Dogs & Coffee [Where to Visit for Dog-Friendly Coffee and a Meal]

Table of Contents

If you are here reading this, you probably love coffee. You probably also like dogs. Those two things don’t always go together, but that doesn’t mean there is no overlap whatsoever. In truth, many coffee houses and cafes are dog-friendly and allow you the chance to sip on a latte or a cappuccino while your pup is at your side enjoying quality time with you. Some chain restaurants are coming around and allowing pets inside or at least on patios, too.

No matter where you are, having an option of somewhere to go and dine or have a coffee with your dog is nice. It gives you an extra place where you can spend time with your dog without worrying about leaving them at home or finding someone to watch them while you’re out doing errands. While you might not think your state is that friendliest for dogs in the country, we promise there is somewhere you can go that will change your mind.

Birmingham, Alabama – Ovenbird

When Chris Hastings decided to open this food joint, he knew he wanted it to have a dog-friendly patio to tie together a casual atmosphere and that’s exactly what is offered here. There is a space with a fence and grass where dogs can hang out or you can leash your pet by your table. Every dog gets water and biscuits while the humans in the party can try a large selection of globally inspired fare.

Anchorage, Alaska – AK Alchemist

Dogs who are leashed are welcome here as long as they can agree to three rules. No biting, no barking, and no begging are allowed. This is a spot that offers seafood, coffee, tacos, and beer, with something for everyone to enjoy. There are also dog-friendly meals like the reindeer burger and brown rice or halibut and brown rice. There is also a bowl of water for each dog.

Sedona, Arizona – SaltRock Southwest Kitchen

Sedona might be known for its beauty and the metaphysical, but it should also be known for its amazing food. This spot is located at Amara Resort & Spa and offers beautiful vista views. Dogs are welcome to come visit with their owners who can nosh on Southwestern meals and sip agave-based drinks. The menu includes dishes like carnitas tacos and braised Osso Bucco. Treats and a water bowl are also available for dogs. All you have to do is ask.

Little Rock, Arkansas – Red Door

Red Door shows off the culinary heritage of the south in every meal that Chef Mark Abernathy puts out. The menu includes dishes like stuffed mushrooms, cheeseburgers, and baby back ribs that have customers coming back for more. If you’re looking for a spot to visit after a night out, the chicken-fried rib eye, cathead biscuits, and Bloody Mary infused with bacon are huge hits. While the restaurant is beloved by humans, plenty of dogs enjoy the spot, too. It has a spacious outdoor patio that has fans out during the summer and heaters when the temperature drops. It’s a great spot for the entire family, dogs included.

Los Angeles, California – Manuela

One of the best spots in Los Angeles is the Arts District, where you can find tons of great restaurants, coffee shops, galleries, and more. Enjoy the combination of Southern fare with coastal California flavors which offers a dog-friendly patio and an outdoor bar. You can enjoy great cocktails and snack on items like cream biscuits with country ham and honey butter.

Aspen, Colorado – The Little Nell

While you might know the Little Nell as a luxury hotel, it also happens to offer the best pet-friendly restaurant in the state. The Living Room offers a pet-friendly menu that you can enjoy near the fireplace with options like the Element 47 Wagyu Burger and a selection of wines. There’s even a bowl with carrots, salmon, egg, and rice just for your pet dog.

Mystic, Connecticut – Sea View Snack Bar

This is a small snack bar with counter service that offers an all outdoor setting in New England. It has been open since 1976 with menu items like lobster rolls, clam chowder, clam bellies, hot dogs, and burgers. The eatery is right on the river and there are plenty of picnic tables for visitors and their pets to dine. You can watch the boats float by while your dog rolls around in the grass that covers the lawn.

Sussex County, Delaware – Grotto Pizza

Grotto Pizza is the go-to destination for pie in this state with a pizza that has a thin crusty and lots of gooey cheese on top. While this spot is now located in Maryland and Pennsylvania too, it’s the most dog-friendly spot in Delaware and well worth stopping for. The Rehoboth Avenue location is super friendly to canines and offers water bowls for pets. There are also treats available for all the dogs that come to dine with the family.

