Breakfast without Fido? It's unthinkable to some pet parents to have any meal without their furry one. Fear not, there are plenty of restaurants that not only tolerate pets but make them feel like an honored guest with special touches that range from special menus to pampering amenities. There are many benefits of being a pet owner, so walk with us as we unleash a list of destinations where you can dine with your animal companion from coast to coast.
Mystic, Connecticut
Regional craft beers are a specialty in this tourist destination with a menu that sports fish and chips, "bangers and mashed" and onion jam grilled cheese. But it's also where your pet is welcome on the outdoor patio. Patrons of Jealous Monk talk of servers bringing bowls of water before asked — and BringFido.com reviewer Melanie said, "They were great with our pup … even gave her homemade dog treats."
Portland, Oregon
The Portland Eater site notes "Portland's original dog bar has four locations throughout the city — each with dog-friendly patios, ample water bowls and adorable photo ops for your pup. The brewpub also hosts the annual 'Dogtoberfest,' a huge dog-wash event with beer and live music that raises money for the DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital."
Asheville, North Carolina
This farm-to-table restaurant's Instagram (it has a dedicated Dogs section) even shows a bird looking over the restaurant's noted Dog Menu ("We serve dogs of all shapes and sizes). It also hosted some pups during its April participation in the Dine to be Kind benefit for the Asheville Humane Society.
New York City
Okay, so the name might be a dead giveaway, but this place in the heart of Manhattan's tony Upper East Side not only offers classic American fare for humans — but, as its site proclaims, "a dog-friendly atmosphere that caters to the family canine. Barking Dog's outdoor seating area features a doggy fountain where your dog can socialize with other furry friends while you enjoy tasty cafe-style fare." Completing the picture? Dog-themed wall art such as framed "101 Dalmatians" prints.
Sarasota, Florida
You know this is a dog-friendly place when a "Dog Blog" is prominently featured atop its homepage. Click through to meet the current "Dog of the Month," each one pictured with his or her winning Frisbee. Reviewers regularly commend the staff for its dog-friendly approach, from bringing fresh water to serving up tasty hot dogs.
Chicago
Leashed dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio of this Italian restaurant during the summer months. Those in the know head to 312 Chicago midday on Saturdays and Sundays for "Waggin Weekends," complete with a special "K9" menu. If your pup isn't particularly hungry then he or she can skip the "mains" and head right for the "treats" such as a peanut-butter biscuit.
Wells, Maine
The Rollover Café cares about its people — and pets. A July Facebook post noted it was window-service only in anticipation of scorching temperatures: "Remember to hydrate and don't forget about your pets who need to stay cool too!" It routinely posts the "cute puppies" who come to visit, offers shout-outs to working military dogs and invites dogs over for "tasty treats."
Fairfax and North Hollywood, California
This dog-themed gastropub was the first one mentioned on Eater Los Angeles' list of "13 Delightfully Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Los Angeles." Its review praised its "large airy patio that many four-legged best friends love to frequent. The flagship Fairfax location is next door to Tailwaggers pet store, and Fat Dog's owners have a Labrador and bulldog of their own. Treats are provided to well-behaved pups and owners."
Memphis, Tennessee
"The Ultimate Dog-Friendly Guide to Visiting Tennessee" points to this "hidden gem" for some of the best cupcakes in the city. At Muddy's, you can enjoy your treat with an artisan latte on the dog-friendly patio — and be sure to pick up some of the fresh-baked dog treats, too.
Seattle
Think Seattle, and you think coffee. Dog lovers need their caffeine, so it's no surprise that this city has plenty of pet-friendly coffeehouses. Bark! Espresso in particular seems to go above and beyond. As noted on The Dog People, the shop's not only dog-themed but is "not only dog-friendly but private rooms are available by reservation" — and, you can "get your dog's face on your latte."
Austin, Texas
Live music, homemade sausage, craft beer … and that's not to mention the amenities for the pups. Here's how this funky destination's site sums it up: "We really like dogs, and with an off-leash dog park and a specialty sausage made just for dogs on the menu, we think they like us too."
New York City
Equal time for the felines in the Big Apple, right? This destination is actually for potential pet parents. Head over to this cat café that allows you to "rent time" to relax with its free-roaming cats, purchase sweet treats to enjoy with a furry friend and yes, even adopt a cat. There's a "yoga with kitties" option and, yes, for the serious, you can even book a session with a veterinary technician who will answer all your cat questions.
Boise, Idaho
This restaurant's "Loyal to Local" and that philosophy not only applies to its sourcing but also those it serves, especially the furry friends on its outdoor patio. At Fork, attentive staff is known to check often to be sure your dog has enough water. It's been tapped one of the "Best Restaurants to Take Your Dog" by TotallyBoise.com: "Considered to be in one of the most popular parts of downtown on the corner of 8th and Main, Fork has great food and plenty of shade for your dog." Everyone sit back and relax.
Las Vegas
Why gamble on a bad meal? At Lazy Dog, your pooch can join you on the patio and dine on his or her own meal, as The Dog People shares that "your pet can order from Lazy Dog's dog menu, which features meat and rice, with a complimentary bowl of water."
Boston
Is your dog a foodie? Then he or she will certainly bask in the celeb-chef appeal of this noted destination. Here's how Boston Magazine puts it: "Your dog can join you at the Boston restaurant from one of the most revered French chefs in the U.S. The terrace at Daniel Boulud's Back Bay bistro, in front of the elegant Mandarin Oriental Hotel, is about as pet-welcoming as they come."
Asbury Park, New Jersey
A Facebook post proclaims this off-the-boardwalk dining spot as "very dog friendly." We should say so — a May post showed the Doggie Menu. Hmmm, should Fido have a burger or grilled chicken, steak or salmon? Oh, yeah, and there are dessert choices, too.
