Human Houstonians aren’t the only ones who like to go out on the town. While the sofa is a comfy spot most of the time, local pooches love outings to the park, jogging trails, and even the city’s many restaurant patios. Dogs crave human interaction, and a pup-friendly restaurant gives them ample opportunity to experience new sights and sounds. Ear scratches from friendly strangers is an added bonus.
Consider this list of Houston establishments that welcome well-behaved pets on their patios. Leashes are required, with the exception of enclosed dog runs, and vaccinations are important in order to keep all curious pups safe. Go forth and plan your next foodie adventure with your pup in tow.
Kirby Ice House
There are now four locations of this beer mecca in the Greater Houston area, and all have large outdoor patios for pets and people. Of all the pet-friendly bars in Houston, Kirby Ice House is among the top, thanks its part to its gargantuan size, giving way for dogs of all sizes. There are more than 50 beers on tap for humans, and water bowls for dog guests. True to its ice house theme, there is no kitchen, but there are usually food trucks on site for nosh. Guests that walk their dog over to the trucks when ordering get loads of attention from dog-loving patrons. Multiple locations, kirbyicehouse.com
Barnaby’s
For more than 20 years, this cafe has been known for its inclusivity of both people and pets. The tongue-lolling Old English Sheepdog, Barnaby, is the mascot for the brand, and he is framed in rainbows and stars within the space. Dogs are allowed on the outdoor patios, and the restaurant features a dedicated dog menu with brown rice and meat bowls, or veggies as an alternative. If your dog is a really good boy, treat them to dog ice cream for $4. Humans can enjoy the extensive menu of entree salads, sandwiches, steaks, and more. Multiple locations, barnabyscafe.com
Patterson Park
This multi-level tree-top bar in the Heights has a number of different seating options, with different decks and patios throughout. Leashed pups can enjoy checking out all of the different spots to lounge. Adjacent to the White Oak Bayou Trail, guests can take dogs for an extended stroll. Multiple TVs broadcast various sports, and a food truck holds court in the parking lot on most days.. Human kids are also welcome until 9 p.m., 2505 Patterson St., Houston, pattersonparkhouston.com
Brasserie 19
The French love their petit chiens just as much as we do. The dog-friendly patio at this River Oaks brasserie faces the hustle and bustle of West Gray, making it a perfect spot for pups to people watch. Much of the outdoor space is covered, with some tables fixed with umbrellas to offer shade. The patio is perfect for a lingering lunch, and it’s even more magical in the evenings. While dogs can stay hydrated with water, humans can indulge in wine, bubbles, or cocktails with playful names like Temporary Lover or the Side Piece. The French are so naughty. 1962 W. Gray St., Houston, brasserie19.com
Empire Cafe
The courtyard-style patio at this longstanding Montrose cafe is dog-friendly and well-shaded, with lush plants at every turn. It’s a European-style oasis right on Westheimer Road, and locals flock to the restaurant for weekend brunch. Bowls of water for dogs are provided, and guests can sip on a coffee or Empire mimosa. With breakfast served daily from 7:30 a.m., Empire Cafe is a reliable go-to any morning of the week. 1732 Westheimer Rd., Houston, empirecafe.com
Postino
Founded in Arizona more than 20 years ago, Postino arrived in Houston in 2018 and there are now six locations in the Greater Houston area. Each is unique to its neighborhood with dog-friendly patios suitable for sipping wine and noshing on snacks. If day drinking is your thing, Postino offers $6 glasses of wine and $6 pitchers of beer until 5 p.m. daily. Multiple locations, postinowinecafe.com
Heights Biergarten
There is no shortage of local hangouts in the Heights, and this one welcomes families, including canine members. Like any good beer garden, there are a number of picnic tables, 60 different beers, and bites like homemade pretzels and cheeseburgers. There is an impressive list of wines and craft cocktails too. The sprawling outdoor patio is fitted with fans and misters to keep people and pets nice and cool. 1433 N. Shepherd Dr., Houston, heightsbiergarten.com
Eight Row Flint
Hungry’s
This family-owned eatery, with locations in Rice Village, Woodway, and Memorial offers a menu of fresh, globally-inspired dishes with options for everyone. The dog-friendly patios are lush and green and serve as the perfect backdrop to explore the giant menu. There are burgers, meatloaf, and kabobs for meat-eaters, plus plenty of vegetarian choices such as organic tricolor quinoa salad and eggplant parmesan. Snag a comfy spot for weekend brunch and indulge in crab cake eggs Benedict and a flight of fresh juice mimosas. Multiple locations, hungryscafe.com
