In recent years it has become more and more common for people to take their dog with them on errands or for a bite instead of leaving it at home.
But you can't just take your dog everywhere, and waiting in a hot car is neither fun nor safe for your dog.
Fortunately, there are several national or regional restaurant chains that have pet-friendly policies. you will always want itCall ahead and make sure your pet is welcome before you head out the door, but most of the restaurants below will be happy to meet your furry friend!
What does "dog-friendly" mean for restaurants?
Dog-friendly is not an official term in the restaurant industry, so it means different things to different restaurants.
While health inspectors frown on pets roaming food preparation sites,very few facilities (if any) allow you to bring your doginside.
However,many places with terraces welcome well-behaved dogs,and encourage owners to bring their pup to sit at the table.
The most dog-friendly restaurantseven provide drinking water and other amenities for visiting four-legged friends. Other places don't even have seating areas, but still offer treats or special menu items your dog will love.
Dog-friendly restaurant chains
Again, you should always call ahead and check on the status of dogs at any restaurant you plan to visit, as some chains are privately owned or have location-specific policies that prohibit pets.
However, the following 15 places are great places to start your search for a dog-friendly restaurant.
1. Dairy Queen
Although you are not allowed to bring your dogmilk queenLocation Many of the stores allow pets to hang out with their owners in outdoor seating areas. Also, many places offer free ice cream cones for dogs!
2. In and Out Burger
Perhaps the most popular burger joint on the left coast, the mostHamburguesa In-N-OutThe locations offer dog-friendly foods, such as plain burgers. You'll have to use the drive-thru if you're visiting with your dog, but it's still a great restaurant for dog owners on the go.
3. Sonic-Drive-In
Granted, listing a drive-in as dog-friendly is kind of a scam, but mostlysonic drive-insoffer dog treats upon request. Please note that different locations have different rules for patio seating. So always check with the staff before letting Fido out of the car.
4. Bruster's real ice cream
MostBruster's real ice creamLocations are walk-in, and customers simply grab their cream and leave or hang out outside on the patio or seating area.
Most places welcome dogs; some even offer a free vanilla ice cream cone for pups (which can even be topped with a doggy biscuit).
5. Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar
Not just everyone doesLazy Dog Restaurant and Barthey have patios, each are pet-friendly (it's still a good idea to call ahead and make sure), and serve a variety of dog-safe foods, like chicken breasts and brown rice.
Lazy Dog Restaurants and Bars are only on the West Coast, but plan to expand the number of locations in the near future.
6. Shaking hut
shake hutis one of the most dog-friendly chains in the business. Not only do they welcome dogs on the patio, but every location in the US offers a dog-friendly menu.
There aren't a million shake shacks, but there are a few in the Northeast, Las Vegas, South Florida, Chicago, and Texas, among other places. This makes Shake Shack a solid choice when it comes to pet-friendly restaurants with outdoor seating.
7. Starbucks
You can think ofstarbucksIt's more of a cafeteria than a restaurant, but since you can get food there and many people stay on the premises for restaurant-like periods, we'll include it on the list.
As you'd probably expect from such a laid-back company, most patio places encourage you to hang out in the yard with your pup. Some even serve "puppuccinos," little cups filled with whipped cream, upon request.
8. Outback-asador
while mostOutback-SteakhäuserLeave your dog at home, some places start with patios to encourage guests to bring their pet.
Just make sure your dog can maintain his composure as the steaks sizzle before you take him to carnivore heaven.
9. Johnny Rockets
A popular California hamburger chain,johnny rocketsIt has a number of dog friendly places. Dogs are not only welcome on the terrace, but they offer severaldog friendly menu items. Come on, what dog wouldn't want "doll pie"?
10. Olive Garden
Do you fancy breadsticks and pasta? Enter your locationolive groveCall and ask if dogs are welcome. Although each restaurant's dog policy varies, several olive gardens with large terraces have begun allowing dogs to roam.