Los Angeles
Notable fare washed down with a craft brew? Check. And you can bring your pup? Check. A dedicated "Doggy Deck" this pub makes that possible, with the Los Angeles Times calling the deck "a great place to bring your pup while you relax with a pint or a pitcher. Water bowls and doggie biscuits made from the grain used to brew the beer are available to keep tails wagging."
Little Rock, Arkansas
Need to let off a little steam – as does your dog? Bark Bar place is billed as one to "Unleash the Fun," a "pawfect space for dogs and their owners to relax and play." While they romp, you can nibble on hummus or certified Angus beef (or veggie) hot dogs. And when the fur's done flying, treat them to a Spaniel Sundae (peanut butter whipped cream topped with a dog biscuit).
Milwaukee
People flock to DiModa Pizza for the dishes prepared in the custom wood-fired oven. Dogs head to DiModa Puppy & Hotspot, too — well, it's actually a dog menu featuring picks ranging from a Pup Patty (plain Angus beef burger with a side of carrots) to a Puparoni Pizza. Either way, they can wash it down with Bowser Beer, a "dog-friendly 'beer' with either chicken or beef flavoring."
Virginia Beach, Virginia
PetsWelcome.com points to the two locations of Citrus, a popular breakfast/brunch spot, as a pet-friendly spot start the day off right, dining al fresco with the pup, notably under evocative orange umbrellas.
Bedford, New Hampshire
A "Tails on the Terrace" menu allows dogs to enjoy a "restaurant-quality meal" especially made for dogs and served on the patio. The pet-friendly dishes are named after the staff's own pets, such as Frank's Bacon-Wrapped Bites made with slow-cooked smoky bacon wrapped around cheddar and jack cheese. And note, ice-cold H2O is free.
Chicago
A BringFido.com reviewer gave a "five-bone review" to this "very dog-friendly" spot where "Our golden retriever Maya received a Harry Caray's collapsible water dish and a warm welcoming from everyone. The service and food was good." The restaurant's own site assures its dog-friendly patio is the place to enjoy smoked barbecue and the beauty of Lake Michigan.
Newport, Rhode Island
Puppies — and people — love basking in this town's Gilded Age mansions, feeling rich as they tour the vestiges of yesteryear. Kick back afterward and allow your pup to pull you to O'Brien's Pub, which dates back to 1945. You'll savor a casual meal at the outdoor garden patio that seats "over 175 customers and dogs," and the furry ones can dine from a special menu. If they're lucky, they might just be featured on the #PupsOfOBs post.
Charleston, South Carolina
The charming courtyard at Eli's Table gets raves, especially from pet lovers who can dine here with their pups. BringFido.com reviewer Jenna wrote in May: "Went here on a solo dinner with my 1.5 year pup Otis and the service we received was phenomenal! Upon arrival we were treated wonderfully, especially Otis. He was brought a piece of bacon after verification by me that he was allowed to have one. Then we were given a shady spot on the patio and a fresh doggy bowl of water was brought out to him. The manager even came out just to say hello."
New York City
Grab the leash and head to the East Village where namesakes Boris (a pit bull terrier mix) and Horton (a 12-pound "mystery breed") greet you on this animal hotspot's logo. Specialty coffee and espresso beverages, gluten-free and vegan fare are on offer in this destination that was New York's first Department of Health-approved dog-friendly café "where customers are welcome to bring their own dogs inside." Boris and Horton also hosts numerous adoption events and fundraisers to help dogs find their "forever homes." And if you really love it, there's plenty of merchandise on sale to help spread the word, including maison de pawZ treats filled with "lots of great Omega 3s to keep your dog's coat shiny and keep them romping!"
Ocean City, Maryland
OceanCity.com points to this establishment as one of the prime pet-friendly places in town: "If you sit outside at Macky's, you can enjoy a glorious bayside sunset and quality time with your pets. They even have a mini-menu for dogs, which they can enjoy when they're not sniffing around all the sand and smells of the outdoor seating area." Macky's site itself invites you to "bring your dog to dinner," so why not?
Santa Monica, California
This trendy spot features pet-friendly tables on its outdoor patios and even offers a monthly "Yappy Hour," evenings dedicated to pet adoption. BringFido.com reviewer Matt recently wrote: "My wife and I have a Maltese and we met another couple with a dog and we were welcomed with open arms and they even have a menus just for dogs!! Best restaurant experience with dogs ever!"
Boston
From May through October, dog lovers are welcome two evenings a week for "Yappier Hour," in the hotel's back "yard." Pet parents are invited to mix and mingle with cocktails and appetizers, while dogs also get a few treats. It all culminates Oct. 31 with the annual Halloween Canine Costume Contest.
Milton, Delaware
VisitDelaware.com tells us that this innovative brewery "allows animals to hang in the tasting room," but alas, the brewery tour is "humans only." The company also collaborates with Waggies by Maggie & Friends, which is, its site notes, "on a mission to employ persons with intellectual disabilities and make all-natural dog treats using the finest ingredients."
Washington, D.C.
Dogs can settle into the "Pooch Patio" at this dog-friendly restaurant that's first noted for its Southern cuisine. But there's a standing invitation for "well-behaved pooches to dine on our patio, take in the view of the Capital or just unwind with an ice cold Bowser Beer." The Gravy Train — house-made beef and rice in savory gravy — might hit the spot.
Manheim, Pennsylvania
You don't necessarily have to feed your dogs scraps from your own plate at Divine Swine, as BringFido.com reviewer Dell noted this year, "Not only did they offer water for our dogs but they even brought out some brisket just for the dogs!!!"