Miami, Florida – Michael’s Genuine

Michael’s Genuine has been around since 2007 and is located in the design district of Miami. The restaurant offers New American fare with items like guava French toast and chilled shrimp with lime and aji Amarillo. Dogs are also welcome and every pet who comes to the restaurant not only gets a fresh bowl of water but can also enjoy an organic peanut butter cookie to enjoy while the owners dine.

Tybee Island, Georgia – The Crab Shack

As long as your dog is on a leash, they’re welcome to come with you to enjoy the outdoor deck with you at the Crab Shack. You can take in a view of the marsh and enjoy the shade of all the moss-covered live oaks nearby. Not only are dogs allowed here, but the servers will bring them out fresh bowls of water to keep hydrated. You can also share bites of your Captain Crab sample or fish boil with the pup as he hangs out next to you. One of the things you should know before bringing a dog to this restaurant is that there are cats that wander around the restaurant. If your dog doesn’t do well with felines, this might not be the best place to stop.

Honolulu, Hawaii – Piggy Smalls

This spot is the younger sibling to the Pig and the Lady, known for Chef Andrew Le. It has a casual vibe and is happy to allow dogs. This is an artsy spot that focuses on dishes with Vietnamese ingredients. The Pho-strami banh mi is a big hit that comes with smoked brisket with pastrami spice sand pho, along with mustard seeds, lime and Sriracha onions, and a sauce.

Boise, Idaho – Fork

This spot is located in a pedestrian-friendly area of Boise near Boise City Hall and the Idaho State Capitol. Your pooch can hang out inside or outside the dining area with you. Every dog who comes in gets a water bowl and treats while human patrons can enjoy Northwestern cuisine made with seasonal, local ingredients. Some of the favorites include the tomato basil fondue with grilled cheese, the asparagus fries with ranch, and the butter cake for dessert.

Chicago, Illinois – Nellcote

This restaurant is in the West Loop and offers a French feel, including a dog-friendly patio that is available all year round. Every dog who comes in gets a branded water bowl and there are often happy hour specials for the dogs. Dog owners can try a huge number of dishes, including wood-grilled duck breast, pizza, pasta, and truffle-infused potatoes.

Carmel, Indiana – Donatello’s Italian Restaurant

One of the cool things about Donatello’s is that it offers Dine with Your Dog Nights where humans and pups can hang out and eat together on certain evenings. This restaurant is in the art district near all the top art galleries and showrooms in the city. You can enjoy personal pizza, cheese-stuffed pasta, and chicken parmesan on a dog-friendly patio.

Des Moines, Iowa – St. Kilda Café & Bakery

Want to enjoy the feel of Australia while in Iowa? This spot is located near downtown and offers coffee, pastries, breed, and other modern and healthy dishes. The menu ranges from avocado toast with cucumber, corn, and feta to a kimchi Rueben. You can order your favorite food and then sit with your dog at one of the tables outside.

Wichita, Kansas – Fetch Bistro

When it comes to dog-friendly destinations, Fetch Bistro is one of the best. This is a dog-themed café in Wichita where dogs can dine both inside and out. There is also a fenced-in dog park for your dog to enjoy. The menu includes everything from hash browns, toast, and fried potatoes to Benedicts, quesadillas, and omelets. There is also a menu just for dogs so they can nosh with you.

Louisville, Kentucky – Garage Bar

Louisville has tons of bars, but you can’t beat the one and only Garage Bar for some of the best bourbons in town. However, this spot also offers a huge food menu with items like oysters, country ham and other local snacks. The entire outdoor area is open to dogs and has water bowls available for your canine buddy. There are also yappy hour specials on occasion with snacks for dogs.

New Orleans, Louisiana – Café du Monde

Everyone loves Café du Monde from the residents who stop in every day to tourists who can’t resist the steaming hot coffee and fluffy fried dough thoroughly coated in powdered sugar that makes up the beignets the place is famous for. This joint is open 24 hours a day and leashed dogs are welcome on the covered patio that makes up the dining room. It’s recommended to take a seat on the outside, so a server doesn’t get tripped, but otherwise, you can enjoy some great coffee in an excellent city with your pet.