11. Apple Bees
If you like pub grub and a cold beer (I know), you might want to check out your place.bees. Many places with patios allow dogs to hang out with their owners. Some places even host regular "bark hours," especially for local dog owners.
12. Panera-Brot
Thinking of having a nice soup and salad while hanging out with the dog?bread crumbsmaybe just what you need: most places with terraces welcome dogs.
13. Noah's New York Bagel
A coupleNoah's New York BagelOutdoor seating places allow dogs to sit with their owners. Some places claim to sell bagel-shaped dog biscuits and leave a bowl of water for visiting pups, making this a great breakfast spot for dogs!
14. Cool down
If you're ready to enjoy fresh Mexican food while bringing your dog, consider your localcool down. Many places with yards welcome well-behaved pups.
15. Joe's Crab Shack
Seafood lovers shouldn't feel left out of the pup dining experience: manyJoe's Crab ShackThe locations allow dogs to hang out in the yard. It seems they don't have dog-approved treats on the menu, but that doesn't mean you can't give your pup a carrot or cucumber from your salad.
Don't forget the corner shops.
In addition to the numerous regional or national dog-friendly chainsThere are a number of locally owned and operated restaurants that welcome furry four-legged friends.
Being small and local, they can be a bit more difficult to find, but difficult does not mean impossible.
There are a variety of ways you can locate your local dog-friendly facility out of the way:
Talk to other owners at the local dog park. Most dog park regulars are happy to share dog-friendly bars and bistros they've found around town.
Chat with pet store staff and shoppers.. Most pet stores encourage their employees to chat with their customers and help them provide as much information as they can. Also, some dog-friendly restaurants post their pet policies on pet store bulletin boards.
Check with your vet. Vets often serve as the center of gravity for the local pet population so they can learn all the good local tricks, including the best dog-friendly restaurants.
Check local restaurant review sites. Sites like Yelp don't just give you basic information about local restaurants! Zagat and Trip Advisor, but you can also read the comments and reviews of other customers.
Ask in the comments section of your favorite dog-focused site *cough*. We encourage all of our readers to scroll down this page and share the best local places you've visited. Be sure to include the name of the facility and the city and state in which they are located!
While it can be a bit difficult to find these types of places in rural or suburban areas, most major urban centers are home to several local dog-friendly restaurants. This applies in particular todog friendly holiday destinationsWho are known to cater to more dogs!
You should also make suggestions to your local institutions.If you are a regular customer and make a compelling case for inviting dogs into the restaurant, you can convince management to open the door for the dogs, wow!
Manners and etiquette in dog-friendly restaurants
The best dog-friendly restaurants tend to offer a casual atmosphere, but that doesn't mean you can let your dog roam everywhere.You need to make sure your dog is on his best behavior to avoid awkward encounters with staff or other guests.
Also, misbehaving pups can cause these restaurants to reconsider their pet policies. And that's not good for anyone!
Consequently, you will wantConsider the following rules, guidelines and suggestions:
Only bring well-behaved, obedient dogs to restaurants.. A restaurant is a busy place, and you want to make sure your dog doesn't rush up to all the passers-by or try to sample other diners' dinners. At the very least, you want to make sure your dog lies down and stays vigilant.
Always keep your dog on a leash. A leash not only protects your dog, but also prevents other guests from being disturbed if verbal commands fail. Not everyone likes dogs, and some people are even afraid of them; So keep this in mind and keep your dog on a leash and under control.
Keep the leash onOf, not the table. Unless she's filming a sitcom, she doesn't want her dog chasing down a sizzling steak and lugging the entire table for the ride. TOhands free strapworks great in cases like this, or you can just clip the leash handle to your ankle (assuming you can do it safely; this is not a good idea for a 95lb person with a 195lb Great Dane).
Always allow your dog to relieve himself before going to the restaurant. There are few scenarios scarier than your dog pooping or urinating in the middle of a restaurant. So make sure your dog is completely empty before heading out into the yard.
