Dogs were given the title "man's best friend" for a reason—if it were up to us, they'd never leave our sides. Unfortunately, when it comes to dining out, the options to bring your pup along can be limited, so we've been on the hunt for dog-friendly restaurants that are both enjoyable for our pups as well as our palates. Whether you're traveling with your furry friend or just want a good excuse to change up your dinner plans, we've tracked down the restaurants across America that will greet your pets with open arms (and sometimes their very own menus).
Have you ever wanted an ice cream cone, but didn't want to leave Fido at home? Problem solved. Not only does Bruster's Real Ice Cream allow furry friends at their multiple establishments across the state, they'll also even offer them a free "pup" sundae topped with a dog treat instead of a cherry.
Dog owners should put AK Alchemist, located in the heart of Anchorage, on their radar. The edgy eatery and bar serves up everything from nachos and tacos to reindeer burgers and deep fried ice cream—all while welcoming tons of furry friends at their outdoor tables.
At this Sedona restaurant, you can take in views of the scenic red rocks while drinking a cocktail and cuddling your pooch. Hideaway House serves up Italian cuisine that can be enjoyed with your pup on a spacious outdoor patio. According to reviewers on pet travel site BringFido, dogs are offered treats and water bowls during meals.
There are pet-friendly restaurants, and then there's Good Dog Cafe. The casual cafe, located in Fayetteville, caters to your canine with a huge fenced-in backyard filled with play structures and toys. Yet, it's not just for dogs. The restaurant has received rave reviews (from humans) for their delicious menu filled with coffee, breakfast and lunch items.
One can not visit California without venturing to In-N-Out — even your dogs will agree with that. The burger chain not only allows furry friends to join you at their outdoor seating, they have a special burger just for dogs. The "pup patty" burger is found on their secret menu and is essentially a plain, unseasoned beef patty without the bun.
What happens when you mix a backyard bar with a dog park? You get the Watering Bowl in Denver. Owning a dog isn't a requisite for spending the day at their outdoor patio (and enjoying casual fare like tacos and wings), but if you're looking for a new furry friend the restaurant is known for their pet adoption event, Pawpalooza.
Whether you frequent the shore town of Mystic or are just passing through, you don't want to miss a lunch at Sea View Snack Bar. It's the quintessential New England sea food shack, featuring an order window and outdoor picnic tables that are the perfect spot to sit with your pup. There's nothing better than taking in the view of Mystic Harbor with a lobster roll and your best friend.
What could be better than a wide selection of craft beer, a renowned gastropub menu and your dog by your side? Clearly, Grain Craft Bar + Kitchen agrees. The Newark restaurant offers year-round dog-friendly accommodations on their temperature-controlled patio, so you never have to leave your pup at home when you want to go out.
Besides a brunch menu that will make you instantly drool, the Over Easy Cafe in Sanibel is also super dog-friendly. The warm weather of the Sunshine State makes it perfect to enjoy their outdoor seating with your furry friend. Afterwards, reward them with a trip to the dog store located right next door.
Nothing pairs better together than guacamole, margaritas and a golden retriever. At Guac y Margys, an Atlanta-based bar and taqueria, dogs are welcome at all of the outdoor picnic tables.
Yes, we know that is a pig grazing at Green World Coffee Farm. However, dogs are welcome as well. The coffee farm tucked away on Wahiawa, Oahu, lets pups roam their extensive property (on leashes). There are also delicious café pastries and, of course, coffee.
Dating back to 1957, the Westside Drive-In is a Boise landmark. Even your pup will agree with a detour to their pet-friendly outdoor patio. For humans, we recommend their famous ice cream potato while dogs can enjoy a cup of vanilla ice cream with dog treats.
The next time you're looking for a sweet treat in Chicago, check out the city's outpost of Sprinkles. The Instagram-worthy cupcake shop is super dog-friendly and will even offer your pooch one of their complimentary doggie cupcakes.
Not only does the Metazoa Brewing Company have a fully-fenced dog park attached to it, the Indianapolis restaurant allows dogs both inside and outside. So, rain or shine, your pup is always welcome while you enjoy an inventive beer like Early to Rise (brewed with 3 pounds of Earl Grey tea leaves).
There was never a coffee joint more enjoyable to stop in to on your morning dog walk than Press Coffee (previously in Coralville, now in Iowa City). While the location is under construction, we're hoping it will keep up the tradition of complimentary treats and outdoor dog bowls when it reopens soon.
