About Dog With Two Tails Cafe & Bar
Dog with Two Tails was a small, creative-bohemian café/bar at 25 Moray Place in central Dunedin (www.eventfinda.co.nz ). It was housed in the historic Oxford Buildings (the old Temperance Hall dating from 1874) and had only about 110 m² of open-floor space (www.trademe.co.nz ) (builtindunedin.com ). During the day it functioned as a quirky café with hearty brunches and specialty coffees, and by night it turned into an intimate live music venue with a micro-stage and bar. Owners prided themselves on a fun, friendly atmosphere – for example, they even hid dozens of small Lego figurines around the bar for patrons to find. Unfortunately, by early 2023 Dog with Two Tails was struggling financially and facing noise complaints, and it was announced that the venue would “close its doors for good” at the end of March 2023 (www.odt.co.nz ). (In mid-2023 the space was taken over by a new venue, so Dog with Two Tails is no longer open.)
Events and Programming
When it was running, Dog with Two Tails hosted a wide variety of events almost every week. Typical programming included live band shows (from local alt-rock, folk and singer-songwriter acts to touring indie groups), open-mic acoustic nights, poetry readings and quiz evenings. Comedy was a major focus: the venue regularly participated in Dunedin’s “Barking Mad” stand-up comedy festival, with comedy shows each year held there (www.odt.co.nz ) (www.eventfinda.co.nz ). Other recurring events might include burlesque or dance showcases and thematic quiz or poetry jams. Many nights were all-ages and featured minimal ticket prices; one-time events (like farewell concerts) typically ranged from about NZ$10 to $20. Most shows were general-admission – locals often grabbed front-row spots or crowd-standing areas for the intimate vibe. (Notably, Dog with Two Tails never charged performers to play – it was known for supporting emerging musicians at little to no cost (www.odt.co.nz ).)
Tickets and Booking
Because Dog with Two Tails was a small independent venue, it did not have a formal box office. For ticketed events, customers usually purchased online through a promoter’s website or locally-run ticket outlet, or else paid at the door on the night of the show. Some events posted tickets on community platforms like Eventfinda (the old venue page listed dozens of past events) (www.eventfinda.co.nz ). In practice, many shows were pay-at-door for door-price entry, especially open-mic and informal nights. As a guide, full-band concerts or special events typically cost around NZ$15–20, while spoken-word and comedy shows often charged less or even allowed pay-what-you-want. (Smaller trivia or poetry nights were often free.) Because the venue regularly sold out for popular acts, it was smart to arrive early or reserve if needed. Note: Dog with Two Tails closed in 2023, so no tickets are currently on sale for this venue.
Seating and Layout
The layout of Dog with Two Tails was cosy and informal. It was a single open room of roughly 110 sqm (www.trademe.co.nz ), with the bar counter along one wall and a small raised stage at the opposite end. The floor was mostly open-space, so many patrons stood during shows; a few high tables or bar stools lined the sides. Seating (table/chairs) was limited, so anyone wanting a seat usually had to arrive early and claim one of the stools or chairs near the back wall. From any place on the floor you could see the stage, but the best vantage was directly in front of it. For general admission shows, people often clustered near the stage or at the front of the crowd. During acoustic or spoken-word events, some folded chairs might be set up. Unlike a theatre, there was no separate balcony or VIP section – it was an intimate all-in-one space. Sound in the venue was surprisingly clear once the performance space (called “Bark!”) was soundproofed for local noise complaints (www.odt.co.nz ). As with any small bar venue, the front-middle area was ideal for the best view and acoustics, while the bar side offered stools and a quieter vantage point.
Getting There and Parking
The former Dog with Two Tails was located at 25 Moray Place, Dunedin Central (www.eventfinda.co.nz ). This is just off the eastern edge of the Octagon, within easy walking distance of the city core. For car drivers, on-street metered parking is available on nearby streets (Moray Place, Princes St) with typical time-limits (often 2 hours plus paid rates). The nearest public garage is Wilson Parking’s Upper Moray Place lot at 54 Moray Place (two blocks northeast), which offers casual parking from about $2 per half-hour (www.wilsonparking.co.nz ). Additionally, the Moray Place First Church parking building provides all-day parking just around the corner. Note that parking gets very busy on weekends, so arrive early or allow extra time for finding a spot.
