Were you looking for dog-friendly activities in Rochester, NY? Are you wondering what the best dog-friendly restaurants with outdoor seating are? Check out our list of the top pet-friendly eateries in Rochester.
Dog-friendly restaurants are all the rage these days. Dog owners think of themselves more and more as pet parents. And as such, they all want to spend as much time with their sweet fur babies as possible. I'm that way, and I'm sure you are too! The great part about this is that restaurants, bars, and breweries across the nation have picked up on that trend and decided to jump on board—Rochester included.
More and more eateries have decided to open up their outdoor patios to well-behaved pets. And others have added outdoor patios just for this reason. So now, when you're walking around town with your pup or out running errands with your dog, you don't have to take them home before grabbing a bite or meeting up with friends. Your sweet dog can be right by your side the entire time. They may even receive a water bowl, doggy treat, or even a special doggy menu to order from.
And you'll occasionally find these new establishments that are a dog park and bar, all in one! Some have both indoor and outdoor spaces for the dogs. And they'll all serve drinks and usually at least appetizers to the humans. It's an excellent way for you and your pup to have fun socializing with new friends.
But if you're looking for traditional dog parks, we can point you in the right direction. Click here to find the best dog parks, dog-friendly parks, and off-leash areas in Rochester, NY. We'll give you a little insider information about each place and what amenities they have to offer.
And if you need to find local pet care, we've got you covered there too. Click here to type in your zip code, and we'll show you the best dog walkers and pet sitters in and around Rochester.
But if you're ready to find your new favorite restaurant or bar, let's check out this list below.
The Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants, Bars, and Breweries in Rochester, NY:
Abbott's Frozen Custard
Bar Bantam
Blu Wolf Bistro
Dogtown
Don's Original
The Gate House
Mercantile on Main
Swiftwater Brewing Company
Abbott's Frozen Custard — Sea Breeze
Originally founded in 1926 by the Abbott family, their secret recipes live on and put smiles on customers' faces year after year. Abbott's Frozen Custard is a dog-friendly ice cream shop chain that was once just an ice cream stand. Now you'll find a variety of flavors, types, sizes, and topping options, from your traditional flavors of plain ice cream, to specialty sundaes, splits, milkshakes, flurries, and floats. You'll even find "chip wheels"—a.k.a. chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches. And things like an ice cream cake or pie. This is one dog-friendly joint that you won't want to skip out on.
Bar Bantam — Downtown
Bar Bantam is a chic spot located in the heart of downtown Rochester. Known for its modern American cuisine, this restaurant offers a stylish atmosphere with a spacious outdoor patio where dogs are welcome. The menu features a variety of seasonal dishes, crafted cocktails, and an extensive wine list. The staff is friendly and attentive, ensuring both you and your furry friend have a great experience. Bar Bantam also hosts live music events, making it a lively spot to enjoy with your pet. Don't miss their weekend brunch, which is a local favorite. The ambiance is perfect for a casual yet sophisticated dining experience.
Blu Wolf Bistro — North Winton Village
Blue Wolf Bistro is a cozy, dog-friendly restaurant located in the North Winton Village. Known for its comfort food with a twist, this bistro offers a warm and inviting atmosphere. The outdoor patio is perfect for dining with your dog, and the staff is always accommodating to pets. The menu features a variety of dishes, from hearty breakfasts to delicious dinners, all made with fresh, local ingredients. Blue Wolf Bistro also has a great selection of craft beers and wines. The relaxed vibe makes it a great spot to unwind with your furry friend.
Dogtown — Monroe Avenue
If you are looking for one of the top 10 hot dog joints in America, Dogtown is your spot! They've got a menu for everybody (including vegan options). Hot dogs aren't the only thing here. They've also got a great spot for you to hang with your real dog too!
Don's Original — Sea Breeze
Don's Original is a dog-friendly restaurant that has been around since 1945. It has the classic diner feel with all of your favorite diner foods. You can get a burger, a sandwich, hot dogs, Italian sausage, ribeye steak, barbeque chicken, Philly cheese steaks, or even a tuna melt. And you can enjoy all of this with your dog on their outdoor pet-friendly patio.
The Gate House — Downtown
The Gate House is a dog-friendly burger & wood-fire pizza cafe. On their website, they say, "We believe that food is best in its most natural state, and despite the higher cost, we support humane and organic farm practices by serving cage-free eggs and organic dairy, and we operate 100% on solar and wind power."
Not only do they provide delicious, high-quality food. But they do all of it by using humane, eco-friendly, and organic practices. So you and your pup can enjoy a delicious meal on their outdoor pet-friendly patio and feel good about how it was made.
Mercantile on Main — Downtown
Mercantile on Main is one of those fun urban eateries that actually houses seven different kitchen vendors in a "cashless environment [that] was created with social distancing in the forefront of [the] design." Everyone in your group can order precisely what they want when you come here. There's so much variety; you'll never get bored. And the environment is modern but casual. "The Mercantile on Main is a hub at the corner of Clinton and Main where business gets done, friendships are fueled, and people have fun."
Swiftwater Brewing Company — South Wedge
Swiftwater Brewing Company is a dog-friendly brewery and restaurant. This bar has the most beautiful pet-friendly patio with vine-type plants that crawl above the patio like a string of lights. If you're looking for a relaxing dog-friendly patio space with a planty-vibe, great drinks, and delicious food, this is your place. They put care into every ounce of beer they brew. You can order from a variety of small plates, large plates, sandwiches, and desserts. They even offer vegetarian and vegan menu options.
Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Rochester, NY
Rochester is a very dog-friendly city. There are plenty of pet-friendly activities and places to go with your sweet pup. And now that you know a little bit about each of the best and dog-friendliest restaurants in town, which one will you pick first?
For more great articles about dog-friendly activities and pet-parenting advice, check out the Blog at LocalPetCare.com.
