An evening out with the family just isn’t the same when you have to leave the pup at home. If your dog is your best friend, it’s a real wrench to say goodbye at the front door, leaving your best buddy behind every time you have brunch with friends. There are countless restaurants out there that will allow you to dine with your four-legged friend. But typically, that means sitting at outside tables, out of sight and out of the way. While this is way better than “No Dogs Allowed”, there is an increasing number of establishments that go above and beyond, to truly embody the term “dog-friendly”. Offering doggie play areas, fancy water bowls, treats, special canine menu selections, or sometimes even a separate doggy menu altogether. Here are some of the very best restaurants, cafes and taverns that take “dog friendly” to the next level and will treat your pooch like one of the family.
1. The Morrison
OPENED IN 2011, THE GOAL AT THE MORRISON HAS ALWAYS BEEN TO CULTIVATE A FUN, CASUAL ATMOSPHERE THAT SERVES REASONABLY PRICED AMERICAN FOOD MADE WITH HIGH QUALITY INGREDIENTS.
Located in the heart of LA, Atwater Village to be exact, The Morrison is an upscale spot that has somewhat redefined the concept of the gastropub. They specialize in signature crafted burgers and are known for their large craft beer, whiskey selections, and hand-crafted cocktails. In addition to broadcasting ALL sporting events from professional to college games, you can eat at a discount during these games. Not a sports fan? They also run a daily 5 or $5 Happy Hour from 3-7pm, named Best Happy Hour in LA by LA Weekly. If you’re into sweets, not only does The Morrison have a large selection of amazing desserts, they have an award-winning Butterscotch Bread Pudding. For fellow dog lovers, they have been voted one of the most dog-friendly locations in LA, and have an entire menu exclusively for dogs!
2. OHSO
BOTH RESTAURANT AND DISTILLERY, THE OUTRAGEOUS HOMEBREWER’S SOCIAL OUTPOST, OR OHSO AS IT’S COMMONLY KNOWN, IS A BIKE-FRIENDLY, PUP-FRIENDLY NANO-BREWERY WITH SOMETHING FOR JUST ABOUT ANYONE.
With a handful of locations in AZ, OHSO breweries are always a buzz with energy. This restaurant/brewery/distillery keeps 36 craft beers on hand, 25 wines by the glass, signature cocktails, bread baked on-site, and an eclectic menu of American comfort foods and Italian favorites curated by Chef Nate Hibbard. Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner, OHSO has a great Happy Hour on weekdays until 6 pm and is known for their weekend Beer Brunch. Burgers, salads, and appetizers are among the better known menu offerings, but patrons can also enjoy a PB&J, or a pretzel board. OHSO was designed not only for beer enthusiasts, but for their four-legged companions as well. They have dog-friendly patios, easily accessible water bowls and complimentary homemade treats with spent grain from the brewing process. Some locations even have special pup play areas. But don’t worry, humans have play areas too complete with fire pits, various games, and lounge areas.
3. Nutbourne Bar and Restaurant
OPENED IN 2016, NUTBOURNE BAR & RESTAURANT HAS A WELCOMING COUNTRY GASTROPUB FEEL AND OFFERS LOCALLY SOURCED, FARM-TO-TABLE MENU SELECTIONS.
Relatively new to the London dining scene, Nutbourne is welcoming to both humans and pups alike. Innovation of the Gladwin Brothers – who own and run two other restaurants along with the family farm, the idea at Nutbourne is to bring a touch of rural farm life to the city. Laid back with a community atmosphere, this brasserie style restaurant is open breakfast through dinner and serves British food sourced from the Gladwin family farm in Sussex. Even the “grape juice” selection comes from the Gladwin Vineyard. Nutbourne gives the impression of a progressive country pub rather than a London restaurant, especially considering the bounty of dogs who regularly accompany human patrons to dinner. From water bowls and treats to love and affection from the staff, pups are always made to feel like part of the family.