Try not to disturb the other guests.. As a dog fan, you've probably stopped noticing when your dog is drooling on the table or decides it's time to lick his butt. But for those not used to canine ways, these behaviors are often appetite suppressants. While it's impossible to completely prevent these types of things, pay attention to your dog and try to limit them as much as possible.
Consider bringing a comfortable blanket or rug for your dog to lie on. Comfortable dogs are much more likely to lie down and stay than those forced to slouch over a hot, wet, rough, or uncomfortable surface. A simple beach towel will work, as will a bedspread or yoga mat. you might even wantConsider mat training your dogso that he gets used to relaxing on a mat next to you.
If possible, bring a dog friendly friend.. At some point you may need to visit the facility or go inside to pay your check, forcing you to leave your dog behind. It becomes much easier and safer for everyone involved when you can put them in the trusted hands of a friend.
If possible, feed your dog before going to the restaurant. Taking your dog to a restaurant with good-smelling food (and remember, he likes smells on a whole different level than you do) and then expecting him to behave is just cruel. But if he feeds his furler first, he'll be much calmer and more likely to listen when he gets to the restaurant.
Do not let your dog eat from plates or utensils in the restaurant. Many dog owners let their pups "pre-wash" dishes at home, or even feed their dog with the same fork they use. And while you, I, and the other readers of this article all understand, non-dog owners, health inspectors, and restaurant workers will frown on such behavior.
Children should be relatively calm in restaurants, whether they have two legs or four.. Dogs that constantly bark or whine while hanging out in restaurants annoy everyone around them, so teach your pup a "quiet" signal or you'll have to leave him at home when you go out to eat.
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Do you like to be accompanied by your dog when you eat? What restaurant do you like to visit the most?Let us know your experiences below in the comments!
Oh, and be sure to check out our articledog-friendly hotel chainsalso for traveling or on vacation!
FAQs
15 dog-friendly restaurant chains: eating out with your dog!? ›
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Is Pet Friendly.
Can dogs eat at Cracker Barrel? ›Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Is Pet Friendly.
Does Chick Fil A have anything for dogs? ›Chick-fil-A Dog Treats
Chick-Fil-A has been known to provide biscuits for your pup via the drive-thru. No official secret dog menu here—all you need to do is ask if they have any treats at the window.
Here's how to get one! Following in the footsteps of Starbucks, where four-legged customers can receive an off-the-menu “puppuccino” and Dairy Queen where furry friends are treated to the “Pup Cup,” Burger King is getting in on the pet-friendly menu item trend.
Are Starbucks dog friendly? ›Dogs aren't permitted inside Starbucks. Unless your dog is a service dog, he cannot enter the indoor restaurant of Starbucks. That said, Starbucks is a dog-friendly restaurant within the restrictions put on them by state health codes. In general, the patio areas of every Starbucks we've visited welcome dogs.
Can dogs eat Olive Garden? ›Olive Garden
The answer is: sometimes. The Olive Garden's slogan is, “When you're here, you're family,” and at some locations with an outdoor dining area, that includes the family dog. If your local Olive Garden has a patio, it's possible your dog will be allowed, but call ahead to double-check.
Dogs can eat Ritz crackers in small amounts, but they aren't very nutritious. Too many Ritz crackers may lead to salt poisoning for dogs, so be careful to feed them only in moderation and provide your dog with water alongside their snack.
What is a pup cup at Starbucks? ›The Starbucks Pup Cup
Served in an espresso cup, the now-viral Puppuccino is simply a complimentary (aka FREE) dollop of whipped cream (sans coffee). Baristas seem to enjoy serving them as much as dogs enjoy slurping them — many stores and employees have their own unofficial Instagrams featuring canine customers!
Drink Cup Plushie
You may not be able to share your Arby's drink with your pooch, but you can do the next best thing thanks to our new Arby's Drink Plushie. Modeled after an actual Arby's cup, you pup won't know whether to sip it or to squeak it. Ready to grab some new plushie dog toys for your pup?
