Whether it’s happy hour on Friday night, brunch on Sunday or a quick bite to eat anytime you and your pooch spend the day together, finding a dog-friendly restaurant that welcomes pets is a treat.
Where do dogs sit at dog-friendly restaurants?
Health codes generally limit pups to outdoor seating areas in establishments where food is prepared, but with the gorgeous weather around the corner, we’d prefer to be on the patio anyway! With thousands of dog-friendly restaurants across the country, many offering doggie menus and hosting special dog-friendly events, it take something special to stand out. Our top picks for dog-friendly restaurants not only deliver delicious fare, they make dining with your dog an unforgettable experience.
Here’s Dogster’s list of the most dog-friendly restaurants around the county (in no particular order):
1. Morristown Deli
7 Elm Street, Morristown, New Jersey
If your dog thinks she’s human, she’ll be right at home at the Morristown Deli. Every pup is provided with a bib and bowl of water upon being seated. Booster seats are available for small dogs, so they can sit at the table, and comfortable mats make the big dogs happy. If she’s not craving pastrami on rye, your dog may enjoy seasonal dog treats or doggie dessert from the menu selections.
2. Parc Restaurant, Bistro and Cafe
227 S. 18th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Located directly across the street from Philly’s famous Rittenhouse Square, where dogs and people are sure to enjoy a stroll, the sidewalk seating at Parc serves up some of the city’s most delicious people-watching. But it’s not all about the view at this chic brasserie — you’ll find all the French classics on the menu, and your pup will be treated to a homemade dog biscuit from the restaurant’s pastry department!
3. Pelican Cafe and Beach
351 SW Flagler Avenue, Stuart, Florida
On the banks of the St. Lucie River near Port St. Lucie, the Pelican Café gives you and your dog the option of a table on the deck or one right down on the beach! The Roosevelt Bridge provides a striking backdrop, and the menu includes a wide variety of casual fare, including salads, sandwiches, wraps and tacos. Dogs are provided with their own menu options and are welcome to enjoy live music on Friday and Saturday nights as well as the monthly Full Moon party. Howl away!
4. Pub Dog
2207 Bott Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Pub Dog is the first and only restaurant in the state of Colorado where you can dine inside with your dog — legally! But, with more than 300 days of sunshine a year, you’ll likely opt for a seat on the huge, south-facing patio. When it’s time to burn off those calories, visit the 3,000-square-foot dog park adjacent to the patio where guests can enjoy food and drink while their pets play off leash.
5. Terry’s Lounge at the Cypress Inn
Lincoln Street and 7th Avenue, Carmel, California
Situated in the famously dog-friendly Cypress Inn, built in 1929 and co-owned by legendary Hollywood film star Doris Day, Terry’s is as much known for its canine clientele as its classic cocktails and delightful bar menu. Dogs are welcome inside or in the garden area for breakfast, lunch and dinner and will enjoy the daily “Yappy Hour” with “muttinis” served from 4:30 to 6 p.m. If you’ve just come from a romp on Carmel’s off-leash dog beach, your pup is invited to freshen up at the doggie shower in the courtyard.
6. Yard Bar
6700 Burnet Road, Austin, Texas
Leave it to Austin to combine the best of the dog and human worlds! The kitchen at Yard Bar serves up hush puppies, burgers, salads and more for humans and sliders and ice cream for the dogs — all of which can be enjoyed on the shady patio. The bar offers a finely curated selection of craft beers from local breweries. And there is a full-on dog park! For a daily pass of $5 (monthly and annual memberships are also available), pups will find agility equipment, separate areas for large and small dogs and bark rangers monitoring the play. For the two-legged chaperones, a full bar is accessible from the dog park.
7. The Morrison Atwater Village
3179 Los Feliz Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
The Morrison offers a dog menu with three different meaty entree options served on a silver platter with a dog and water bowl. There are three grassy spread out areas, shaded and heated, for the pups to roam and snack on a treat. Definitely pup-approved!
8. Rock & Brews
Various locations
Founded by rock icons Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons of KISS, Rock & Brews offers The Dog Side of the Moon menu (complementary at Southern California locations), with meaty options for pups: grilled chicken or bacon or burger patties. Meanwhile, their humans can enjoy the large selection of craft brews and American bistro.
8. Lazy Dog Restaurants
Various locations
Pet parents can choose a hamburger patty or grilled chicken breast bowl with brown rice and veggies for their pups, while dining on the covered patio. Open for brunch, lunch and dinner, Lazy Dog’s menu is varied and sensitive to many food allergies.
What are the best dog-friendly restaurants near you? Tell us in the comments!
About the author: Amy Burkert founded GoPetFriendly.com, a pet travel website and blog, and travels full time with her husband and dogs. Follow them on the Ultimate Pet Friendly Road Trip — an epic tour of the most pet-friendly attractions in the United States.