4. Church Street Café
HOUSED IN CASA DE RUIZ, THE OLDEST RESIDENCE IN ALBUQUERQUE, NM, CHURCH STREET CAFE IS KNOWN FOR THEIR AWARD WINNING SALSAS AND LOCALLY ROASTED COFFEE.
Recommended by locals for its beautiful and welcoming atmosphere, Church Street Cafe has a little something for just about everyone, from burgers to old fashioned traditional New Mexican cuisine. They even offer a multitude of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options. The menu has and exquisite selection of wines, beer, and specialty drinks including homemade sangrias and margaritas. The extensive breakfast section has offerings from traditional Huevos Rancheros to pancakes and has healthier options like granola. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, the dessert menu offers items such as traditional flan, and Old Town favorite – fried ice cream. And don’t forget Fido! Beautiful and obviously historic at first glance, this place is much bigger than it looks, and boasts a magical outdoor patio and garden out back perfect for dining with your pup.
5. Q Shack
RECOMMENDED BY SOUTHERN LIVING MAGAZINE, THE Q SHACK ORIGINAL, IN DURHAM, NC, IS KNOWN FOR ITS EXCEPTIONAL WESTERN CAROLINA AND TEXAS-STYLE BBQ AND OUTSTANDING DESSERTS.
With a slogan like “BBQ tender as a Mother’s love”, one has to assume that at the Q Shack the food is worth writing home about. Not to be confused with the similarly named and themed Q Shack in Raleigh, NC., The Original resembles an old-timey establishment with covered outdoor seating, relatively small indoor dining space with hand-written menus and cafeteria style ordering. Patrons can choose from smoked selections including chicken, turkey, pork, and sausage, and chile rubbed beef brisket and pork ribs. All of their meats are smoked in-house over hickory and mesquite woods. The sides menu is also impressive with offerings such as collard greens, hush puppies, mac & cheese, and fried okra just to name a few. Four-legged friends who also enjoy BBQ and the occasional bluegrass band are more than welcomed to dine with their humans at the outdoor patio tables.
6. Morgan’s Tavern
ORIGINALLY THE NEW BERN GARAGE COMPANY, BUILT IN 1911, MORGAN’S TAVERN AND GRILL STRIVES TO PROVIDE GREAT SERVICE AND QUALITY INGREDIENTS IN A CASUAL DINING ATMOSPHERE.
Walking through Morgan’s is kind of like taking a trip back in time with displays showcasing period tools once used by workers of the New Bern Garage Company, and original steel-framed skylight in the restaurant’s center. Loved by visitors and locals alike, Morgan’s stellar menu and wine selection lend to a slightly upscale vibe, while those historic and somewhat industrial elements help to keep it comfortable. Their menu is quite eclectic from gourmet and build-your-own salads, to bacon wrapped scallops, to pasta and rice bowls, and includes vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options. Even kids get a fancy menu here with choices such as Cavatappi pasta and baked mac & cheese. Feel like a night out with the pooch? Pups are more than welcomed to dine in on the newly remodeled outdoor covered dining patio, complete with propane heaters, ceiling fans, and shade screens making doggie dates possible in almost any weather condition.
7. Bryan Street Tavern
WINNER OF BEST OF DALLAS’ BEST BEER SELECTION AND BEST PATIO BAR, BRYAN STREET TAVERN IN DALLAS, TX IS ALSO KNOWN FOR HAVING ONE OF DALLAS’ BEST PET-FRIENDLY PATIOS.
All Bryan Street Tavern wants to do is provide fantastic pizza and craft beer to the Dallas community. The menu actually offers quite a bit more than just pizza. Patrons can also choose from fun starters like cajun fried pickles, toasted ravioli, and fresh baked pretzels, a variety of salads, burgers, sandwiches, and more. The beer menu includes a rotating selection of around 10 craft beers and a permanent selection of craft beer predominantly from TX and MI. Weekends at Bryan Street are exceptionally fun when bands can be found playing live music in a separate back room. Of course, fun isn’t limited to just weekends. Reasonably priced drinks, sports on TV, good music on the stereo, and pool tables make sure anyone who stops in is fully entertained. Including furry friends. Pets are welcomed as family here on the Bryan Street patio.