What's on the In-N-Out secret menu for dogs? The primary item on the secret menu for dogs is actually called a Pup Patty. And the Pup Patty is a plain hamburger patty that has no salt (which is good for our pups).
Does Wendy's do anything for dogs? ›
Wendy's. Another popular fast food chain. Pet parents can order a plain grilled chicken for their dogs and the restaurant offers soft-serve ice cream too.
Are pup cups at Dairy Queen safe for dogs? ›How safe is it? While DQ soft serve might not be the same as Ben & Jerry's Doggie Desserts (made specifically for canines), veterinarians say it is okay to spoil your pooch in small doses. "In general, dogs are more sensitive to dairy than we are," says Laura Robinson, DVM and veterinary advisor to Pawp.
Can dogs eat ice cream? ›Unfortunately, although it may be tempting to share your cone with your four-legged friend, it's best to avoid giving ice cream to dogs.
What do you order at Starbucks for your dog? ›What Is A Puppuccino? The Puppachino, beloved by baristas everywhere is a very simple thing. It's just a small Starbucks cup of whipped cream, made especially for your dog. There's no coffee, tea, or caffeine of any kind in the cup, just straight-up whipped cream.
Are pup cups free? ›Some of the treats are cups of whipped cream, while others include vanilla ice cream or even beef. The best part is that you can get this stuff for free. (A few delicious but paid options are at the end.)
What food can dogs eat at Starbucks? ›Dogs can actually enjoy a taste of many Starbucks menu items, as long as they don't contain grapes, raisins, or chocolate. Non-dairy whipped cream alternatives (like Cool Whip) usually contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
Why can't dogs eat olives? ›While olives themselves don't contain any toxic ingredients, the pits pose some hazards. Olive pits may cause choking or breathing obstructions in dogs. They can block airways and lodge in your pup's intestinal tract. The pits also have the ability to crack teeth.
Is olive Branch dog friendly? ›Dogs on leads are welcome in the gardens, parkland, shops and the Stables Café where doggy ice cream and treats are served.
Is olive Branch good for dogs? ›Olive wood natural dog chews are safer for dogs to gnaw on than sticks found outdoors which can splinter and shard. When your dogs chews on our Olive Wood sticks small, soft, pulpy pieces break off which are perfectly safe for dogs to ingest.
Can dogs eat Oreos? ›It can be tempting to share our favorite treats with our pets; however, Oreos contain several ingredients that are not safe for pets to eat- so it is best to save this snack for yourself! If your pup got their paws on a single Oreo, it is unlikely they will experience any severe clinical signs.
Can dogs eat hot dogs? ›
Because they contain so many added ingredients that are not healthy for dogs, hotdogs are not a good choice for your pooch. If you want to give your dog a treat at the barbecue, it's best to give him some plain beef, pork, or chicken that has no salt or other seasoning on it.
Can I give my dog honey maid crackers? ›While honey is safe for dogs in small amounts, it's not something they should be eating every day (and they might not even like it!). Still, if your favorite type of graham cracker is of the honey variety, your pup can share a nibble or two.
Can dogs have Cool Whip? ›Sugar, vanilla, and other flavorings are added for taste. Whipped toppings, like Cool Whip or Reddi-wip, include ingredients to preserve the sensitive cream longer than a trip from your kitchen to the kitchen table. But there shouldn't be anything necessarily toxic for dogs in these whipped toppings.
Is Reddi Whip safe for dogs? ›Reddi Whip is made with heavy cream, sugar, milk, and flavor and is also safe for dogs in moderation.
Does Dunkin Donuts have a pup cup? ›Pets can get in on the fun, too. Like Starbucks Puppuccino, Dunkin' offers the Cup For Pup (also sometimes called the Puppy Latte), a four-ounce cup of pure whipped cream that's the perfect size for dogs to get their snouts comfortably inside — and hey, cats too, if they're into it.
Does Cane's give dog treats? ›Chick-Fil-A and Raising Canes are both famous chicken restaurants, but when you ask for a “dog treat”, you'll likely receive a treat like a bacon strip, milk bone, or a surprise chicken finger!
