Dainty music tinkles in the background as Lola cuddles next to Rocky on a plush, gold banquette. While the friendly cafe ambience might be relaxing to the local dog owners who huddle around the Chihuahuas, the two pups couldn’t care less — they’re busy sniffing each other’s butt.
This is Château le Woof, a new coffee shop-plus-pet store in Astoria. Opened by local Natassa Contini, 33, the spot serves single-origin coffee and sells pet goods by day, and hosts doggy “happy hours,” from 7 to 8 o’clock on select nights.
“Coffee lovers tend to be dog lovers, so that’s how the combo kind of came about,” Contini says, as half a dozen dogs roam around her store on a recent night.
And you don’t even need your own dog to play.
For just $3, pet owners and pet lovers alike can frolic inside the chic store with the neighborhood pooches, with Contini offering toys and treats to the fuzziest attendees.
It’s quality puppy time — without the commitment.
“I want to get a dog, but I just don’t have the time or the funds at the moment,” Astoria actress Cassandra Mears, 24, says, watching Rocky and Lola frolic about the store. “I miss that companionship, so it’s nice to have dogs here to play with.”
Ken Klick, who lives nearby, brings his fluffy Pomeranian Sascha “a couple times a week . . . [I] hope he’ll get tired and sleep through the night for a change.” But in case he doesn’t, Klick can always bring some coffee home from the shop.
Château le Woof, 30-02 14th St., Queens; 718-626-9663