Dog-Friendly Restaurants with Fire Pits

Posted by Billy Francis

Cold weather is creeping in, and we’re all looking for ways to escape the chill when we’re out and about. Hibernation is for bears, and Fido’s new jacket isn’t as warm as it looked on that Instagram dog. Thankfully, there’s one surefire way to warm his soul (and body) as the temperature drops. Share a delicious meal in a cozy outdoor setting at one of these pet-friendly restaurants with fire pits.

Moss Beach Distillery

Moss Beach, CA
“This place is the pits!” Photo by Facebook.com/mossbeachdistillery

The dog-friendly heated patio at Moss Beach Distillery is a great hangout when it’s cold outside. If you’re not toasty enough, shuffle closer to the roaring fire pit and grab a front-row seat as the sun sets over the Pacific. Dogs can order something to eat from the menu catered just for them, including bacon slices, hot dogs and chicken breast.

After a night of merriment, rest your weary heads at The Inn at Mavericks. Every pet-friendly room on the property has a private, fenced-in patio.

Big Grove Brewery & Taproom

Iowa City, IA
"I'm a fire starter!" Photo by @bear_pupp

The outdoor area at Big Grove Brewery & Taproom will keep you and your pooch entertained for hours. Fido can keep score during ping pong and mingle with other members of the canine community between games. When the sun starts to set, huddle around one of the fire pits together and enjoy a bite to eat. The restaurant has its own Instagram devoted to Dogs of Big Grove, so don’t forget to tag it along with #bringfido when you visit.

Book a room at nearby Graduate Iowa City and pay a visit to Thornberry Off-leash Dog Park. This huge, well-kept recreational area has three separate fenced-in areas and a pond.

You only lick once? Photo by Facebook.com/yolorestaurant

YOLO is a popular pet-friendly restaurant on Fort Lauderdale's hip Las Olas Boulevard. Nobody embodies the name more than Fido, who always reminds us to live life to the fullest. Spend an evening with your pup next to the glowing coals and sample contemporary American cuisine accompanied by a set from a local band. After all, you only live once.

Even when the weather cools, the beaches stay open in South Florida! Extend your stay by booking a room at the pet-friendly Westin Beach Resort Fort Lauderdale.

Park Tavern

Atlanta, GA
“They should rename this a fur-pit!” Photo by Facebook.com/ParkTavern

Named one of Atlanta’s best pet-friendly restaurants, Park Tavern has a whopping 50 outdoor tables overlooking the city’s skyline. Visiting pooches should be able to snag a spot by the fire pit on a cold night after a long day of fetch at Piedmont Park Dog Park. Sample the creative cuisine from the eclectic menu and share a few tales around the fire.

Located within walking distance of the restaurant, Loews Atlanta Hotel provides treats, waste bags, bowls and a food mat at check-in.

The Forge

Carmel, CA
Now that’s a paw-some patio! Photo by Facebook.com/TheForgeCarmel

The fire pits at The Forge burn year-round, inviting two- and four-legged diners to relax outside whatever the season. The outdoor area is also equipped with heat lamps and, of course, a blazing forge. Visitors can happily spend the whole evening outside, enjoying live jazz music and delicious Italian food. Fido will love the dog menu as well, which features items like kibble, chicken and steak.

Wander back to Svendsgaard's Inn after your meal. The hotel provides treats, beds and bowls, and its garden area is perfect for a late-night stroll.

The Roost

Stowe, VT
Save Fido a seat. Photo by Facebook.com/TopnotchResort

Snuggle with your pup by a roaring fire on a wintry New England day at The Roost. Located in beautiful Stowe, VT, the restaurant features seven pet-friendly tables around an inviting fire pit. Sit back with a drink, grab a bite and take in the view. It’s a serene setting that’s particularly beautiful at dusk when the sun is gently setting over the rolling green hills and the scenery is spectacular.

The Roost is located at Topnotch Resort. This canine haven not only provides treats and use of a bed and bowls at check-in, but you can even spoil your pampered pooch with an in-room doggy massage.

Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill

Austin, TX
Get your Zen on next to this funky fire pit. Photo by Facebook.com/moonshinegrill

Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill in downtown Austin summons dogs and owners who are searching for modern twists on southern classics, thirst-quenching libations and s’mores-worthy fire pits. Relax in the outdoor area of this historic building that once housed a mercantile, saloon and domino parlor.

Keep Austin weird with a stay at the Magical Austin Hobbit House.

The Freefolk Brewery

Fayetteville, WV
It's a fine line between fire pit and fire. Photo by Facebook.com/folkbrew

If you’re looking for a lively night full of fun around the fire, head to The Freefolk Brewery in Fayetteville, WV. Play a round of ping pong and order a round of Moondog Golden Ales, then make your way to the expansive outdoor space dotted with inviting fire pits. The brewery also hosts larger bonfires when the weather is cold enough. Hungry hounds will find something to satisfy their cravings at one of the visiting food trucks, too.

Drink up and make your way to this quaint cabin on the border of New River Gorge National Park.

TT’s Tiki Bar

Punta Gorda, FL
“Take me to the Tiki!” Photo by Facebook.com/thetikibarpg

Fido can sink his paws in the sand and feel the warm glow of the toasty fire pit at TT’s Tiki Bar in Punta Gorda, FL. Take a break on the tropical pet-friendly patio and enjoy views across Charlotte Harbor from underneath the palm trees. When the sun sets, the fire pit is set alight and live music provides the soundtrack every single night.

Continue the tropical tour with a few nights at this themed vacation rental.

DRAY: Bar + Grill

Spartanburg, SC
“Feeling toasty warm.” Photo by Facebook.com/DrayBarAndGrill

“Chef run, dog owned,” that’s the motto at Spartanburg, SC’s DRAY: Bar + Grill, located in the Drayton Mills marketplace. This dog-friendly restaurant boasts an expansive patio with a large community fire pit, surrounded by cozy seating, perfect for a cool evening dinner or Sunday brunch with Fido. The brick fire pit even includes leash hooks to secure your pooch. Dine on locally-sourced fresh foods and sip wine, beer and cocktails while your pup enjoys dog biscuits and dons a DRAY: Bar + Grill bandana. Visit on a weekend to hear live music from local bands.

Spend a weekend at this cozy bungalow in downtown Spartanburg. You’ll be close to DRAY: Bar + Grill as well as pet-friendly attractions like the outdoor bar at Fr8Yard which also features a fire pit.

Have you visited one of these restaurants with your dog? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by Facebook.com/mossbeachdistillery.