Ocean views, tacos, and craft beers are always better when you are enjoying them with your best friend!
We don’t know about you, but sometimes it can be a real pain to plan an outing and have to leave your four-legged fur child at home. For one thing, that puts a time limit on how long you can stay out… but more importantly, it can be heartbreaking to leave your pooch alone to see their beloved pet parent go out and do something fun without them! Sometimes it's unavoidable, and luckily San Diego has some amazing pet care pros to care for your beloved pets when the need does arise. But when you can, taking your furry best friend out for a drink or snack will be a treat for both of you!
If there’s one thing that Local Pet Care is good at, it’s sniffing out and rounding up the best outdoor adventures and the best pet-friendly businesses your community has to offer. We know that part of being a pet parent is finding new adventures together. So, leash up your pups and get ready to explore the best pet-friendly restaurants, bars, and breweries that San Diego has to offer. We've got our list updated for 2024:
Restaurants
Lazy Dog - Westfield Mission Valley
At Mission Valley’s Lazy Dog, your pup won’t be the only one drooling. Their dine-in menu takes your typical American fare to the next level: at least 8 different types of burgers (we dare you to try their amazing PB&J burger), irresistible happy hour plates, and yes—doggie meals made specifically to satisfy your four-legged date! What makes Lazy Dog even more unique is their frozen to-go TV Dinners for a bit of nostalgia to whet your appetite.
Station Tavern & Burgers
Station Tavern has undergone some recent improvements but one thing that hasn't change is how amazing this spot is to bring your pup! With great burgers, refreshing beers, and a dog-friendly DNA, the whole family will find something to love here.
Park & Rec - University Heights
Park & Rec is a unique urban playground for adults, dogs, and social butterflies, situated in the University Heights neighborhood. This venue combines a lively bar scene with a variety of indoor and outdoor games, making it a hotspot for fun-loving crowds. The dog-friendly courtyard is a major draw, providing a space for pups to mingle while their owners enjoy a cocktail or two. Park & Rec's drink menu is inventive, featuring craft concoctions and a solid beer selection. While they don't serve food themselves, they host various food trucks, giving patrons the chance to sample different cuisines. The eclectic mix of entertainment, from live music to DJ sets, ensures there's never a dull moment at Park & Rec.
Working Class - Ocean Beach
Haven’t you ever wanted to go where everybody knows your name? True to the brand, North Park’s Working Class is for the everyday, laid-back local. You and your pup will love chilling out and playing games on their friendly open patio, especially since the Working Class menu offers Puppy Chow just for the pooch—beef patties and chicken breasts served with rice. Nutritious and delicious!
Wonderland Ocean Pub - North Park
Wonderland Ocean Pub is a tribute to the surf and sand, perched above the beautiful shores of Ocean Beach. This laid-back pub offers panoramic views of the Pacific, making it an ideal spot for sunset gazing with your pup. The menu is a mix of beachy bites and comfort food, with an emphasis on fresh, local seafood. The pub is named after an early 20th-century amusement park that once graced the Ocean Beach coastline, and it carries on the tradition of fun and leisure. Weekly events, such as Trivia Night and Tap Takeover, keep the atmosphere buzzing. Wonderland Ocean Pub is a community favorite, where good food, great views, and friendly tails come together.
Cocina Del Charro - San Marcos
If you are looking for authentic Mexican food from a family-run restaurant, Cocina Del Charro is your spot! They have a sister location in Escondido and the patio in San Marcos is a great spot to enjoy a warm evening with your pup!
Baja Betty's - Hillcrest
Baja Betty's is a vibrant spot that welcomes both two-legged and four-legged patrons with open arms. This Mexican cantina in the heart of Hillcrest is known for its festive atmosphere and delicious, authentic cuisine. Your furry friend can join you on the spacious patio while you indulge in some of the best margaritas in town. The restaurant also offers water bowls and treats to ensure your pup is as satisfied as you are. What makes Baja Betty's truly unique is their weekly events and themed nights, which add an extra layer of fun to your dining experience. Whether it's Taco Tuesday or Sunday Brunch, there's always something exciting happening at Baja Betty's.