Portland, Maine – The Thirsty Pig

Want a spot with a dog-friendly patio that offers craft beer and homemade sausages? The Thirsty Pig is a great casual spot that serves up everything from vegan sausage to Thai chili pork sausage, and blueberry chicken. The outdoor patio isn’t just a spot to eat; it also offers live music on a regular basis. It’s one of the best spots in the state to enjoy time eating and drinking with your pooch.

Ocean City, Maryland – Macky’s Bayside Bar & Grill

If you want to dine on the bay, Macky’s is the perfect place for you. It’s located on a strip of beach where you can enjoy the sand with your furry friend. Dog owners enjoy this sport as dogs can hang out on the beach until 10 pm every night. Owners can enjoy a menu that is composed of shrimp and seafood while dogs can chew on baby carrots, hot dogs, chicken, or apple slices.

Cambridge, Massachusetts – The Automatic Food & Drink

This little spot in Kendall Square is a great spot for locals who want to hang with their pets. You can check out their Instagram to see how common this is. There are plenty of outdoor patio spaces on a quiet street. People visit this restaurant to sip cocktails, enjoy bar snacks like funky fries, and listen to vinyl tunes. You and your dog will both have a great time there.

Traverse City, Michigan – The Little Fleet

This spot is an event space, bar, and food truck lot located in Traverse City, which is known as a great spot for community gatherings. It’s the sort of spot that can make you feel as if you are among friends enjoying a host of barbecue dishes. There is a bar all year round with top-shelf spirits and fresh juices along with wine and beer. There is an outdoor patio in the warm months, and you can order barbecue, tacos, and other street food. There are often other dogs running around for your pet to socialize with.

Minneapolis, Minnesota – Grand Café

Grand Café is a Minneapolis based café owned by Jamie Malone. The owner is lauded for turning the 70year-old restaurant into a French-inspired destination that was called one of the 2018 Restaurants of the year by Food & Wine. The menu here is large and includes a new interpretation of classics like grilled oysters with black pepper and shallot cream. There is also a water dish at the door, so your dog can drink up. Dogs also get served on silver trays just like humans do, making this a top spot to visit in Minneapolis for coffee or a meal.

Ocean Springs, Mississippi – The Shed Barbecue & Blues Joint

This is a family-owned shed that serves some of the best barbecue in Mississippi. This is a 22-acre spot that offers chicken wings, brisket, and baby back ribs in large amounts. It’s a great road trip stop spot with doggy cleanup stations for after using the bathroom along with a number of water bowls that dogs can enjoy using at both the uncovered and covered tables outside where you and your whole family can eat.

St. Louis, Missouri – Salt and Smoke

When sharing a meal with your dog, there’s nothing better than a protein-laden plate. Barbecue is the perfect option and this restaurant in St. Louis does it the right way. You can nosh on St. Louis style ribs, brisket sandwiches, and much more. There are even unique ingredients like tobacco onions and burnt end mayo to try. And don’t worry, your dog can come along as long as you sit at the sidewalk tables located in the front of this restaurant.

Whitefish, Montana – Bonsai Brewing Project

As you can guess by the name, this is a brewery, but it also boasts a public house, kitchen, and beer garden. All of this is wrapped up in a landscape of lakes, valleys, peaks, and everything else that characterizes Glacier National park. The shop focuses on small-batch beer and comfort food that is all made from scratch. It’s super dog-friendly to the point where there is a dog on-site named Please. Dogs can hang out in the beer garden and there are collars, water bowls, leashes, and dog toys branded with the restaurant name.

North Platte, Nebraska – Pals Brewing Company

This Nebraska restaurant is family-owned and operated and offers a great spot to dine with your dog or enjoy a coffee on a nice day. There is a massive patio that has full service along with a two-acre outdoor beer oasis. On top of that, there are toys, a volleyball court, cornhole boards, and weekly live entertainment. There is homemade beer along with a selection of snacks and pizza including cheese curds and chicken chorizo nachos.

Las Vegas, Nevada – Park on Fremont

Park on Fremont might not be on the strip, but it’s in a location that is popular for locals and tourists alike. You can expect to see penny slots, neon signs, and street performers working for a dollar no matter when you drop by. This restaurant is a gastropub that is open to the presence of dogs that serves craft cocktails along with dishes like loaded waffle fries.

