ Shoot, Detox Zing, Kale Kick, Melon Refresher, or Berry Go Round, each packed with fresh fruit and nutrients.
Service with a Smile
One of the defining features of The Long Dog Café is the friendly and attentive service. The staff are known for their warm demeanor and genuine enthusiasm for their work. Whether you’re a regular visitor or a first-time guest, you’re made to feel welcome from the moment you step inside.
The café operates with a self-service model, where guests order at the counter before finding a seat. This system is clearly communicated with signs and menus placed around the café, but the staff are always on hand to assist if there’s any confusion.
Despite the café’s popularity and sometimes limited seating, the staff manage to maintain a relaxed and efficient service. Orders are taken quickly, and food is delivered to your table with minimal wait time. The staff are also attentive to the needs of their canine guests, often bringing over water bowls or offering treats without needing to be asked.
This level of service contributes significantly to the café’s welcoming atmosphere and is one of the reasons why so many customers return time and again.
A Place for the Whole Community
The Long Dog Café is more than just a place to grab a bite to eat; it’s a community hub where people come together to relax, socialize, and enjoy good food. The café’s dog-friendly policy is a big part of this, attracting a diverse clientele, including young professionals and families to retirees and students.
The atmosphere is always lively, with the sound of conversation and the occasional bark from a happy dog adding to the charm. The café’s location in Aberdeen’s West End makes it a convenient stop for locals and visitors.
Whether you’re taking a break from shopping, meeting friends for brunch, or simply looking for a cozy coffee spot, The Long Dog Café is an ideal choice. Its proximity to local parks also makes it a popular destination for dog walkers, who appreciate having a place to rest and refuel after a stroll with their pets.
What Customers Are Saying
Customer reviews of The Long Dog Café are overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the quality of the food, the generous portion sizes, and the friendly service. The freakshakes, in particular, are frequently mentioned as a highlight, with their Instagram-worthy presentation and indulgent flavors.
The café’s dog-friendly policy is another major draw, with many customers noting how much they appreciate being able to bring their pets along for the experience.
However, no café is perfect, and The Long Dog Café has received some constructive feedback as well. A few customers have noted that the café can get quite busy, especially during peak times, leading to a bit of a wait for seating or service.
Others have mentioned that while the food is generally excellent, there have been occasional inconsistencies in the presentation or quality of certain dishes. Despite these minor issues, the overall consensus is that The Long Dog Café offers a delightful experience that’s well worth a visit.
Final Thoughts
The Long Dog Café is a true gem in Aberdeen’s West End, offering a unique combination of great food, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere. Its dog-friendly policy and creative menu make it stand out from the crowd, while its commitment to quality and community ensures that it remains a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast, a quick lunch, or an indulgent dessert, The Long Dog Café has something to satisfy your cravings. And with its warm, inviting ambiance and attentive staff, it’s a place where you can relax, unwind, and enjoy the simple pleasures of good food and good company.