8. Mutt’s Canine Cantina
CREATED IN 2103, MUTT’S CANINE CANTINA IS AN URBAN OASIS FOR PET PARENTS AND PUPS ALIKE.
More than a dog park. More than a cantina. If you’ve ever wished you could take your dog out for drinks, this is the place for you. At Mutt’s Cantina, humans can enjoy craft beer, margaritas, alcoholic popsicles, and a variety of foods, all while playing with your dog and socializing with fellow dog owners. There’s an exclusive dog menu which includes selections such as pupsicles and hotdogs. The dog park area is comprised of fully enclosed fenced grassy spaces, one each for smaller and larger dogs, and agility courses. Patrons can enjoy Yappy Hour, Monday through Friday from 3-6 pm, movie nights, dog birthday parties, free WiFi, and HDTVs. There are also dog washing stations, and “Bark Rangers” who make sure the park stays neat and tidy. Although Mutt’s Cantina is members only, prices are very reasonable and membership can be purchased daily ($5.95), monthly ($15.95), or annually ($119).
9. Barking Dog
LOCATED AT THE CORNER OF 3RD AVE AND 94TH ST. IN NYC, BARKING DOG RESTAURANT SERVES BREAKFAST, BRUNCH, LUNCH, AND DINNER IN AN ALL-INCLUSIVE FAMILY ATMOSPHERE.
Regulars at Barking Dog come for the impressive menu and reasonable prices. Open basically all day, this corner cafe has a wide variety of selections, and exciting options for any meal. They’re known for their American style cuisine including steak & eggs, pancakes, and burgers, and are also famous for brunch. For those looking for lighter brunch selections, there’s a full fruits and grains menu which includes items such as Blue Ribbon oatmeal and homemade granola. This place is completely dog-themed, and pups are allowed both outside – where there are exclusive doggy water fountains – and inside. No matter where you dine, your pup will be able to make friends with other pets, and you can socialize with other dog owners. Barking Dog has definitely been voted the best dog-friendly restaurant on the Upper West Side.
10. 4th Street Bistro
OPEN SINCE 2000, 4TH ST. BISTRO IN RENO, NV. IS STRONGLY COMMITTED TO SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES AND FRESHLY PREPARED CONTEMPORARY CUISINE.
4th St Bistro has made a name for itself by featuring seasonal, organic, and sustainably farmed, raised, and ranched ingredients. Chef Natalie Sellers is a member of the Chef’s Collaborative, Slow Food, and Women Chefs & Restaurants and believes fully in humane animal husbandry. All of the seafood on 4th St’s menu is sourced from sustainable and wild – non endangered populations, and the wine list has been award winning for seven consecutive years. Dietary restrictions? Not to worry, 4th St Bistro offers numerous gluten-free and vegetarian options. Dinner can be found Tuesday-Saturday, from 5 pm, and this fine dining experience is not limited to human patrons. The beautiful patio is available for outdoor dining, where well-behaved four-legged friends are always welcome.
11. Sally’s Fish House & Bar
POSSIBLY ONE OF SAN DIEGO’S BEST KEPT SECRETS, SALLY’S FISH HOUSE & BAR IS ONE OF THE MOST ROMANTIC WATERFRONT DINING EXPERIENCES IN TOWN.
Located inside the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel – just minutes from Seaport Village and the famous Gaslamp District – Sally’s Seafood on the Water serves all-day breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. Each day from 3-6 pm, diners can find tapas, house wines, and well drinks for $6 and beer for $5. Despite its name, Sally’s offers meals sourced from the land and from the sea, including sweet corn ravioli, and sundried tomato gorgonzola crusted tenderloin. In addition to the ever impressive menu selection, all of the seafood served is sustainable, and other ingredients are locally sourced. Both locals and visitors come not only for the food, but for the spectacular bay views. Indoor dining areas boast floor to ceiling glass windows with views of the harbor, while the cozy outdoor dining patio offers an amazing ocean view and welcomes pets to join in the romance.