Bedford, New Hampshire – T-Bones Great American Eatery

Love comfort food? You will be crazy about T-Bones Great American Eatery. This restaurant offers Tails on the Terrace from time to time and offers a patio outside for dogs and their owners. You can enjoy a Caprese burger or buffalo wings while your dog chows down on something from the pet menu like the Bonzy Burger or the Boo’s Bacon Wrap Bites.

Asbury Park, New Jersey – Talula’s

News Jersey is known for its pizza and you can expect the best of it at Talula’s in Asbury Park. It has been getting great reviews for years and offers amazing pizza made with a sourdough crust. You can share some grub with your pet dog by sitting at the patio on the sidewalk. Not only can you enjoy dining, but you can watch the diners and shoppers walking around in the sea air.

Albuquerque, New Mexico – El Pinto Restaurant

As one of the most dog-friendly places in the United States, Albuquerque has a number of options for dining with your pet. What really sets this place apart is the giant patio with room for 1,200 people and their pets. There is a salsa factory on-site that makes green chile sauce and jalapeno salsa. You and your pet can stop in for the baby back ribs which are marinated for 24 hours in a chile paste for the juiciest meat you could imagine.

New York City, New York – Pig Beach

Finding a restaurant with space for you and your pooch can be tough in New York City where space is at a premium. However, Pig Beach is an exception to the rule with 13,000 feet of outdoor dining near the waterfront. You can enjoy two barbecue options, along with beer and wine. We recommend the Pig Beach Burger with an extra dose of pulled pork on top.

Asheville, North Carolina – Rhubarb

This is John Fleer’s flagship restaurant and it is located in an area known for great dining. All of the menu items have carefully curated ingredient lists and you can expect to see things ranging from shiitake mushrooms to salsa verde, that taste better than anywhere else. This dining spot has a patio that looks over Pack Square where you can enjoy some great food and a glass of wine with your dog in tow while spending time in North Carolina.

Fargo, North Dakota – Wurst Bier Hall

If you are in the mood for German beer hall fare and you happen to be in Fargo with your dog, Wurst Bier Hall is where you need to be. The spot has brews that change on a regular basis along with a menu including apple smoked sausage, classic brats, Polish kielbasa, smoked rabbit, and rattlesnake. What sets the place apart is that fact that there are patio tables for dogs. Not only that, but the dogs also get a water bowl and spent grain biscuits made from a brewery in the local area.

Oakley, Ohio – MadTree Brewing

This restaurant is also a brewery and taproom and is has an interior with wood accents and open ceilings. It also has a beer garden outside that is welcoming to dogs with its own entrance. The garden is heated and tended when it’s cold outside and humans can sip on Boone Barley Wine, Dreamsicle Kolsch, and Blackberry Farm Classic Saison. There’s also a pizza shop on site that offers 15 different specialty pies with breakfast pizza available on the weekends.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – The Jones Assembly

This location is more than just a restaurant. It’s also a music venue and bar where Father John Misty, Willie Nelson, and St. Lucia have graced the stage. It features a huge cocktail list with items like Moscow mules on tap and modern gin and juice. The food menu offers American favorites with a local flair like cornmeal-dusted catfish and Nashville hot chicken. The patio outside is open to dogs and is heated in the winter with misters to keep you and your pooch cool during the hot summer months.

Portland, Oregon – Tin Shed Garden Café

If you stop in during the day, this spot is always brimming with dog owners. The semi-enclosed patio is open to dogs and the menu has special items just for canines. Tuesdays are Doggie Love Night and dogs get a free meal when you order an adult meal of your own. Try the macaroni and cheese, build your own burger, or the sausage platter.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Parc Brasserie

Not only does this foodie haven has outdoor tables, but they are also in high demand. It offers great views and a city vibe that make you feel like you’re in Paris instead of in Philly. Dogs are welcomed to the restaurant with water bowls and sometimes there are treats available too. The menu includes brunch, lunch, and dinner, with items like half roast chicken and mashed potatoes or warm shrimp salad with a lemon beurre blanc sauce. You won’t be disappointed if you visit and your dog will have a great time too.