Public transit is also convenient: Dunedin’s main bus hub at the Octagon is just one block away. Many city bus routes stop on Moray Place or nearby streets—route maps for Dunedin buses (“MyWay” service) cover the Octagon stops. If you’re coming by taxi or rideshare, Moray Place has a nearby taxi stand and Uber/Zoomy drop-off points near the Octagon. Walking from central Dunedin landmarks is easy: it’s only a few minutes on foot from popular areas like the Octagon or the Dunedin Railway Station.
Inside the Venue
Stepping inside Dog with Two Tails, you’d find a relaxed cafe/bar atmosphere. During daytime hours it served coffee, brunch and light fare – the menu famously included items like toasted muesli, French toast and egg dishes (lunchtime.co.nz ) (lunchtime.co.nz ). Once evening fell, the kitchen switched to a bar menu with hearty options: examples included an Angus beef burger, seafood chowder, daily fish specials and salads (lunchtime.co.nz ). Local craft beers, signature cocktails and wine were available at the bar counter. The vibe was casual and artsy (no strict dress code – think jeans or Kiwi-casual). Security at the door was typically light to moderate; patrons were sometimes ID-checked if the event was late-night and 18+ due to alcohol service. Inside you could spot creative decor and musicians’ flyers on the walls. The venue was not large, so there was no formal coat check; people typically hung coats on wall hooks or held them. A simple restroom was available at the rear. Some free Wi-Fi was offered for cafe customers. Overall it felt like a friendly neighbourhood hangout: expect a mix of coffee-drinking daytime customers and lively gig-goers by night.
Nearby Amenities
Even though Dog with Two Tails itself is now closed, its location offered many conveniences. Within a block of 25 Moray Place you’ll find restaurants, bars and shops. Right across the street is The Courthouse pub (Moray Place/Princes Street corner), and a short walk leads to the Octagon area which has dozens of eateries and cafés. Nearby dining options include casual pubs, pizza and Asian restaurants on Moray/Princes/Millennium Way. For example, one block north on Princes Street is the Good Earth curry lounge, and around the corner on George Street are popular brunch and coffee spots. Within two blocks there are multiple fast-food outlets and takeaway spots if you need a quick bite. For pre- or post-show drinks, the area is known for craft beer pubs (such as Speight’s Ale House and Good George on nearby Stuart Street) and wine bars. Accommodation is also close by: the Scenic Hotel Dunedin City sits on Moray Place just around the corner, and several chain and boutique hotels (like the Historic Dunedin Inn and the Mercure on The Octagon) are within easy walking distance. Late-night options are plenty, and taxis/Uber pickups are common in the neighborhood until the early morning.
What Makes This Venue Special
Aside from its quirky name, Dog with Two Tails became a beloved part of Dunedin’s cultural scene for a few key reasons. It was one of the last independent live‐music cafés in a city once famous for alternative music. The intimate size made it easy for audiences to connect with performers – staff and artists often mingled with the crowd. The venue had a “DIY” community feel, regularly giving free stage time to emerging artists and hosting creative nights (from poetry slams to indie fashion shows). Its location in a heritage building brought historic character: in fact, the area’s old Temperance Hall (built 1874) once accommodated 750 people (builtindunedin.com ). During shutdowns, the owner even used lockdown periods to renovate and improve the space (www.odt.co.nz ). Its eclectic decor (for example, puzzles and hidden toys around the bar) and ever-changing events schedule gave it a unique charm. Unfortunately the wooden structure also faced noise‐sensitivity issues – staff soundproofed the back performance room (called “Bark!”) after neighbours complained (www.odt.co.nz ). When the venue closed in 2023, many fans noted that a distinctive piece of Dunedin’s grassroots music scene would be missed.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The building is historic, so accessibility is limited. There is typically one small step up at the entrance and no elevator. Wheelchairs have difficulty entering through the front door. Inside, the space is narrow and there are no accessible restrooms. If accessibility is a concern, you may wish to contact any reopened venue staff in advance (now at Rewind) to discuss accommodations.
What to bring: Plan on carrying your own ID (18+ for drinks), cash or card (both were accepted for food/drink). On event nights the place could get loud, so earplugs are handy if you’re sensitive to volume. Dress was always casual – nothing fancy needed. Since seating was very limited, arrive early if you want a seat or front-row spot. Check local listings (the old Dog with Two Tails website or its social media) for show times; events often began at 7–8pm, with doors a bit earlier. Coat/bag storage was just wall hooks, so bring a smaller bag if possible. Photography with phone cameras was allowed but large professional cameras might be discouraged during shows.
