Roam: Rich history and dog friendly cuisine in DC

Washington, DC is an iconic destination for not only humans, but pups too. Take selfies in front of age-old monuments, explore elaborate parks, and find out that there’s more than one way to get around than on foot.

The area also has an ever-blooming food scene with modern eats and of course, places to dine with your dog. Keep reading to find out the best ways to spend your time in the capitol.

Dog Friendly Eateries

Logan Tavern has a warm pub feel, while having dishes that above meet expectations. While featuring calamari, po’boys, fried chicken and salmon, everything has an artisan touch. The cauliflower steak with a citrus herb brine and a balsamic reduction is out of this world. Pups are welcome on the lovely patio.

Chef Geoff’s gets five bones on Bring Fido—an impressive achievement from dog lovers. The menu is extremely diverse, with foods we’ve come to love here in the US, from seafood and juicy cheeseburgers, to pasta and pizza. Umbrella covered seating is available to folks and their pups on the patio.

Commissary is beloved for its wonderful breakfasts and out of the box café fare—the establishment also has a great selection of drinks. Kick back with your furry friend on the patio, and enjoy a crisp beer or a spicy margarita.

Art & Soul offers a phenomenally large patio space to enjoy a hip-southern meal with your pup. All the dishes have both home cooking flare, with a unique twist—for example, the most divine bacon cheddar cornbread. But the best part might be the creative dog menu with both sweet and savory treats for your buddy.

Playing in DC

Fido is welcome, on leash, at the National Mall, an iconic DC landmark that is near other famed monuments like the Capitol Building and Washington Memorial. No trip is complete without seeing these famous structures, and your pup can also stretch his or her legs while doing so.

Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens are both scenic, and a wonderful place to get some exercise. A wide selection of trail grazing by rivers and beautiful foliage are open to humans and their leashed fur babies.

Probably one of the more unique things you could do with your dog is hop on an open air carriage pulled by a cyclist, via Discover DC Pedicab. Specific tours of famous sites are available, making the experience even more enriching. Be sure your baby is on a leash.

It’s worth mentioning there are many dog parks in DC, S Street Dog Park, Shaw Dog Park and Walter C. Pierce to name a few. But there are far more interesting things at your disposal as well.

Sit and Stay

Westin Georgetown Washington DC welcomes one dog for no fee at all, and if you need to run out solo, well behaved pups can hang around in the room, which can be a difficult hotel attribute to find. Unfortunately, feline parents with have to find another place to stay, but Westin makes the list because of its free dog policy, and proximity to a dog park.

Luckily there’s a Kimpton hotel in the area, because the line has a reputation for treating pups like royalty. The Kimpton George Hotel allows both cats and dogs to stay, and will even provide perks like cozy beds, water bowls and waste bags. Leave it to this hotel to have all the bases covered, even a relief area in the vicinity.

For an extra fee, your cat or dog can stay in style at the Washington Hilton. Swanky as always, the property is a highly rated treat for both man and best friend. Hilton has two grassy nooks for your baby to take care of business.

Pet Friendly DC

While you may have never thought about bringing your pet to DC, it can definitely be an immersive, accommodating experience. Ready to learn more about the US capitol, with your pup in tow? DC awaits!

Karyn Wofford is a “Mom” to her fluffy, sweet dog Halli. She spends much of her time traveling and advocating for Type 1 diabetes—and Halli sometimes accompanies her on her adventures. You’ll find Karyn’s work on sites like Mother Earth Living, and in magazines such as Diabetes Forecast.