Newport, Rhode Island – O’Brien’s Pub

O’Brien’s Pub is a spot that is family-friendly and that means the entire family, even those with four legs. The patio is almost always happening and makes a great spot to enjoy time with your dog. There are tables with umbrellas, and you can often hear live music being played. Guests can try some of the pub grub favorites along with a beer. There is also a selection of Doggie Delights just for the dogs who show up.

Charleston, South Carolina – Edmund’s Oast

Edmund’s Oast is a great spot to stop in at in Charleston and offers a menu with delicious food and homemade beer. The New American menu is packed with winners like chilled shrimp salad with cucumber ranch, fried tripe with vinaigrette, and housemade charcuterie boards. Tons of locals head home to grab their dogs before coming to the joint to enjoy dinner. There are communal picnic tables where you can enjoy silly beverages like Peanut Butter & Jelly beer while chatting with the family.

Sioux Falls, South Dakota – Remedy Brewing Co.

This restaurant is found on Brewers’ Row on the East Bank of Sioux Falls and acts as a tribute to prohibition and beermaking during that time period. The brewery offers everything from Mexican larger to Dakota Common beers and Bavarian Hefeweizen. There is also a food menu with small plates and flatbreads. The space has tables made of barn wood, vintage light bulbs, a cowhide rug, and a dog-friendly outdoor patio. However, dogs can come and go both inside and out, something that is rare nowadays. Treats and water bowls are on hand to make sure both you and your pet are comfortable.

Nashville, Tennessee – Peg Leg Porker

This is a casual barbecue place where you can get menu items like BBQ Nachos and Memphis style dry ribs, both of which are huge in the city. This restaurant has a spacious patio where dog owners and their pets can hang out no matter the time of year. When it starts getting colder, there are heaters available, which makes this a happening spot for dog lovers.

Fort Worth, Texas – Woodshed Smokehouse

In 2012, this spot was named one of the 50 Best New Restaurants by Bon Appetit and it’s still a great place to get a meal. It has a rotating menu of wild game, beef, chicken, vegetables, and fish cooked over various woods. There is a garden, backyard games, and a music space and it’s all tucked along the Trinity River. The dog in your life will love the organic beef rib bone from the pup menu, which is a rawhide bone dipped in fat.

Boulder, Utah – Hell’s Backbone Grill and Farm

This beautiful restaurant is located near the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, which is a dog-friendly attraction. The dining options range from grilled pork chop with apple poblano chutney to juniper lamb posole. The space is open to dogs as long as you don’t mind hanging out under the patio or at the outdoor communal table.

Stowe, Vermont – Idletyme Brewing Company

When it comes to casual food that tastes great served next to great beer, Idletyme is providing it for those in Vermont. You can enjoy the Pub Burger with tomato, pickled onions, lettuce, and Cabot cheddar cheese or snack on the Vermont cheddar fritters with jalapeno aioli. The food and vibe can’t be beat with tons of locals and tourists coming together to eat and chat. There is a dog-friendly patio that has heaters, a fireplace, and umbrellas for comfort while you dine.

Middleburg, Virginia – Gold Cup Wine Bar

Found in Shenandoah Valley, this wine bar offers a huge number of local wines along with twists on American dishes like crab cake BLTs, crispy sesame cauliflower, and shrimp and grits. There are also free tastings for a different winery every Sunday. However, the Yappy Hour each week is the real draw for those who own dogs. Your pet can run through an obstacle course while you snack and drink on the terrace.

Lilliwaup, Washington – Hama Hama Oyster Saloon

This little oyster saloon can be found right next door to Olympic National Park and is known for its clams, oysters, and crab cakes. It also overlooks the wildlife of the area and has an open-air feel that is welcoming to dogs. This is a space open the entire year with blankets, bonfires, and warm dishes like smoked salmon chowder in the cold months. In the warm months, there are shade sails covering the desk to keep you cooled off with your dog.

