Explore the dog friendly restaurant scene

Beautiful weather means it’s time for dining alfresco. Many eateries welcome dogs to their outdoor patios, so take your pup when you visit one of these dog-friendly cities.

New York, NY

Thanks to the recent “Dining with Dogs” bill, your fur friend can now dine outdoors in many New York establishments. Dogs must be well-behaved, vaccinated and licensed, and on a leash or in a carrier.

Del Frisco’s Grille, in Rockefeller Center, opens its dog-friendly patio on Memorial Day weekend. On Saturdays and Sundays until Labor Day, the executive chef will bake homemade treats for pups, and water bowls and Frisbees will be available. Sip a dog-inspired cocktail, like the ‘New Yorkie.’

A canine-themed tavern, Growler Bites & Brews, is furnished with Victorian dog prints and figurines. Hot dogs are on the menu (of course), along with sandwiches, craft beers and more. Sit outside with your pup and enjoy the colonial-era neighborhood.

Thirsty dogs appreciate the water fountain at the Upper East Side’s Barking Dog Luncheonette, but waiters also bring water bowls and treats to your outdoor table upon request.

Austin, TX

Outdoor dining spots for pets are plentiful in Texas, and many are covered to beat the summer heat. In 2016, Realtor.com named Austin one of America’s top 10 cities for dogs, with some 264 dog-friendly eateries.

Don’t miss Bow-Wow Bones, a food truck that serves preservative-free dog treats in flavors like peanut butter or salmon with Parmesan cheese. Indulge Fido in some “Groovy Dog Ice Cream.”

Speaking of desserts, take your four-legged pal to Shake Shack for a “Poochini,” a doggy sundae served on the large patio. You can order burgers, beer, or other American foods and beverages.

Yard Bar is a hip combination of a canteen and off-leash dog park. Relax with a sandwich or salad at a picnic table while your pup frolics in the big play area, complete with agility equipment. Bark Rangers fill water bowls and clean up doggy accidents.

Miami, FL

Miami ranks third on RewardExpert.com’s 2017 list of the pet-friendliest vacation destinations in the U.S. The study also counted over 780 Miami dining spots open to pups. The city’s lovely weather makes eating out possible almost year-round.

LoKal Burgers & Beer is an eco-friendly hang-out that offers a doggy menu featuring homemade meatloaf, grilled chicken and brown rice, and “Bowser Beer,” non-alcoholic beer served over ice. People can order burgers, farm-fresh veggies and more.

Makoto, in the open-air mall at Bal Harbour Shops, serves nouveau Japanese dishes like spicy tuna crispy rice and five-spice salmon Tataki. Two tropical-style patios have a sophisticated vibe, but they’re relaxed enough that your dog can sit in his own chair.

Portland, OR

Tuesday nights are Dog Lovers Night at the Tin Shed Garden Cafe, where diners get a free doggy item for every regularly-priced people item. The dog menu includes peanut butter-banana ice cream and chicken, ground beef or pork mixed with rice or sweet potatoes. Order a Good Dog or a Roll Over for yourself. Muscadine, which serves Southern/soul food on its dog-welcoming patio, is nearby.

You’d expect the patio at the Lucky Labrador Brewing Company to be a popular place to hang with your pup, and it is. Choose from four locations in Portland; Multnomah Village is more family-oriented. Bring a picture of your favorite Lab, and add it to their collection.

Tips for Dining Out with Your Dog

• Make sure the place you’re going allows dogs, and ask about their rules.

• Teach your pup not to beg for handouts, which can annoy other diners, and don’t drop food on the floor for him.

• Keep your pet beside your feet, preferably under the table and out of the way.

• Tie your pup’s leash to something heavy that won’t move. Some eateries have tables with leash attachments that are okay to use.

Editor’s Note: For more information on dog etiquette, check out this blog on enjoying the perfect canine patio date night.

Lynn Coulter is owned by two rescue dogs—Molly and Miss Paws—and occasionally blogs at LynnCoulter.com. She’s also the author of three books and a freelancer who writes about travel, gardening and more. She and her husband live in metro Atlanta, where they cheer for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and spend their money on dog biscuits.