Sharing a delicious meal at a restaurant is an experience we all enjoy, but why leave your furry best friend behind? Across the United States, more restaurants are opening their doors to dogs, creating the perfect blend of culinary delight and pet-friendly hospitality. Whether you’re road-tripping, living in a bustling city, or simply seeking a place to eat with your pup, these top dog-friendly restaurants are worth visiting. Offering more than just outdoor seating, they provide a complete experience where both you and your dog can relax and enjoy a meal together.
This guide highlights the top 5 restaurants that not only welcome dogs but ensure they have just as good a time as you do.
What Makes a Restaurant Truly Dog-Friendly?
Before diving into the list, it’s important to know what separates a truly dog-friendly restaurant from those with just a patio or two.
Outdoor Seating with a Purpose
Outdoor seating is a given at most dog-friendly restaurants, but some go above and beyond by offering shaded areas, spacious seating arrangements, and even heaters for chilly nights. Your dog’s comfort matters just as much as yours.
Special Dog Menus
The best places to dine with dogs are those that offer a special menu just for them. Whether it’s a gourmet treat or a simple bowl of water, restaurants that go out of their way to cater to dogs set themselves apart.
Staff Who Love Dogs
It’s easy to spot a restaurant that’s genuinely pet-friendly—the staff greet your dog with the same enthusiasm they show you. Some servers will bring out water bowls before you even ask or offer dog treats to ensure your pup feels welcome.
1. Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar – Nationwide Comfort for You and Your Dog
If you’re searching for a restaurant that understands both humans and dogs, Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar should be at the top of your list. With locations across the U.S., this restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere inspired by mountain lodges, and their outdoor seating areas are specifically designed for dog lovers. The attention to detail and dog-specific menu make it a must-visit for anyone dining out with their canine companion.
What Makes It Special
- Dog Menu: Lazy Dog offers a specialized dog menu, including options like grilled chicken or a beef patty with brown rice. Your dog can enjoy a freshly cooked meal alongside you.
- Comfortable Seating: Their patios are designed to feel like an extension of your living room, making it a cozy spot for both you and your pup to unwind.
Dog-Friendly Tips for Your Visit
Be sure to visit during one of their “yappy hours,” when dog parents can enjoy discounted appetizers and drinks, while pups get extra attention from the staff.
2. Shake Shack – Fast Food with a Dog-Friendly Twist
Shake Shack is well known for its juicy burgers and hand-spun shakes, but what many people don’t know is how dog-friendly they are. With dozens of locations throughout the U.S., this fast-casual restaurant is perfect for a quick bite during your walk or after a trip to the park. Plus, they have a special dog menu!
What Makes It Special
- Pooch-ini: Shake Shack offers a signature treat called the Pooch-ini, a delightful mix of dog biscuits, peanut butter sauce, and vanilla custard, which will have your dog wagging their tail in excitement.
- Convenience: Whether you’re in New York, California, or anywhere in between, Shake Shack locations are typically located in central areas, making them a convenient pitstop on your adventures.
Dog-Friendly Tips for Your Visit
Not all Shake Shack locations have outdoor seating, so check before you go. But if you’re near one with a patio, it’s an easy and delicious stop for both you and your dog.
3. The Morrison Pub – Los Angeles, CA
For dog owners in Los Angeles, The Morrison Pub is a gem. Located in the Atwater Village neighborhood, this Scottish-themed pub welcomes dogs with open arms. Known for their incredible burgers, whiskey selection, and one of the most extensive dog-friendly patios in LA, The Morrison goes above and beyond to make dogs feel like valued guests.
What Makes It Special
- Dog Menu: The Morrison offers a full three-course menu for dogs, including items like chicken and steak, ensuring your dog will enjoy a full meal while you feast on burgers or fish and chips.
- Pet-Friendly Awards: This restaurant has been recognized as one of the most pet-friendly spots in Los Angeles, so you know they take dog hospitality seriously.
Dog-Friendly Tips for Your Visit
Their spacious patio makes it easy to dine with multiple dogs or with friends who also have pets. The Morrison often hosts dog-related events and fundraisers, making it a community hub for pet lovers.
4. Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden – Austin, TX
Austin is already known for being an incredibly dog-friendly city, and Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden is a standout when it comes to combining great food, cold beer, and canine companions. Located in the vibrant Rainey Street district, Banger’s offers a wide selection of house-made sausages and over 100 beers on tap, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
What Makes It Special
- Spacious Beer Garden: Their expansive outdoor beer garden is the perfect place to relax with your dog. There’s plenty of room for them to move around, and the communal seating makes it easy to meet fellow dog lovers.
- Sunday Brunch for Dogs: During their weekend brunches, Banger’s offers a special dog brunch, complete with sausages made just for your pup. It’s the ultimate way to start a Sunday morning.
Dog-Friendly Tips for Your Visit
Banger’s gets busy, especially on weekends, so arrive early to snag a good spot. Your dog will appreciate the relaxed atmosphere, and you’ll love the laid-back, dog-friendly vibes.
5. Bar K – Kansas City, MO
Bar K takes the concept of a dog-friendly restaurant to the next level by combining it with a dog park. This unique space offers both humans and dogs an incredible experience, blending dining and play in one venue. With a fully fenced off-leash area for dogs to run free, Bar K also serves up a great menu of food and drinks for the humans in your group.
What Makes It Special
- Full-Service Restaurant + Dog Par: At Bar K, you can enjoy a meal while your dog plays in a spacious off-leash dog park. It’s a win-win for both of you.
- Great Menu Options: The food isn’t an afterthought—Bar K offers a diverse menu of delicious meals, from healthy salads to indulgent burgers. Dogs can also enjoy treats like pup-friendly ice cream.
Dog-Friendly Tips for Your Visit
Bar K requires dogs to have current vaccinations, so be sure to bring proof of your dog’s shots. It’s an all-day experience, so plan to spend a few hours there letting your dog burn off energy while you relax with a cold drink.
Wrapping Up Your Dog-Friendly Dining Experience
Dining out with your dog doesn’t have to be limited to just fast food patios or park benches anymore. Across the U.S., restaurants are embracing their dog-loving patrons by creating spaces where dogs are just as welcome as humans. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite at Shake Shack or a full dining experience at The Morrison Pub, these dog-friendly restaurants make it easy to enjoy a meal with your furry companion.
The next time you’re planning a road trip or just looking for a fun spot to grab dinner, keep these top 5 dog-friendly restaurants in mind. Not only will you enjoy great food, but your dog will be treated to an unforgettable experience as well.
I’m Philippe Perrenoud, a passionate adventurer with dogs and an advocate for experiences that strengthen the bond between humans and their four-legged companions. My mission is to share practical tips so you and your dog can explore the world safely and joyfully. Together, we can turn every journey into an unforgettable memory!
