Your ride-or-die companion deserves to join you for a night on the town. Why leave your four-legged best friend at home when you’re out and about in NYC? With so many amazing restaurants to choose from, it can be tricky finding the right spot to bring your pup. But there’s no shortage of dog-friendly restaurants here where you can enjoy a meal together. Some even have special doggie menus! As dog owners, we get that there’s no one more loyal than our fur babies. So treat yours to a night out and take them to one of these pet-approved eateries next time you’re exploring the city. Outdoor dining has never been so “pawsome” knowing your BFF can tag along.
The Benefits of Dining Out With Your Dog
Dining out with your pup has so many perks. For one, you get to spend quality time together in a new environment, bonding over a shared experience. Your dog will love exploring a new place and getting attention from others, not to mention the possibility of treats from the staff or other diners!
Taking your dog out for a meal is also a great form of mental stimulation. The sights, sounds, and smells of a restaurant setting provide cognitive exercise for dogs and help prevent boredom or restlessness. Interacting with new people and other restaurant guests gives your dog an opportunity to practice good behavior and socialization.
Many restaurants welcome dogs and go out of their way to cater to them. Some spots offer special doggy menus with canine cuisine and treats. Others provide water bowls, treats, and pet waste bags. Dining with your dog gives you a chance to support these pet-friendly businesses.
Last but not least, dining out together strengthens your bond and gives you an opportunity to engage in an enjoyable activity together outside the normal routine. Mealtime is a social occasion for humans and dogs alike, so sharing a dining experience together lets your dog be an even bigger part of your life.
The benefits of dining out with your faithful furry friend are numerous. It provides mental and social stimulation for your dog, supports pet-friendly businesses, and gives you a chance to bond over a shared experience in a new place. Grabbing grub with your pup is a rewarding activity for you both and an opportunity to strengthen your relationship. The loyalty and companionship of dogs is unmatched, so why not share more adventures together? A dog-friendly dinner date is the perfect way to show your pup some extra love.
Top Tips for Dining Out With Your Furry Friend
Make sure your dog is friendly
Not all dogs do well in an exciting environment like a restaurant. Make sure your pup has basic obedience training and is comfortable around new people and dogs before bringing them out. It’s also a good idea to stick to pet-friendly patios instead of indoor dining at first.
Bring essential supplies
Be a responsible pet owner and bring everything your dog may need. This includes:
- Leash and collar: Even if the restaurant has an enclosed outdoor area, keep your dog leashed at all times.
- Water bowl: Most restaurants don’t provide water bowls, so bring one to keep your dog hydrated.
- Treats: Bring some treats to help keep your dog calm and well-behaved. Only give treats when your dog is sitting or lying down to avoid begging behavior.
- Potty bags: Accidents happen, so bring bags to properly clean up after your dog.
Offer your dog plenty of breaks
While you may want to spend hours chatting with friends over a long meal, keep in mind that your dog may get antsy after a while. Offer breaks where you walk around, give your dog some water, and make sure they’ve gone to the bathroom. It’s best for shorter 1-2 hour outings at first.
Make it a positive experience
Reward and praise your dog when they are being calm and well-mannered. Give them treats, belly rubs and verbal encouragement. Stay calm and patient if your dog is overly excited. Yelling or punishing your dog will likely make them more anxious. Keep outings short and end on a high note so your dog associates dining out with positive experiences.
With time and practice, dining out with your dog can be an enjoyable experience for both of you. Stick to these tips, be courteous to other patrons, and have fun! Your furry best friend will appreciate the extra attention.
The Best Dog Friendly Restaurants Near Me in NYC
NYC has no shortage of al fresco dining options where your furry friend is more than welcome. Some spots even have special “yappy hour” deals and pup-friendly menus. Here are some of the top dog-friendly restaurants in NYC where you can dine with your faithful companion by your side.
Barking Dog Luncheonette – Upper West Side
This retro diner-themed spot welcomes pups and offers homemade dog treats, toys, and accessories along with classic diner fare for humans like burgers, fries, and milkshakes. They frequently host “yappy hour” events with drink specials and treats for your pup.
The Smith – Multiple Locations
With several locations across NYC, The Smith is a go-to for elevated American fare in a stylish space. Their spacious patios are open for al fresco dining with your dog. They provide water bowls and treats to make your pup feel right at home while you enjoy dishes like truffle mac and cheese, lobster rolls, and craft cocktails.
