Dog-Friendly Indoor Dining Spots

Posted by Lauren Barker

It’s not uncommon for restaurants to welcome four-legged patrons on their outdoor patios. In fact, BringFido lists more than 67,000 establishments with pet-friendly seating areas. What is unique is an eatery that allows furry family members to join you indoors for a meal. At these dog-friendly restaurants, you won’t have to leave your pup behind even when the weather isn’t warm and sunny.

Backyard

Dallas, TX
“I’m here to ‘pawty!’” Photo by Facebook.com/backyarddtx

It may be called Backyard, but this restaurant and bar is a 12,000-square-foot, open-air space that welcomes all pooches to come inside for dinner and drinks. The walls are decorated with brightly colored dog portraits, the floor is AstroTurf, and more than 30 TVs line the walls. Grab a seat at the bar, picnic tables or on the lounge furniture and play a game of Jenga, cornhole or shuffleboard. Order specialty cocktails like the Blue Heeler Mojito or a Husky Manhattan to go along with drool-worthy burgers or the Local Dog. Brunch is served on weekends. Four-legged patrons are welcome to join their “pawrents” inside until 9 p.m. each night.

Stay just a half-mile away at Hotel Indigo Dallas Downtown. There’s a dog park across the street where Fido can burn off those dinner calories.

DAWG PARK Gourmet Grill

Glenview, IL
"Where's mine?" Photo by Facebook.com/dawgparkgrill

Go one better than dog-friendly at DAWG PARK Gourmet Grill in Glenview, IL, where comfort-food classics like hot dogs, burgers and bowls are transformed into culinary works of art. Fido is welcome to join you inside while you devour dinner, and can even take a seat in your booth. This unique restaurant is decked out with artificial turf and a games corner, and is full of photo ops for Fido's ‘Gram.

Spend the night with your pup in this welcoming residential home with a backyard in a quiet neighborhood nearby.

Ugly Dog Sports Cafe

Denver, CO
“Are you going to finish that?” Photo by @uglydogsportscafe

Milk-Bones flow freely at Denver’s Ugly Dog Sports Cafe, where furry friends of all sizes are welcome inside. Humans can catch the big game, order draft beer and dine on favorites like beer-battered fish & chips, while chowhounds can order a bowl of gourmet dog food, bacon or the Ugly Dog signature bowl with a beef patty, eggs and bacon. They can then work it all off while making new friends in the restaurant’s attached dog park.

Explore the northern edge of the Mile High City with your pup and stay at Residence Inn by Marriott Denver North Westminster.

Boris & Horton

New York, NY
“This is my happy place.” Photo by Facebook.com/borisandhorton

Dogs may not be allowed in the cafe at Boris & Horton, but they do get their own separate indoor section of the restaurant where they can relax with their human companions and other furry friends. The trendy eatery serves up an all-vegetarian menu of pastries, cheese plates and grilled cheese sandwiches, including vegan and gluten-free options. Pair your light meal with a flavorful coffee or a wide selection of craft beers and wines. Boris & Horton also hosts dog adoption events and fundraisers to help rescued dogs find their forever homes, and its gift shop is filled with dog merchandise and treats for Fido.

While you’re touring the Big Apple with your pup, stay in one of the city's most colorful neighborhoods at The Standard East Village.

Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant

New Orleans, LA
“I used to hang 10, but now I just hang out.” Photo by Facebook.com/lucysretiredsurfersbar

Calling all surfers to New Orleans’ most beachin’ pet-friendly hangout. Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant brings the sun, sand and sea even when surf conditions are whack. The always-sunny indoor area promotes seriously good vibrations. Sip on a legendary frozen marg’ while your pup enjoys something from the "Sur-Fur Doggie Menu," including burger patties and scrambled eggs. Visit on Waggin' Wednesdays for specials like Lucy's Puppy Popsicle, and keep your ear to the sand for periodical Yappy Hours, too.

Spend the night at Creole Gardens Guesthouse & Inn, a hip and vibrant Bed & Breakfast in the heart of the Lower Garden District.

Norm’s Eatery & Ale House

Seattle, WA
“I’ll have one bacon pupcake, please.” Photo by @lostlokii

Norm’s Eatery & Ale House calls itself “the most dog-friendly bar in Seattle,” and we don’t disagree. Well-behaved, leashed pups are welcome to join you inside as long as they follow a few simple rules: barking is not allowed, no eating off tables or plates, and they must do their business outside before coming in. Bring Fido in for lunch or dinner on weekdays or breakfast on the weekend. Let your furry foodie order cod sticks, bacon nuggets or a bacon pupcake from the dog menu. You can also catch pop-up events for canines like nail trims, or weekly events for humans like karaoke, trivia and Mario Kart racing.

Enjoy a post-dinner nap nearby at Staybridge Suites Seattle - Fremont.

Kingfish Pub & Cafe

Oakland, CA
All hail the Kingfish. Photo by @pupsinpubs

Originally opened as a bait shop in 1922, Kingfish Pub & Cafe is one of the oldest bars in Oakland's East Bay. The small neighborhood establishment is the perfect place to bring Fido for a drink and a delicious meal, the latter provided by neighboring restaurant The Red Sea. Help yourself to a bowl of popcorn while you wait for your food to arrive, and make sure to drop a few pieces for your pup. Well-behaved dogs can accompany you inside for dinner, drinks at the bar or to cheer you on in a game of shuffleboard.

Book a room with a view overlooking the Oakland Inner Harbor at Waterfront Hotel.

Munchies Coffee House & BARKery

Hamilton, ON
Has anybody got the munchies? Photo by @jennifer.lee.rose

Lounge with your Labrador at Munchies Coffee House & BARKery in Hamilton, ON. Claiming to be Canada’s first cafe and restaurant curated for you and Fido, everyone and their dog can join in the fun at this pet-friendly eatery. Plan a “pawty,” order a birthday cake or homemade treats for your pooch, and dine out on a selection of gourmet scratch waffles from the human menu.

Walk off your treats or enjoy one to go on the beach opposite this stylish home near the shoreline of Lake Ontario.

Photo by Facebook.com/bubbalus

Located in pet-friendly Hot Springs and within walking distance of Hot Springs National Park’s trail system, Bubbalu’s is the perfect spot to refuel with Fido at an indoor table. The award-winning burger joint serves up fresh Angus burgers, Nathan’s hot dogs, veggie burgers, grilled chicken, and seasonal sandwiches. If you ask nicely, they’ll even prepare an unseasoned patty for your pooch to enjoy. After lunch, take a unique tour of the town together with Hot Springs National Park Duck Tours.

Retire for the night at The Happy Hollow, an affordable hotel with a grassy pet relief area that welcomes pets for free.

Fox & Parrot Tavern

Gatlinburg, TN
“Plenty of room to sprawl!” Photo by BringFido/Christine

Fido can toast his paws next to the log fire while you wait for an indoor table at the Fox & Parrot Tavern on your next vacation to the Great Smoky Mountains. Be sure to skip breakfast if you’re planning on eating lunch at this welcoming establishment which dishes up traditional British pub fare like Bubble and Squeak, Welsh rabbit, and shepherd's pie. Meanwhile, four-legged visitors can enjoy treats from their server and plenty of pets, too. Pups can burn off steam at nearby Gatlinburg Dog Park after your meal.

Book a room with a view at River Terrace Resort & Convention Center. This pet-friendly hotel has grassy areas outside and is within walking distance of downtown.

What’s your favorite spot to dine indoors with your dog? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by Facebook/BorrisandHorton.