Casa de Freds Tacos y Tequila - Old Town
Who doesn’t need a fiesta with excellent margaritas from time to time? Freds brings some absolutely mouth-watering Mexican fare to the Old Town community, offering a large patio space to boot. And we can’t forget Fido… he gets his own doggy menu and water dish, too. That means you can enjoy Happy Hour together, so bottom’s up, and ¡Olé!
Backyard Kitchen & Tap - Pacific Beach
Award-winning beer list. Need we say more? We will, though, because Backyard Kitchen & Tap is where it’s at for that classic coastal atmosphere that just hits the spot. And of course, their backyard is enormous, complete with fire pits, heaters, and all the comfort food you need to keep the night going. They’ve also got one of the biggest doggy menus we’ve seen yet… check it out!
Janet's Montana Cafe - Alpine
Janet's in Alpine is one of the best spots in town to grab some all-day breakfast! They've got a very dog-friendly patio and if you are in the mood for something a little more filling? Grab some lunch here too!
Home & Away - Old Town
Home & Away is a sports bar with a twist, nestled in the quaint neighborhood of Old Town. It stands out for its eclectic decor, featuring vintage sports memorabilia that creates a nostalgic and inviting atmosphere. The establishment prides itself on being a home away from home, where both locals and visitors can unwind with their canine companions. The outdoor patio is a social hub, complete with fire pits and ample seating. Food-wise, Home & Away doesn't disappoint, serving up classic American pub grub with a gourmet touch. They also offer a wide selection of craft beers and cocktails. On game days, the place buzzes with energy, making it the perfect spot to catch a match with your furry friend by your side.
Nate's Garden Grill - City Heights
Nate's Garden Grill is a hidden gem tucked away in the City Heights neighborhood, offering a farm-to-table experience unlike any other. This casual eatery is situated right next to a nursery, allowing diners and their dogs to dine amidst lush greenery and garden vibes. The menu at Nate's is all about locally-sourced, organic ingredients, showcasing the best of San Diego's produce. Live music often fills the air, adding to the already charming and laid-back atmosphere. The pet-friendly patio is a peaceful retreat where guests can enjoy craft beers, homemade lemonade, and hearty, healthy meals. Nate's Garden Grill is a true sanctuary for those looking to escape the city's hustle with their four-legged friends.
Encontro - North Park
You won’t be surprised to find avocado toast on the menu… Encontro is for the hipster in all of us. Still, both the scene and the staff are inviting, with the doggy menu of your pup’s dreams: Pooch Pops, Pup Patties, a complimentary Puppuccino, and much more. Be sure to check out their rotating draft lift, too. Whether it’s on cask, on nitro, or a growler fill, they’ve got just the right thing for any beer enthusiast.
P.S. For any hungry humans, their patatas bravas are to die for!
Park Social
A casual eatery that covers all the bases when it comes to fulfilling your needs, Park Social is a hidden gem tucked in between three apartment complexes. Whether you’re a resident or not, you’ll want to keep coming back again and again. Their menu is healthy, fresh, delicious, and they’ve got some awesome options to go, even if you’re running in and out for a quick snack. Park Social also has a great system for sampling any or all of their 30 self-pour taps to see which beer is right for you!
The Dog Society
This spot really can't be classified as a bar or a restaurant. Let's just call it your dog's dream? That fits good! The Dog Society everything busy pet parents in San Diego need. Good food from the cafe, a bar to relax with a cold one, event space for planning your next meet-up, and dog services like daycare and boarding! Really, you have to experience The Dog Society to see how truly amazing this place is.
