Dog-Friendly Restaurants

Dog lovers everywhere are searching for dog-friendly restaurants where they can eat, drink, and be merry with their human and canine friends. 

Dog-friendly restaurants range from the moderately dog-friendly options that allow dogs to sit outside with their owners, to the top-tier and most dog-friendly restaurants, which offer everything from space to play and access to fresh water to menus of carefully crafted dog-friendly food.

Whether you’re looking for dog-friendly restaurants close to home, or spots to grab a bite with your pooch while on the road, here’s what you need to know to find the most dog-friendly options.

What Makes a Restaurant “Dog-Friendly”?

The baseline qualification for a restaurant to be considered “dog-friendly” is permitting dog owners to bring their leashed, ID-tagged dogs onto their patio. This basic level of dog-friendliness can be great, especially if you’re a local who just wants to bring their pooch along for a quick meal. 

The majority of dog-friendly restaurants fall into this first tier, but some make themselves even more dog-friendly by adding some of these specific policies and services: 

If you see that a restaurant is “dog-friendly”, you should generally assume this means you’ll be able to bring your dog to their outdoor seating area. However, if you do a little research, you can find amazing restaurants that not only allow dogs but welcome them with open paws!

Are Dog-Friendly Restaurants Just a Trend, Or Here To Stay?

Dog-friendly restaurants might feel like a trend since we see a lot of excited pet owners posting about them on social media, but dog-friendly restaurants have been around for a long time, and they’re not going anywhere. 

Many states and cities have custom policies that allow restaurant and bar owners to choose whether or not they allow pets, so as long as there are dog-loving restaurant owners, there will be dog-friendly restaurants. 

Where Are the Most Dog-Friendly Restaurants in the US?

Dog-friendliness in restaurants varies from city to city, but some major cities are well known for allowing pups into even their finest establishments. Dallas, Los Angeles, New York City, and Portland are among some of the best-known dog-loving major cities, but you can find excellent dog-friendly restaurants in all 50 states. 

If you happen to visit one of these major hubs, be sure to hit up these super dog-friendly restaurants. 

1. MUTTS Canine Cantina - Dallas, Texas

2889 Cityplace W BLVD, Dallas, TX 75204

(214) 377-8723

Website

It doesn’t get more dog-friendly than MUTTS in Dallas, Texas. An off-leash fully fenced dog park first and a restaurant second, MUTTS is totally dedicated to making canine guests feel right at home. Oh, and of course, they have a dog menu. 

2. Morrison Restaurant - Los Angeles, California

3179 Los Feliz Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039

(323) 667-1839

Website

When you visit Morrison Restaurant, your dog will literally be served treats on a silver platter! If you want something more substantial, they also have a dog menu where you can choose from a variety of proteins and rice. Voted #1 most dog-friendly restaurant in the country by Yelp in 2022, Morrison is a must-visit for dog lovers in Los Angeles.

3. Boris & Horton - New York City, New York

195 Avenue A New York, NY 10009

(212) 510-8986

Website

Boris & Horton not only allows dogs inside to enjoy the cafe, but they also host adoption events and fundraising efforts to raise awareness and money for rescue animals seeking forever homes. To keep your dog entertained while you enjoy your coffee, Boris & Horton sells treats and dog toys!

4. Tin Shed Garden Cafe - Portland, Oregon

1438 NE Alberta Street, Portland, OR 97211

(503) 288-6966

Website

Tin Shed Garden Cafe welcomes dogs to their outdoor patio where they can enjoy plenty of attention from staff and a meal off their doggy menu! Offering organic, local, and ethically sourced fare, this restaurant feels so welcoming to everyone!

Basic Rules for Visiting Dog-Friendly Restaurants

Before you visit a dog-friendly restaurant, make sure you are prepared to follow these rules:

1. Your dog must be fully vaccinated. Some restaurants will require that you show proof of rabies vaccination at the door.
   
2. Bring a leash and a collar. Some restaurants will require you to leash your dog the whole time, or while walking through specific areas.
   
3. Your dog must be dog and person-friendly. If your dog feels nervous, uneasy, or stressed around lots of dogs, people, or noises, please leave them at home. Restaurants aren’t the right environment for all dogs, and it’s best for everyone if you only bring dogs who have excellent social skills.
   
4. Leave excessive barkers at home. Some dogs love to bark, but unfortunately, those dogs are not a good fit for a restaurant environment. Barking can stress out other dogs, scare patrons, and upset the people serving you. 

How Can I Find Dog-Friendly Restaurants Near Me?

One of the best ways to find amazing dog-friendly restaurants in your area is to get out and visit local restaurants! Take a look on Google to find the ones nearest to you, and check their websites to see if they mention anything about being dog-friendly. 

Better yet, let me do the work for you, and check out one of my many articles on dog-friendly restaurants throughout the US!