Does Chick-Fil-A have dog cups? ›9. Chick-Fil-A. Some locations have treats for dogs that come through the drive-through. Ask for the Chick-fil-a Pup Cup at select locations, a nice scoop of IceDream topped with a special dog treat!
Does Krispy Kreme do pup cups? ›The Doggie Doughnuts will be available on Friday, August 26.
Last week, Salt & Straw announced the debut of its Pup Cups, a pet-safe ice cream made exclusively for dogs. Now, Krispy Kreme is jumping on the trend just in time for National Dog Day, Delish reports.
Dogs cannot eat fried chicken. Like other fried foods, it is full of fat and oil, which can lead to an upset stomach or life-threatening health problems like heart disease if consumed in excess. The breading on fried chicken can contain seasonings toxic to dogs, such as garlic or onion powder.
Can dogs eat at Sonic? ›You are welcome to bring your dog to any of the SONIC drive-in restaurants to dine with you in the car.
Can dogs have bananas? ›
Yes, dogs can eat bananas. In moderation, bananas are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. They're high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. They are low in cholesterol and sodium, but because of their high sugar content, bananas should be given as a treat, not part of your dog's main diet.
Can a dog get Subway? ›“No person may bring any animal on or into any conveyance or facility unless enclosed in a container,” the MTA says. Owners are finding creative ways to bring their dogs on the subway, including by using a giant IKEA bag they then alter so the dog's legs stick out the bottom.
Can dogs have Frosty's? ›Ice cream is also high in sugar, which is not healthy for your pup. While lactose and sugar aren't toxic by themselves, they could result in a period of discomfort for your best friend. Our advice: Avoid feeding your dog human treats with dairy and sugar.
What to give dogs if you run out of dog food? ›- Bananas.
- Blueberries.
- Broccoli.
- Carrots.
- Cooked boneless lean meat (chicken, beef, or turkey)
- Onion-free gravy for taste.
- Plain boiled rice.
- Plain, unprocessed oatmeal.
It's best to avoid giving your dog ice cream. While it's not toxic or seriously harmful, dogs actually have a hard time digesting dairy as, after they're weaned as puppies, they lose the enzyme needed to digest the lactose in milk.
Can dogs have vanilla ice cream? ›Vanilla ice cream might not be healthy for your dog, but it is not toxic if your dog takes a little bite. In moderation, vanilla ice cream is not toxic. However, chocolate ice cream can be toxic to dogs in any form. The darker the chocolate, the bigger the risk.
Does Sonic have pup cups? ›With that being said, you should know that SONIC has a secret pup cup.
Can dogs eat popcorn? ›Plain, air-popped popcorn is safe for dogs to eat in small quantities. Buttered popcorn or popcorn with other toppings is not safe for your dog on a regular basis, although eating a few dropped pieces here and there probably won't hurt them.
Can dogs eat pizza? ›The bottom line is that you should never give pizza to your dog, whether as a meal or a treat. They might experience a slight stomach upset if they're sensitive to dairy, due to the excess fat, but overall in many cases dogs are fine.
What sweet treats can dogs eat? ›Skip the chocolate, hard candies, ice cream, and other human foods and treats, which are bad for dogs. Instead, opt for one of the below fun treats. Fruits like blueberries, watermelon, or apple slices. These can be fed as is, or frozen into a “pup-sicle” (there are fun recipes online for this).
What is a Puppuccino cost? ›
Puppuccinos are free!
What is this? I always ask for one when I'm ordering my own Starbucks drink. If you're not ordering a drink along with your puppuccino, then be warned that you might be charged for it. If you're not charged and you still get it for free (score!), be sure you tip your barista generously.
It sounds fancy, but this Starbucks secret menu item for dogs is simply an espresso cup filled with whipped cream. And nervous dog owners need not be concerned about accidentally making their dog sick, because whipped cream is generally safe for dogs to eat.
