15 Dog-Friendly Restaurants and Chains in 2024
By Jessica Kim
Updated on
It’s uncommon to find restaurants that allow dogs inside because of food safety and sanitation concerns. Some local restaurants may allow dogs inside, but they’re pretty uncommon. However, you can find some restaurant chains that allow dogs in their outdoor seating areas. Some locations will even go the extra mile and have a special dog menu.
If you’re looking to dine with your dog, it’s important to call the establishment beforehand to determine whether dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating areas. Here are some restaurant chains that you can contact to see if your dog is allowed to sit on their patios.
The 15 Dog-Friendly Restaurants and Chains
1. Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
Most Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar locations have a dog-friendly patio. So, while your dog may not be allowed indoors, they can still enjoy sitting outside with you. A great thing about Lazy Dog is that it also carries a dog menu. So, your dog can enjoy a tasty hamburger patty bowl or a grilled chicken breast. Keep in mind that Lazy Dog has very clear rules laid out in their pet policy. Make sure to read the rules beforehand so that everyone can have a safe and enjoyable dining experience.
2. Shake Shack
Shake Shack is another dog-friendly restaurant that has its own dog menu called the Woof Menu. The Woof Menu contains tasty treats that your dog can enjoy while you eat your own meal. One of the menu items is the Bag O’ Bones. This treat was developed by Bocce’s Bakery and contains five beef and cheddar dog biscuits. They’re a much safer alternative to giving your dog pieces of your burger.
3. Panera Bread
Panera Bread doesn’t allow pets inside its establishments. However, many Panera Bread locations have an outdoor seating area. Dogs can often sit in these areas, but make sure to ask the restaurant manager about their pet policy. Some locations may not allow dogs in their outdoor areas.
You may want to bring some treats if you plan to bring your dog to Panera. Panera doesn’t have a menu for dogs, and most of its regular menu items aren’t very healthy for dogs to eat.
4. Starbucks
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Most Starbucks locations will allow dogs on their patios. Just make sure that your dog is leashed and not sitting in the chairs or standing on the tables. You can also add a Puppuccino for your dog with your drink order. A Puppuccino is whipped cream served inside a Starbucks espresso cup. Just keep in mind that the whipped cream contains sugar, so it’s not the best option for dogs that are on a weight management plan.
5. Culver’s
Most Culver’s locations with an outdoor seating area allow dogs to sit there. In fact, many dogs enjoy visiting Culver’s. It’s best to go to Culver’s with a friend so that someone can stay outside with your dog while the other goes inside to order. Culver’s doesn’t have a dog menu, so make sure to bring some treats or chews to keep your dog occupied while you eat.
6. Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen is another fast-food chain that typically welcomes dogs in their outdoor seating areas. Many Dairy Queen locations also have a drive-thru, so you can order your food in your car and then sit outside with your dog.
While Dairy Queen allows dogs in the patio areas, they don’t have any treats or menu items for dogs. So, make sure to bring a water bowl and some snacks for your dog.
7. Sonic Drive-In
Sonic Drive-In doesn’t have a dog menu or any dog treats, but it’s still much more dog-friendly than many other restaurant chains. Since you can order and eat inside your car, you can certainly bring your dog with you. Just make sure that your dog remains calm when the carhop approaches your car with your order.
Some Sonic Drive-Ins have an outdoor eating area. Dogs are usually allowed to sit there as long as they’re leashed and well-behaved.
8. In-N-Out Burger
Many In-N-Out Burger locations have outdoor patios that welcome dogs. These spaces are first come, first serve, so it may be a challenge to find a spot, especially during peak service hours. Fortunately, most In-N-Out Burger locations are open late. So, you can pick a time when it’s less crowded to enjoy a tasty burger. Just make sure to bring some treats or a chew for your dog to eat while you’re there because the burger patties are seasoned and not the best option for your dog.
9. Bruster’s Real Ice Cream
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream has locations with a patio that welcomes dogs. It’s also a great place to visit since you don’t have to step inside to order. You and your dog can also stay in your car as you place your order through their drive thru.
If you plan to order for your dog, you can try asking for a doggie sundae. This treat consists of plain ice cream and a tasty dog biscuit. However, it’s only served in select locations.
10. Olive Garden
Olive Gardens with an outdoor patio may welcome dogs. Just make sure to contact them beforehand to confirm that dogs can sit in their patio areas. While Olive Garden may have dog-friendly patios, it may not be the safest place to bring your dog due to the ingredients used in their food. While the meals are safe for people to eat, most of them contain ingredients that are harmful to dogs. Some ingredients that are toxic to dogs include garlic, onions, and oregano.
11. Johnny Rockets
Johnny Rockets is a hamburger chain with some locations that have dog-friendly outdoor seating. Just make sure to call beforehand to ensure dogs are allowed in their patio areas.
Johnny Rockets doesn’t have a dog menu and doesn’t provide dog bowls. So, make sure to bring your own water bowl and treats to keep your dog occupied. Your dog may need some distraction to prevent begging for a burger and causing any disruptions.
12. Noah’s New York Bagel
Noah’s New York Bagel is a part of Panera Brands. It’s a chain located in multiple cities in California. Since it’s a part of Panera Brands, it’s no surprise that it shares the same dog-friendly sentiment. Most locations will allow dogs to sit at their outdoor patios.
Just keep in mind that there’s no dog menu. However, your dog may be able to enjoy small bites of specific ingredients used in their menu items, like eggs, cheese, and spinach.
13. Baja Fresh
Baja Fresh is a casual restaurant that serves Tex-Mex food. Some locations have outdoor seating areas and allow dogs to sit there with their owners. Dogs need to be leashed and supervised at all times.
Baja Fresh doesn’t have a menu or treats for dogs. So, make sure to bring a water bowl and some treats for your dog to enjoy while you dine.
14. Joe’s Crab Shack
Joe’s Crab Shack is a seafood chain that offers a casual dining experience. Some locations have an outdoor patio that may allow dogs. As with most restaurant chains, make sure to call beforehand to find out if a particular location allows dogs in their outdoor seating areas.
Keep in mind that while dogs can eat fish and shellfish, it’s probably best to refrain from feeding your dog any food served at Joe’s Crab Shack. The food can contain seasonings that may upset your dog’s stomach. If you do want to give your dog a few bites of shellfish, make sure to order them steamed without any additional seasonings or spices.
15. Outback Steakhouse
Some Outback Steakhouse locations have outdoor patios that may welcome dogs. However, not all patios are dog friendly. So, it’s important to contact the location you plan to visit beforehand to confirm that dogs are allowed in the patio space.
Just keep in mind that even if the Outback Steakhouse you plan to dine in welcomes dogs, it may still be a good idea to keep your dog at home. Dogs may have difficulty sitting still and refraining from getting overly excited about the delicious smell of steak and other savory foods.
Conclusion
You and your dog can enjoy an outdoor dining experience together at some restaurant chains. Just make sure to call and confirm that dogs are allowed on their patios. You can also find out if they have a designated dog menu. If they don’t, make sure to pack some treats and a water bowl and keep your dog leashed at all times. This will ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable dining experience and continues to have a positive view of dogs being in public outdoor spaces.
Featured Image Credit: Iryna Inshyna, Shutterstock
