Four-Legged Foodies

Bastian at The Station Taven

He may choose kibble over caviar and cold water over craft beer, but your dog still deserves a five-star dining and drinking experience. In a culinary city full of foodies, four-legged friends in San Diego also have a host of opportunities to enjoy the good life of their gourmet owners. Pet-friendly restaurant patios and bark-worthy bars abound throughout the county.

Here’s everything you need to know about dining out with your dog.

Dining Out: Do's and Don'ts

Bastian at Mike Hess Brewing

Hundreds of local dining establishments allow well-behaved, leashed dogs to lounge at their owners’ feet while they eat. In fact, if the restaurant has a patio, it’s likely to be pet-friendly. “It’s wonderful that San Diego is so dog-friendly, and that so many restaurants allow you to take your dog out in public, meet people, and practice good behavior,” says Shauna Romero, Community Training Coordinator at San Diego Humane Society. Before you do, however, Romero encourages that you ensure your dog completes a Canine Good Citizen or other basic behavior training course. Then, she says, practice appropriate public place behaviors in a quiet environment before adding in the extra excitement of other dogs and their human dining companions.

Make sure your dog is well-behaved around people, children, and loud sounds, and that you can always have control of your dog, the ability to call him away from someone or something, and a cue to get his attention,” she adds. Here, Romero offers the following do’s and don’ts of dining out with your dog.

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5 O’clock Canines

San Diegans are no strangers to a vibrant drinking scene. Abundant rooftop bars and sidewalk patios offer plenty of options to sip a cocktail and socialize with friends—including those with four legs. From breweries to wine bars to old-fashioned pubs, enjoy a beverage with your best friend at one of these dog-friendly watering holes.

1) DiMille’s

Check out Pups & Pints Sunday at this Italian eatery and enjoy a $5 pint and accompanying treat and water bowl for your furry friend.
3492 Adams Ave., Normal Heights

2) Hess Brewing

This hoppy hangout offers a bird’s-eye view of the brewing process and a communal, pet-friendly tasting room.
3812 Grim Ave., North Park

3) Level 9

Enjoy Petco Park views and fire pit seating under the stars on the rooftop of Hotel Indigo.
509 Ninth Ave., East Village

4) Mission Brewery

Located in the historical Wonder Bread Building, this sudsy spot is both kid- and dog-friendly.
1141 L St., East Village

5) Patio on Goldfinch

All animals are welcome on the open-air patio with its trademark living green wall.
4020 Goldfinch St., Mission Hills

6) Princess Pub & Grille

You might feel as if your pup needs to be an English bulldog named Winston to belly up to this establishment, but dogs of all kinds are loved on the sidewalk patio.
1665 India St., Little Italy

7) Station Tavern

This beer and burger joint welcomes toddling little ones and their puppy pals.
2204 Fern St., South Park

8) Sun Deck Bar & Grill

Take a stylish staycation at the pet-friendly Hotel del Coronado, where you and your pooch can enjoy a weekly sunset Yappy Hour.
1500 Orange Ave., Coronado

9) Wine Steals

Wine lovers and the dogs who love them are always welcome at the Hillcrest location.
1243 University Ave., Hillcrest

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MORE TO SIP

Carruth Cellars
This beach town boutique winery offers a sip-worthy hydration stop for you and Spot.
320 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach

Shades Oceanfront Bistro
Grab a post-swim swig on this waterfront patio, which also hosts frequent adoption events.
5083 Santa Monica Ave. #1F, Ocean Beach

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Published: December 31, 2019