Like any classic barbecue place, Kansas City's Woodyard Bar-B-Que serves up an exceptional spread in a down-home atmosphere. Dogs are welcome—and we're sure they wouldn't mind if you dropped a piece of brisket.
Not only is this Lexington eatery known for their mouth-watering breakfast and lunch plates (um, shrimp and grits anyone?), its patio is one of the most dog-friendly restaurants in the area according to pet travel site BringFido.
If you find yourself in New Orleans with a dog in tow, Herbsaint on St. Charles Avenue is the place to visit for a bite to eat. The restaurant offers delicious lunch and dinner menus (think duck confit, gumbo soup) and allows furry friends on the outdoor patio.
When you think of Maine, you think of lobster. While lobster shacks and seafood-focused restaurants are seemingly everywhere, it can be tricky to find a place that welcomes pups along with people. Luckily, Cape Pier Chowder House in Kennebunkport is a definite "yes" for dog-friendly dining on their patio overlooking the scenic Cape Porpoise Harbor.
This beer garden in Silver Spring is dog friendly, has a myriad of craft beer (and hard seltzer!) options and a menu that includes incredible pulled pork tacos. What else can you ask for?
Not only have Cisco Brewers' beverages become a nationwide favorite, their brewery on Nantucket Island has become a summer hotspot for beachgoers – and their dogs. The brewery's outdoor courtyard is filled with tables comfortable enough for both of you to enjoy live music, food trucks and simply good vibes.
The Waverly Stone Gastropub in Holland welcomes dogs at any of the outdoor tables located on their fenced-in terrace. This is good news for anyone with a pup as the eatery is not to be missed. With entrees like Norweigan salmon paired with duck fat potatoes, and drinks like the Peanut Butter Wolf (Bird Dog peanut butter bourbon, lemon juice and red wine simple syrup), you'll want to go here for every meal.
The Howe Daily Kitchen and Bar in Minneapolis goes one step beyond the usual dog-friendly seating (here, it's on a year-round patio) thanks to an extensive dog menu just for your pooch. You can join them for "Yappy Hour" at 3pm until 6pm for a discount on their doggy dishes (turkey meatloaf, salmon cakes and more). Don't worry, their people food is delicious, with comfort fare like jambalaya and brisket-topped mac and cheese.
Thanks to the casual outdoor seating at The Shed Barbeque & Blues Joint in Ocean Springs, you can bring your dog along with you as you enjoy some of the dishes that earned the attention of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives: Beef brisket, baby-back ribs and pulled pork. The ambiance is best described as "junk yard chic" in the best way possible.
Every night goes to the dogs (in a good way) at the Bar K Restaurant and Bar in Kansas City. Complete with a sprawling dog park, bar, restaurant and coffee shop, the possibilities for you and your pooch are really endless. Plus, "Bar K" is a pretty clever name.
If you're near one of the many Starbucks coffee shops located in Montana, go through the drive-thru and ask for one of their signature puppuccinos. The chain restaurant is a hit with their furry customers thanks to the complimentary drink, which is simply a cup of whipped cream. While dogs aren't permitted inside the shop, this treat earned the chain's spot on the list.
Thanks to 1867 Bar, you can grab that after-work drink with your dog (at a place that's not your home). The craft beer bar in Lincoln allows leashed dogs both inside and outside of their establishment. They even make their own dog treats in a variety of flavors.
Located in Henderson, the Gold Mine Tavern is a priceless spot for pet parents. The bar is open 24 hours a day with live music, food trucks and a spot for your dog to you on the outdoor patio.
Anyone headed to the mountains of New Hampshire with their dog needs to make a pit stop at Firefly American Bistro & Bar. It's not just so you can try the "go-go" bread (warm garlic bread served with gorgonzola fondue). The restaurant, located in the heart of Manchester, welcomes dogs on their spacious patio. Pro tip: Call ahead or mention on Open Table that you are dining with a furry friend and the staff will make sure to save you an outdoor table.
Spend a day exploring the beautiful Victorian architecture and beaches that make Cape May one of the prettiest towns in the Garden State. Then, head to Harbor View Restaurant for seafood classics like steamed mussels and fried clams...and a snack from their special dog menu. The restaurant also has some of the best views of Cape May Harbor, so order plenty and settle in.
Whether you're in the market for a full plated breakfast or an afternoon burger, the Tune-Up Cafe is a Santa Fe favorite that will not disappoint. The best part? Their outdoor patio allows dogs, so your pooch can join you for Saturday brunch.
