Best Dog Friendly Restaurants in San Diego

San Diego is known for being one of the top dog-friendly cities around, so of course there are places that not only tolerate your four-legged friends, but invite them with open arms. Sometimes nights out on the town have you begging for some furry company. We’ve scouted out the best restaurants around to bring your puppies along.

San Diego Pier Cafe

Enjoy the incredible view of the harbor, and bring your dog with you! The San Diego Pier Cafe has an outdoor patio space where dogs are welcome to join you for a night out. Just minutes from the airport and steps from the cruise ship terminal, this cafe is the perfect spot to wait for your the arrival of your friends and family without having to leave your pooch behind. This cafe is known for its seafood options, including a shrimp po’ boy, fish and chips, and a tuna salad wrap. The wooden planked structure against the blue water and Coronado bridge in the background is hard to beat. Especially at night. Make this your next downtown doggie date.

Photo Credit: William Garrett-Flickr, Creative Commons

Queenstown Public House

At Queenstown, your dogs are treated like royalty. Find a spot on their back patio, front lawn, or for early-comers, on their front porch. There are a few ‘asks’ to keep dogs and humans on friendly terms like: keep your dog on a leash, bring your own bowl, and no eating off of the table, but this is just to keep everyone happy. Their mascot, Clark the Frenchie, has an Instagram account that will keep you informed about all the doggie events that take place at this establishment. Search #dogsofqueenstown on social media to find out about the happenings. Costume contests and “yappy hour” have presented themselves in the past. Get answers to all of your dog-related questions at their website. 

Carnitas Snack Shack

With locations in North Park and Embarcadero, the Carnitas Snack Shack gladly welcomes man’s best friend. The open air seating provides plenty of freedom for your pets to feel the breeze without getting claustrophobic. This month they are hosting a contest for pet lovers to take photos and post them on social media.  The lucky winner will receive $100 gift card! Let your pet work his or her cuteness and score you some free grub.

Station Tavern

Open Tuesday-Sunday, Station Tavern offers the best of comfort food in the heart of South Park. Bring your kids and pets to their outdoor ‘backyard’ and make new friends! Their communal picnic-style tables provide a great opportunity to get to know other dog-owners. This establishment has received awards for its architectural design and creative preservation of trolley stop history. Grab a burger and beer for $20 on your new favorite puppy play date. 

The Patio

Last summer, The Patio introduced a pet photo contest to get restaurant-goers excited about bringing their pets. The Patio Group venture includes several locations around San Diego that love giving space to keep you and your pets together. Enjoy a night out under the stars with your four-legged bestie by your feet. Stop by the Lamont location every day from 3-6PM for salad and flatbread happy hour specials, or stop by on the weekends for an unforgettable brunch experience. 

Whoever said that you had to settle for take-out when you want to eat with your pooch? Not us. We hope this list helps you create a weekly ritual with your pet, to create memories that will last a lifetime.