Dog-Friendly Dining

10 Pup-Friendly Patios to Visit Right Now

There's no need to leave your dogs at home with these pet-friendly restaurants.

By Jenna K. White July 18, 2016 Published in the August 2016 issue of Houstonia Magazine

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Get your paws on the patio at Boheme

Barnaby’s Café

The heaping portions of meatloaf, Hawaiian pork chops, and giant salads guarantee you’ll need a doggie bag after a meal at this local chain (good news for Fido). Enjoying a morning walk? Visit Baby Barnaby’s next door for fresh, affordable breakfast fare such as green eggs loaded with spinach, artichoke hearts and jack cheese. 

Boheme

When Saturday goals amount to relaxing in the shade with a four-legged shadow in tow, grab a booth on this sprawling patio and order a frozen mojito, a pile of Vietnamese fries—thin, crispy and drizzled with Asian sauces—and the Korean barbacoa pizza. They’ll bring your pal some fresh water, too.

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A kimchi burger and fries at The Burger Joint

The Burger Joint

Though Matt Pak’s food-truck-turned-brick-and-mortar-spot is all deck, powerful fans and umbrellas help keep things chill in warmer temps. In addition to scratch-made burgers, the menu boasts hot dogs, chicken and pulled pork sandwiches, loaded fries and wide-cut onion rings. Choose from an interesting mix of local and out-of-state brews, or go sweet with a milkshake.

Giacomo's Cibo E Vino

This unassuming neighborhood spot extends a charming welcome to both two- and four-legged guests. Give your dog a treat while you indulge in a selection from the approachable wine list, tasty hot and cold cichetti (or “little dishes,” all $5–10) and handmade pastas, many available in half orders. Get the seasonal dessert—proceeds benefit the Rescued Pets Movement.

The Grove

For downtown residents—or visitors with dogs in tow—a stroll through Discovery Green is a must. Afterward, snag a shaded table on the deck of this restaurant overlooking the park and order a round of apps and icy drinks. We recommend the chorizo-and-mushroom quesadillas and the pistachio-studded beet hummus.

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Fans help cool the patio at Local Foods in Upper Kirby.

Local Foods

The popular local chain’s second location features a roomy, well-manicured garden to complement its inviting, retro chic interior. It’s hard to go wrong here, but we especially love the truffled egg salad and bright and zippy watermelon gazpacho. Tanglewood dog-lovers: A third location is coming soon to your ’hood.

The Kitchen at the Dunlavy

With Johnny Steele Dog Park just down the way, there’s probably no better outing for you and Samson. After a full morning of doggie socializing, you’ll both appreciate winding down on the restaurant’s lovely patio overlooking Buffalo Bayou. Weekend brunch brings Southern California–inspired fare like green smoothies, breakfast bowls and avocado toast.

Little Liberty

At F.E.E.D. TX’s quirky new eatery, it’s possible to pair a customized pokê bowl, charred okra with chiles, and crackly bread and Irish butter with a coffee egg cream. The covered patio boasts wooden banquettes and room for the whole family, pups included.

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Lamb sausage and eggs at Siphon Coffee

Siphon Coffee

Weekdays bring a steady stream of students and young professionals to this hip coffee shop, while weekends attract the brunch crowd. Get an espresso, cold brew or glass of wine with one of the excellent panini, and post up to the patio with your good boy.

Tiny Boxwoods

Owned by the nursery next door, the serene garden patio at this pretense-free ladies-who-lunch institution is a lovely place to spend a morning with your dog. Order a breakfast pizza, salmon Provençale salad or savory beet burger, and save room for the chocolate chip cookies—they’ve earned their legendary status.

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