This New York café is not only pet-friendly, it was specifically created for the city's many, many dog owners. Pups can enjoy the restaurant off-leash while inside the designated doggy seating area. Meanwhile, owners will love the delicious coffee and pastry options.
This popular Charlotte brewery offers flights of microbrew beer, a fleet of food trucks and live music. (Dogs are welcome to tag along in the outdoor area on a leash, too.) It all adds up to the best day ever.
First and foremost, Fireflour Pizza is one of the best places for a slice in the area. The Neapolitan-inspired pizzeria is also as well-known for being very accommodating to man's best friend. Dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio of this Bismarck restaurant.
While loads of restaurants claim to be dog friendly, Cleveland's Luxe Kitchen & Lounge is one of the spots that truly live up to their word. Bring your furry friend to the Mediterranean-Italian bistro's outdoor patio for table side water bowl service, an accommodating staff and, of course, delicious food.
Not only will your dog be greeted at the Oklahoma City restaurant with open arms, they can even enjoy their own doggy menu. In addition to serving up mouth-watering human dishes (and great tequila), the Picasso Cafe offers meals like chicken and rice in a custom dog bowl to its canine diners.
While humans enjoy the menu at the casual cafe, it's the special attention given to dogs at Tin Shed Garden Cafe in Portland that keeps pet parents coming back. The restaurant offers dog-friendly meals of rice and sweet potatoes (or even peanut butter ice cream) that are both vet- and dog-approved.
If you're looking to enjoy a meal of elevated cuisine and want your dog to join you, head to the Hartwood Restaurant & Whispers Pub in Glenshaw. You'll both be happy with your time at one of their dog-friendly outdoor tables. (And you'll especially be happy with an order of the potato and chèvre croquettes.)
Newport's At The Deck Restaurant & Bar is the perfect summer spot. The restaurant serves up fresh seafood and cocktails, so you can take in the sunset with those who truly matter (AKA your dog).
Dogs aren't just accepted at the Lost Dog Cafe in Folly Beach, they're welcomed. With a huge outdoor patio, your furry friend can join you at the table while you feast on the restaurant's Southern-inspired breakfast and lunch dishes. If you're up early for your morning walk, you're in luck: The restaurant opens at 6:30 A.M.
Your dog can join you inside or outside of the Sioux Falls craft beer bar (which was the first of its kind in the city). While you're sipping on one of their brews, your dog will even be offered a complimentary bone and water bowl. Talk about service!
We knew we loved Shake Shack for more than just their outdoor dining and mouth-watering hamburgers. The burger chain truly loves dogs, offering their canine customers a pooch-ini made with vanilla custard, peanut butter and dog biscuits.
Situated right on the water, this Austin coffee shop is the perfect place to start your morning. (Especially with a bottomless cup of coffee.) Their spacious outdoor seating is dog-friendly and frequently full of other playful pups.
Uinta Brewing is a go-to for Salt Lake City dog owners. The brewery offers the perfect place for an afternoon with your pooch with a dog-friendly outdoor area and welcoming vibe.
If you find yourself traveling by the picturesque town of Woodstock with your dog, the Soulfully Good Cafe is where you should definitely go for breakfast or lunch. Known as one of the most dog-friendly spots in the area, your pup is more than welcome to pull up their own chair to your outdoor table while you help yourself to a pulled pork breakfast burrito.
The second entry on our list with the name "Lost Dog," this Arlington eatery is more than just a place to eat. They donate a portion of all of their proceeds to the Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation. Now, that is something to bark about!
While Bark! Espresso's food and coffee are nothing to sniff at, it is the dog-friendly atmosphere that makes people fall in love the Seattle coffee spot. Not only are pups allowed inside and outside, the restaurant will even make a special peanut butter-lined "puppy latte" for your dog.
The menu at Morgantown gastropub Table9 is good in its own right, with a focus on food from local farms and inventive seasonal entrees. We're equally as big of fans for their dog-friendly outdoor seating.
Expect delicious food, comfortable seating and dog-friendly service when dining at Urban Olive and Vine in Hudson. The restaurant even provides a just-for-pups menu filled with options like homemade meatballs.
Hatch Taqueria and Tequilas is a must-visit spot in Jackson Hole for their food, ambiance and cocktail list alone. However, the Mexican hotspot's dog-friendly outdoor patio has a casual ambiance that basically gets you into a relaxed frame of mind immediately.
