You love brunch. Your dog loves being with you. The math should be simple — but anyone who's tried to find a truly dog-friendly restaurant knows it's not.
"Dog-friendly patio" could mean anything from "we put out a water bowl and won't kick you out" to "we have a dog menu and your pup gets treats from the server." Here's how to find the good ones.
What makes a restaurant truly dog-friendly?
Look for these signs:
How PawSpot helps
This is exactly why we built PawSpot. Instead of guessing which restaurants are dog-friendly, you can:
1. Browse dog-friendly restaurants filtered by category
2. Read reviews from real dog owners who've actually been there with their dogs
3. Check in ahead of time so your dog-owner friends can join you for brunch
No more calling ahead to ask "do you allow dogs?" No more showing up to find out "dog-friendly" meant one tiny table by the dumpster.
Tips for dining out with your dog
1. Call ahead for reservations — mention you're bringing a dog so they seat you appropriately
2. Bring a mat or blanket — gives your dog a defined space to settle
3. Pack treats — a busy restaurant is stimulating; treats help with focus
4. Go during off-peak hours — your first few outings should be calm, not chaotic
5. Tip generously — restaurant staff who welcome dogs deserve extra love
The future is dog-friendly
More restaurants than ever are embracing dogs. The pandemic accelerated outdoor dining, and many of those patios are here to stay. It's a great time to be a dog owner who loves eating out.
Use PawSpot to find your new favorite dog-friendly spot — and don't forget to leave a review for the next dog owner!