Bars & Breweries
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens - Liberty Station
Visiting Stone Brewing, you might think it’s a city in itself, with incredibly spacious indoor and outdoor seating, a bocce ball court, and outdoor cinema and garden. Who doesn’t love a beautiful koi pond!? While Stone Brewing at Liberty Station is most famous for their amazing outdoor experience, their menu and beer list is something to write home about. Their beer options range from all-time classics to special releases you can’t find anywhere else.
The Wine Pub
If you’re not crazy about beer but love a fine wine to enjoy alongside your favorite four-legged friend, check out The Wine Pub. The patio is not only dog-friendly but offers its own doggie menu, so your pooch is never feeling left out. Fun and relaxing, this spot is perfect for pretty much any wine connoisseur, especially if you love savory food options to go with your glass. And, whether you’re looking for the perfect holiday gift or birthday gift, we love their online shop for brunch boxes, gift cards, and bottles!
Green Flash Brewing Company
The folks over at Green Flash are truly passionate about beer and putting that love and passion into everything they do. In fact, they’re considered the trailblazers of their craft, not afraid to experiment in order to keep your taste buds on their toes. We’ve got to recommend their Better Acai Organic Wheat Ale, utterly crushable and perfect on a warm day. Be sure to also check out their adorable pet shop for Green Flash dog collars, leashes, and bandanas.
Societe Brewing Company
Now offering an outdoor beer garden, Societe is truly notable for all the information they offer about their brews. If you head to their website, you’ll find everything you need to know about their brews’ tasting notes, ingredients, food pairings, and more. Society is also great at rockin’ that rustic, Wild West vibe to help you enjoy that cold, foamy ale.
Coronado Brewing Company
Coronado Brewing boasts over 20 years of award-winning beers coast to coast while remaining loyal to their San Diego roots. They have three locations in the San Diego area: Imperial Beach, Coronado, and, of course, the central San Diego tasting room with pooch-friendly patios. While their menus are simple, with more of a focus on their specially crafted brews, we find them to be an absolutely delicious complement to your glass. Cheers!
Bagby Beer Company - Oceanside
Offering a huge patio dining area and excellent beers, Bagby Beer is the spot for your world-class tastes and pleasures. They’re crafting both European and local-inspired brews to satisfy your palate’s wanderlust. We also love their upstairs patio with a gorgeous oceanside view of the Pacific, and we couldn’t recommend their extensive menu enough! This is a go-to place for your bar food favorites while being far from ordinary or run of the mill. Truly tasty and relaxing!
Additional Recommendations from San Diego Pet Parents:
San Diego pet parents submitted the following recommendations in response to our original list. With your help, we'll keep updating this list of dog-friendly restaurants in San Diego the best we can!
- Kaminski's BBQ - 12735 Poway Rd, Poway, CA
- Poochie's Hooch Urban Cidery - 7559 Mission Gorge Rd
- Thorn Brewing Co. - 3176 Thorn St
- Anthony's Fish Grotto - 9530 Murray Dr, La Mesa, CA
- Mike Hess Brewing - 879 W Harbor Dr., Seaport Village
- Monarch Ocean Pub - 1555 Camino del Mar, Del Mar, CA
- Rabbit Hole - 3377 Adams Ave
- Sunnyboy Biscuit Company - 3749 Park Blvd
- OB Noodle House Bar 1502 - 4993 Niagara Ave
- Voltaire Beach House - 4934 Voltaire St
Bone Appétit
One of the many reasons we love San Diego is because of how many pet-friendly places there are to explore. Would you believe this isn’t even San Diego’s most exhaustive list? While these are the best of the best, we know there are plenty of other hidden pet-friendly gems in and around the neighborhood.
Why don’t you connect with us on Facebook and give us the scoop on the best pet-friendly San Diego places to take our pups? And while you’re at it, be sure to keep an eye out for the latest Local Pet Care blog posts. We’re always coming up with new ways to connect pet lovers to their pet-loving communities!