Common mistakes to avoid: Don’t assume the venue is still open under the old name – it closed in 2023. If attending an event, double-check whether the show has moved to the new Rewind bar instead. Remember that it was a small counter-service bar: tipping the bartender or buying a round for the band were appreciated gestures. Also be mindful of the downstairs café hours: some late-evening events paused food service, so plan to get your meal before the performance or bring snacks. In short, think of it as a relaxed cafe/pub experience rather than a big theatre: behave like a respectful cafe customer until the band starts.
Is Dog with Two Tails Cafe & Bar still open?
No. The Dog with Two Tails venue closed permanently in March 2023 (www.odt.co.nz ). It was reported that the owners could not sell the business, so the club ended its run at that time. After the closure, a new bar/venue called Rewind opened in the same space, but “Dog with Two Tails” itself no longer operates.
What kinds of events were held at Dog with Two Tails?
Dog with Two Tails hosted a remarkably diverse lineup. You would find indie bands (folk, rock, singer-songwriters), open-mic nights, poetry slams and art readings, as well as trivia and movie nights. Comedy was especially common – the venue was a key location for Dunedin’s “Barking Mad” comedy festival each year (www.odt.co.nz ) (www.eventfinda.co.nz ). Typical shows were low-cost and community-focused, ranging from casual acoustic gigs to lively stand-up nights. It also took part in fringe and cultural festivals, showcasing local creative talent.
Where was Dog with Two Tails located?
It was at 25 Moray Place in Dunedin’s city centre (www.eventfinda.co.nz ). This is on the eastern side of the Octagon area. Moray Place runs around the Octagon, and 25 Moray Place was a short one- or two-minute walk from the Octagon square itself. The venue sat in the historic Oxford Building at that address. (Be aware that this location is now the Rewind bar.)
How many people could the venue hold?
The space was small and intimate. It had roughly 110 m² of floor area (www.trademe.co.nz ), which translated to on the order of a few dozen seated guests (and up to around 80–100 standing when very full). There were a few high-top tables and stools, but most of the audience stood or sat on low chairs. By modern venue standards, it was modest in capacity – only enough for an intimate crowd rather than a big concert. (This small size was part of its charm, but it meant shows often sold out quickly.)
What is “Bark!” in relation to Dog with Two Tails?
“Bark!” was the name given to an adjoining performance room next to the main bar/café. In mid- to late-2020, Dog with Two Tails expanded into the space next door and called it “Bark!” (www.odt.co.nz ). Bark! was a larger soundproofed music space used for concerts, comedy marathons and late-night dance parties. Many of the live events (especially rock or DJ events) took place in Bark!, while the original room handled the bar and quieter gigs. Over time, Bark! was fully soundproofed to address noise complaints (www.odt.co.nz ), but it was essentially part of the same venue complex.
How can I get tickets for shows at Dog with Two Tails?
When the venue was operating, tickets (if needed) were sold through promoters or online portals, and often at the door itself. There was no official box office on site – many smaller shows were pay-at-door, while larger or festival events were advertised on ticketing sites or at local outlets. The old Eventfinda page for the venue shows that events listed tickets on that platform, which is how many locals bought them (www.eventfinda.co.nz ). Today, since Dog with Two Tails has closed, no tickets are available under that name. If an event is using the space, it’s now booked through Rewind or other promoters.
Is seating general admission or reserved at this venue?
Most events at Dog with Two Tails were general admission. There were no reserved seating sections. For concerts and comedy shows, patrons simply came in and chose their own spot. Some vintage or early-arrival customers could grab a stool or table near the bar, but during busy shows nearly everyone stood in the open floor. In short, plan on communal seating: first-come, first-served for any chairs, and otherwise standing room only.
What are the parking options and rates near Dog with Two Tails?
Street parking is available around Moray Place and nearby Princes Street, but many spots are metered or time-limited. The closest public carpark is Wilson Parking’s Upper Moray Place (at 54 Moray Place), about two blocks northeast. It’s open daily and charges a modest rate (roughly NZ$2 per half-hour) (www.wilsonparking.co.nz ). Another option is the First Church car park on Moray Place, just around the corner. Outside of paid parking, Dunedin has some free 2hr spots on council streets, but they fill up quickly on evenings. If you drive, arriving at least 30 min early can help you find a good parking spot.