Employees Only – West Village
This stylish speakeasy-inspired bar and restaurant hidden behind a neon “Psychic” sign welcomes well-behaved dogs to join you for dinner and drinks. They offer an eclectic menu with bar snacks, salads, sandwiches, and mains plus killer craft cocktails. Your pup will get treats and pats from the friendly staff.
Other dog-approved spots include:
•BXL Zoute: Belgian cafe in Midtown with a huge sidewalk cafe.
•The Canal Bar: Cozy bar in Williamsburg with a backyard space for dogs.
•Spuyten Duyvil: Popular Williamsburg beer garden where dogs are welcome. •Mile End Delicatessen: Montreal-style Jewish deli with a sidewalk cafe in Brooklyn. •The Burger & Barrel Wine Pub: Burger and hot dog spot with a dog-friendly patio in Soho.
With so many dog-friendly patios and a welcoming attitude toward pups in NYC, you’ll never have to leave your faithful friend behind again when dining out in the city. Bark up the right tree and try one of these pup-approved restaurants for your next outing. Your dog will thank you!
Fun Activities to Do After Dinner With Your Dog
Once you’ve enjoyed a delicious meal with your pup at one of NYC’s dog-friendly restaurants, the fun doesn’t have to end there. In fact, there are lots of entertaining activities you can do together after dinner.
Take a stroll through one of the city’s many dog parks so your pooch can stretch their legs and socialize with some new furry friends. Check out Washington Square Park, Tompkins Square Park or Hudson River Park, which all have designated off-leash areas. Your dog will love mingling with fellow canines in an open space.
If you’re looking for some mental stimulation for your pup, try a dog-friendly event like Yappy Hour at the Algonquin Hotel. They host a monthly cocktail party where dogs and their owners can mingle, play games together and win prizes. It’s a great way for you both to make new friends.
Once the sun goes down, catch an outdoor movie screening that welcomes dogs. RiverFlicks in Hudson River Park and Movies with a View in Brooklyn Bridge Park are two options that allow leashed dogs. Pack a picnic blanket, some treats for your pup and enjoy a film under the stars.
On the weekends, check out a dog-friendly event like the annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade or the Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest. Events like these are perfect for showing off your dog’s costume and soaking in all the cuteness. You’ll both have a spooktacular time.
After dinner, the opportunities to have fun with your faithful companion are endless in the city that never sleeps. Enjoy an evening stroll, check out an event, watch a movie or simply find a place to relax. Your dog will appreciate any extra time spent together, and you’ll be happy to make more memories with your perfect dinner date.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Friendly Restaurants Near Me
Do I need to make a reservation?
While reservations are not always required at dog-friendly restaurants, it’s a good idea to call ahead especially if you have a larger dog or group. Some places may have limited outdoor seating space, so reserving a table will ensure you and your pup have a spot.
Are there any breed restrictions?
Most dog-friendly establishments do not have breed restrictions and welcome dogs of all sizes. However, some may prohibit dogs over a certain weight for safety and space reasons. It’s best to check with the restaurant directly if you have a larger breed.
Do I need to bring anything for my dog?
It’s always a good idea to bring the essentials for your dog when dining out:
- Food and water bowls
- Waste bags
- Treats
- Towel or mat for your dog to lay on
- Leash – even if the restaurant has an outdoor area, keep your dog on a leash at all times for their safety and the safety of others.
Some restaurants may provide water bowls, but it’s best to come prepared. It’s also courteous to clean up after your dog and not leave any mess behind.
Can my dog sit with me at the table?
Most dog-friendly restaurants will allow your dog to join you at the table. However, some may prefer if your dog remains on the ground for sanitary and safety reasons, especially if there is a small amount of space. It’s best to check the specific policy of the restaurant you plan to visit. If your dog is well-behaved and will remain on the floor, they are usually permitted to accompany you at the table during your meal.
Dining out with your dog can be a fun social experience for both of you. By calling ahead, bringing essential supplies, and ensuring your dog is well-behaved, you’ll have an enjoyable meal at one of the many dog-friendly restaurants in NYC. After all, dogs are family and they deserve a night out on the town too!
Conclusion
So pack up your pup and head out to one of these amazing dog-friendly restaurants. You’ll quickly see why dining with your dog by your side makes any meal infinitely better. And who knows – you may even make some new furry friends in the process. Just don’t forget to bring some tasty treats and a travel water bowl to make your pup feel right at home. With so many great options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to wine and dine with your canine companion. Trust us, your dog will thank you for it – even if it’s just with a big sloppy kiss!