Charleston, West Virginia – Black Sheep Burritos & Brews

If you ask the Food Network Magazine, this hot spot offers some of the tastiest tacos in America with the smoked trout taco that includes an ancho yogurt sauce and bourbon bacon marmalade. The twist on Mexican food makes it a favorite for the area. The location in downtown Charleston is just a few blocks from Haddad Riverfront Park and opens for dogs as well as humans. Your pup can steal bites of your ginger and sesame marinated bulgogi flank steak burrito or you can fill up on Thai shrimp tacos. All the food is great, which makes this spot worth the stop.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Dimoda Pizza

Dimoda Pizza offers up a wide assortment of artisanal Roman pizza on the lower east end in Milwaukee. This restaurant has a busy inside, but the patio covered in brick is where the dog lovers hang out. In addition to all the Italian dishes for the owners, there is a canine menu with dishes like Baron’s Gelato and Puparoni Pizza. There is even an alcohol-free beer made for canine consumption.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming – Bodega

The name for this spot is taken from the one-stop shops in New York City and this spot is part restaurant, part bottle shop, part market, and part gas station. It also serves alcoholic slushies for the adults in your party. There is a food truck on-site with fried chicken sandwiches and a taco special each day. The seating area is totally dog-friendly with an open, grassy space nearby that your dog is likely to love.

Wrapping Up

Whether you are in the mood for comfort food, a steaming latte, a salad, pizza, or something else, there is a restaurant that caters to it which is happy to have you and your dog dine. This list will give you an idea of the best spot in each state to enjoy dog-friendly dining, but there are likely dozens of other options. Never be afraid to ask if dogs are welcome! The least expected places might be welcoming and offer the best food and coffee you can find.

Bonus Questions:

1. Do any restaurants allow dogs?

A huge number of restaurants allow restaurants, but in most cases, they are required to stay on the patio or in another outdoor area. Based on health reasons, dogs cannot be anywhere that food is being prepared. However, if the food is only being served, dogs are often welcome to join you.

2. How do I find dog-friendly restaurants?

Most states and large cities have a handful of dog-friendly restaurants. Searching the Internet is a good way to find out about them. Some of the chain restaurants that allow dogs, usually outside, include Starbucks, Dairy Queen, Outback Steakhouse, In N Out Burger, Shake Shack, and Sonic Drive-In.

3. Can I bring my dog to McDonald’s?

Service dogs can come inside McDonald’s or other restaurants with you, but in most cases, they aren’t allowed inside. As far as McDonald’s goes, only the outdoor seating areas are open to dogs and their owners.

4. What stores allow dogs?

There are plenty of stores that have a policy that allows for dogs to come inside with their owners. Some of these include Ross, Half Price Books, Hobby Lobby, Gander Outdoors, Michaels, Academy Sports, and Abercrombie and Fitch.

5. Does Olive Garden allow dogs?

It really depends on the location of the Olive Garden in question. If your local Olive Garden has an outdoor patio, it’s likely that canine members of your family can join you for dinner. However, it’s a good idea to give the restaurant a call first to be sure.

6. Where can I leave my dog when I go on vacation?

One option is to have a pet sitter come to take care of your dog. You can also hire someone for in-home pet boarding or drop your dog off at a kennel. Other options include enlisting the help of a family member or neighbor or just taking your dog with you on the trip.

7. Does Starbucks charge for Puppuccino?

A Puppuccino from Starbucks is a small paper cup filled with whipped cream that is provided for dogs. It also happens to be entirely free for customer’s pet dogs. Most locations of Starbucks offer this treat, but you aren’t going to find it actually listed on the menu.

8. Can you ask for proof of a service dog?

Someone working or volunteering at an establishment can ask if an animal is required for a disability and inquire about what tasks the animal can do. However, they cannot ask for documentation proving that the animals are licensed, certified, or trained to provide services for their owner.

9. Can I bring my dog into Target?

It might be surprising to find that this business, whose mascot is a bull terrier named Bullseye, does not allow pet dogs inside their stores. Only service dogs are allowed into the establishments.

10. Are dogs in strollers allowed in stores?

It’s hard to say because some stores are happy to welcome them and others forbid dogs in strollers or otherwise. It’s always a good idea to ask before taking a dog into a store, so you aren’t asked to leave if the pet is not allowed.

Sources:

https://www.foodnetwork.com/restaurants/photos/best-dog-friendly-restaurants-in-the-country

https://www.purewow.com/food/best-dog-friend-bars-every-state