How do I reach 25 Moray Place by public transport?
Dunedin’s central bus network serves the Octagon area, which is a 1–2 minute walk north of Moray Place. Many city bus routes stop on George, Princes or Great King streets (all adjacent), so you can get off near the Dunedin Public Library or First Church and walk a block or two down Moray Place. If you come by train or bus from outside the city, the easiest feed is to disembark at the Dunedin city terminal or Octagon, then walk east. Taxis and rideshare (Uber/Zoomy) also drop off right on Moray Place in front of the venue.
Was Dog with Two Tails wheelchair accessible?
Dog with Two Tails was in an older building, so accessibility was very limited. There was typically one small step at the front entrance and no ramp. Inside, the pathways were narrow and there were stairs or a step to reach the small back stage area. The restrooms were not upgraded for accessibility. In practice, a wheelchair user would have difficulty entering and moving freely in the venue. (If attending future events in the same space, it’s best to check with the current management – now Rewind – about any accommodations.)
What food and drinks were offered inside Dog with Two Tails?
The venue doubled as a café and tavern, so it had a full food menu and bar. By day it served brunch-style fare – for example, yoghurt muesli and French toast with berries (lunchtime.co.nz ). Evenings brought heartier dishes: an example night menu included an Angus beef burger, seafood chowder, and grilled fresh fish options (lunchtime.co.nz ). Pizza or fries were sometimes on offer too. On the drink side, a range of coffees, beers, wines and cocktails was available. Local craft beers and signature cocktails were a highlight. They accepted card or cash for all food and drink purchases.
Were there any age restrictions at Dog with Two Tails?
Most afternoon and early evening events were all-ages and open to families. However, once the evening heated up and alcohol was served after 7–8pm, the venue applied an 18+ age restriction (as required by its liquor license). ID was checked at the door for those late shows (especially on weekends or for big concerts). To be safe, assume a show may be 18+ if it’s a late-night music or comedy event. (Coffee and meals at cafe hours had no restriction.)
Is there a dress code at Dog with Two Tails?
No formal dress code – it was very casual. Most patrons wore jeans, T-shirts, or everyday wear. Some performers even played barefoot or in costume. In general, comfortable, festival or venue-friendly attire was fine. The only suggested “code” was to wear closed-toe shoes on the floor if crowds are pushing; heels were discouraged for safety. But otherwise, come as you are – many people dressed very casually for gigs there.
Can I bring my own food or drinks to the venue?
No. Outside food or drink was not allowed. Dog with Two Tails served its own menu of food and beverages, and the owners asked that guests purchase from the bar. This is standard practice for bars and restaurants – you get a better experience (and support the venue) by buying on-site. If you have special dietary needs, it’s best to let staff know; otherwise enjoy the onsite menu. Water was usually available, but it came from their cafe service.
Was Wi-Fi available inside Dog with Two Tails?
Free Wi-Fi was sometimes available during daytime cafe hours. In late-night mode, however, the focus was on the live experience and the Wi-Fi either slowed or was switched off. Overall, don’t count on public Internet access during a concert. It was better to expect limited cell coverage and plan accordingly (e.g. download any maps or tickets ahead of time). Many visitors simply disconnected and enjoyed the performance.
Was there a coat check or secure storage for belongings?
No formal cloakroom. Since Dog with Two Tails was small, patrons were expected to manage their own jackets and bags. There were some wall hooks for coats near the entrance, and space by your table or chair to tuck small bags. During busy shows, patrons typically held onto coats or stacked them on stools. For security, it’s best to bring only what you need and keep valuables with you (in a front pocket or locked purse). In practice, theft was not common, but belongings were not guarded by staff.
What replaced Dog with Two Tails after it closed?
After Dog with Two Tails closed in 2023, the venue space reopened under a new name. According to local news, the former owners sold the premises and it became a bar called “Rewind” by mid-2023 (www.odt.co.nz ). Rewind is run by some of the old comedy crew and has a similar focus on live entertainment (comedy nights, bands, etc.), but it is a different management. So while you can still go to 25 Moray Place for live shows, look for Rewind rather than Dog with Two Tails.