Are pup cups just whip cream? ›It's just a cup (espresso- or sample-sized) of whipped cream for your pup.
Can dogs drink milk? ›Milk is a safe treat in small quantities. A few tablespoons of cow's milk or goat's milk on an occasional basis can be a nice reward for your dog. But, you should probably hold off on offering your dog an entire bowl in one sitting, as it can cause unpleasant reactions, including diarrhea, vomiting, and loose stools.
What is in dog ice cream? ›Making doggie ice cream is really easy. It's all based on plain yogurt and fresh ingredients that are good for dogs like bananas, strawberries and peanut butter. Every dog is different so you know what is good for them and how much they should enjoy.
Does Reddi Whip have xylitol? ›Since the answer to the question “does Reddi Whip have xylitol?” is NO, your dog can have a small amount of Reddi Whip or squirty cream, but it's better to choose a dairy free or homemade option.
How often can dogs have pup cups? ›Giving this sweet treat to your pup every day or even every other week is extremely unhealthy. If on the other hand, you decide to only give this treat to your pup once in a while or once every couple of months, your dog will stay happy and healthier for much longer.
Is my dog allowed a cracker? ›Dogs can eat crackers low in salt and fat and free of harmful seasonings. Most crackers have high quantities of sodium and added ingredients that can lead to serious health issues for your pet. Only feed your canine friend plain crackers in small quantities, but never use the baked good to replace their dog food.
Is it OK to give dogs animal crackers? ›Animal crackers are generally non-toxic for dogs. Before feeding your dog an animal cracker, make sure it doesn't contain chocolate or xylitol (also known as birch sugar or wood sugar). Chocolate won't usually kill dogs but can make them ill.
Can dogs eat cracker bread? ›Several issues can also arise from feeding your canine friend excess crackers, such as salt poisoning, extreme dehydration, pancreatitis, etc. Since crackers have no definite health benefits for your dogs, it is best to avoid crackers for your dogs generally.
Are firecrackers toxic to dogs? ›
When unused or used fireworks are ingested, they are poisonous to pets. Fireworks contain hazardous chemicals such as potassium nitrate, which is an oxidizing agent. They can also contain charcoal or sulfur and coloring agents, which are potentially dangerous heavy metals.
Can dogs eat bananas? ›Yes, dogs can eat bananas. In moderation, bananas are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. They're high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. They are low in cholesterol and sodium, but because of their high sugar content, bananas should be given as a treat, not part of your dog's main diet.
Can dogs eat strawberries? ›It may be hard or confusing to figure out which fruits and vegetables are safe for your dog (here's a hint: grapes are definitely not safe), but yes, your best friend can have fresh strawberries. However, you should not feed your dog canned strawberries or strawberries in syrup. These are not good for your pet, at all.
Can dogs eat peanut crackers? ›Dogs should not eat commercial peanut butter crackers that were made for humans. They usually have too much sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats. Plus, if you don't know whether your dog is allergic to peanut butter, this is a terrible way to find out.
Can dogs eat Cheerios? ›Cheerios are harmless for dogs, but they also don't provide any health benefits. They can be fed as a treat in moderation, but it's better to feed your dog healthier treats like vegetables or cooked, unseasoned meats.
Can dogs eat Doritos? ›Dogs do not like bitter tastes and they will avoid bitter tastes when exposed to them. Your dog can taste Doritos and they are not toxic. However, there are some considerations about your dog's health that you will want to consider when sharing snacks.
Can police dogs smell fireworks? ›Another type of bomb that detection dogs can find is explosives with Potassium chlorate. This is a great oxidizing agent often used in explosives, fireworks, and matches.
What are dog friendly fireworks? ›- Barrages (Multi-Shot)
- Catherine Wheels.
- Firework Selection Boxes.
- Sparklers.
Melatonin is the best calming natural supplement for dogs, and you can find it at any health food store. Give your dog from 1 to 4 mg, depending on bodyweight, and try to give it a little ahead of the fireworks, if possible.