12. The Stone House Café
LOCATED IN THE FAMED OLD SOUTHWEST AREA OF RENO IN A 1900S STONE HOUSE, THE STONE HOUSE CAFE IS A CELEBRATION OF BOTH TRADITION AND INNOVATION.
Open since 2005, this family run restaurant features all fresh ingredients, and makes all of their soups and sauces from scratch. The interior of this historic stone house is a somewhat contemporary take on the traditional style. The intimate bar offers a variety of both domestic and imported beer, and a wine menu that features predominantly boutique CA wines and even a few imports. They are open 7 days a week and, as a delight to this 24 hour town, serve breakfast until 4 pm. With a slogan like “Gourmet All Day”, it’s no surprise that the menu offers selections such as fresh fish, lamb, oysters, and steaks. Aside from the food, the biggest attraction is the outdoor patio, which has been likened to a European garden. Taking al fresco to another level, patrons can dine under umbrellas, surrounded by flowers, trees, and fountains. Don’t forget Fido! Pups are also allowed to dine out on the patio.
13. Log Haven
AROUND SINCE 1920, LOG HAVEN IS RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF UTAH’S FAVORITE DINING AND EVENT DESTINATIONS.
Much more than fine dining, nestled in Millcreek Canyon on 40 acres of private land, and across from a waterfall, Log Haven is a destination you’ll regret leaving out of your vacation plans. Quite easily one of the most romantic restaurants in the nation, with its serene mountain setting, welcoming fireplace, award-winning wine selection, and impressive menu, it’s one of Utah’s most coveted wedding venues. Log Haven’s list of awards and accolades is rather impressive. It’s won Wine Spectators Award of Excellence 12 years in a row – mentioned as having “one of the most outstanding wine lists in the world”. It’s also won five Open Table Diner’s Choice awards including Best Service and Best Cuisine. And that’s only naming a couple. Log Haven has been a farm-to-table establishment for so long (the first in Salt Lake), the phrase hadn’t yet been coined when they started, but they have always supported local artisans and sourced ingredients from their own garden. Dog friends get extra love here during the annual “Dog Days of Summer”, with special treats and personal bowls, and are welcomed to dine with their humans all year round at any of the outdoor tables.
14. Wet Dog Tavern
OPENED IN 2017, WET DOG TAVERN NOT ONLY LOVES HUMANS AND DOGS EQUALLY, THEY ALSO SUPPORT CHARITIES SUCH AS THE HUMANE RESCUE ALLIANCE.
With a name like Wet Dog, it’s pretty safe to assume your pups are welcome here. Dedicated to the owner’s late pup, Lilly Sophia, the mission at Wet Dog Tavern has always been to celebrate her memory by bringing smiles and laughter to everyone who passes through the doors. This unique Downtown DC bar offers awesome burgers, a wide variety of drinks, fun games, and a relaxed environment to have fun with your pup and fellow dog lovers. There are multiple outdoor areas, front and back, the former of which is tented and heated and dedicated to dogs and their desire to play and socialize. Humans are allowed to play here also, with games such as Connect Four and Cornhole. Wet Dog is open each day from 4pm to 1am and has a great Happy Hour during the week from 4-7 pm. Humans without dogs are welcome, too, of course – better yet, if you’re looking to add a furry friend to your family, occasionally you can catch the Humane Rescue Alliance adoption van on site for community events.
Our dogs puts a lot of time and energy into being our most loyal companions, so they deserve a night out on the town every once in a while too. There are some things you can do to make sure the experience is a smooth and enjoyable one, like knowing the restaurant’s pet policy, or simply bringing a friend along. For young or excitable pups, exercising or playing with your furry companion before you leave for the restaurant could help release your pet’s pent up energy and allow them to be calmer in a social setting . From fine dining to pubs, if you’ve got a pup you’d like to have by your side while you wine and dine, either while on vacation or in your city, grab the leash and bring them along!