Truck Yard
Known for its backyard ferris wheel and eclectic decor, Truck Yard is a playground for everyone including fur babies. There is a rotating line up of food trucks, and Truck Yard serves several of its own items like a smash burger and a Philly cheesesteak. Its proximity to Daikin Park means it can get quite busy during Astros home games, so plan accordingly. 2118 Lamar St., Houston, truckyard.com/houston
Padre’s Wine
Post a social media photo of your pup relaxing on the well-appointed patio at Padre’s, and he’ll be the envy of all the other pooches in town. Part wine bar, part wine shop, this Heights gem is crawling with neighborhood residents on most days. Padre’s staff can offer guidance when choosing a glass or bottle, plus there are flights for those who want some variety. The rotating food menu is small, but mighty, with options like bread service, large pretzels, cheese and charcuterie, and a fancy BLT made with pancetta. 3522 White Oak Dr., Houston, padreswine.com
Camaraderie
Don’t be fooled by the metal exterior of this stand-alone restaurant in the Heights. Inside is a contemporary and stylish restaurant with a frenetic open kitchen. Guests with dogs can take to the covered patio, and glass walls allow outdoor diners to witness the action within. While the main dining room is limited to a prix fixe menu, an a la carte menu is served on the patio. Order the nduja roll to start. The spicy, meaty pastry resembles a cinnamon bun, and it showcases the award-winning pastry skills of executive chef-owner Shawn Gawle. 608 W. 11th, Houston, camaraderiehtx.com
Heights & Co.
Doggie parents have a variety of seating options at this local hangout. There’s a covered patio, as well as umbrella-shaded tables under a huge pergola. Along with a full bar, there are snacks like cheese and charcuterie board, Pop’s queso, and hearty entrees like brisket grilled cheese and steak frites. On Houston’s all-too-common warm fall days, sip on the H&C Spritz with pineapple guava and salted watermelon.1343 Yale, Houston, heightsandco.com
Badolina
This Israeli bakery in Rice Village has a verdant, Parisian-style patio for relishing a cafe latte and buttery croissant with your fluffy pal by your side. There are savory pastries like shakshuka and quiche, but the artisanal desserts are even more tempting. The Basque cheesecake is a wonder here, and we won’t tell your veterinarian if you share a tiny bite with your bestie. Getting a loaf of sourdough to-go is highly recommended. 5555 Morningside Dr., Houston, badolinabakery.com
Buttermilk Baby
Berg Hospitality’s retro-style diner and ice cream shop is a magical wonderland for kids-at-heart, but its astroturf patio outside is just as fun for pups. Pretty pink umbrellas provide shade, and the patio has overhead lights that illuminate the space after dark. Find comfort eats lik burgers, corn dogs, and chicken fingers, plus Carvel soft serve. As part of the M-K-T development, guests with their pups can enjoy convenient access to the adjacent Heights Hike and Bike Trail. 600 N. Shepherd Dr., Houston, buttermilkbaby.com
The Patio at the Pit Room
The Patio at the Pit Room features a wood deck patio and a relaxed atmosphere for humans and dogs alike. It’s a rustic spot for canine companions to hang out, while their owners gnaw on juicy ribs and Texas brisket. There’s cold beer, multiple TVs, and seasonal crawfish. 1201 Richmond Ave., Houston, thepitroombbq.com/houston/
Candente
Candente
This Michelin Recommended Tex-Mex restaurant is known for its indulgent menu starring smoky meats. The neatly manicured patio features a large covered area fitted with fans, and an open outdoor space where dogs can be seen lounging often. Guests can start a feast with brisket queso or a refreshing ceviche, and then dig into fajitas that get the kiss of a wood-fired grill. 4306 Yoakum Blvd., Houston, candentehtx.com
Local Foods
Restaurateur Benjy Levit was on the forefront of the farm-to-table movement in Houston with this casual eatery, which now has several locations in Houston and one in Austin. Dogs are welcome on Local Foods’ patios, and the Heights location has the added perk of being near the Hike and Bike trail. Menus vary slightly at each location, but guests will find plenty of farm-fresh dishes, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. House favorites include the crunch chicken sandwich, the garden sammie, and Asian chicken salad. Multiple locations, localfoodstexas.com
Saint Arnold Brewing
Saint Arnold Brewing is Houston’s oldest craft brewery. It debuted its cathedral-like restaurant in 2018, showcasing stunning interiors and a massive dog-friendly beer garden that offers views of the Houston skyline. Besides a long list of beers, there are shareable snacks like crawfish campechana and wings, and hearty handhelds like burgers and sandwiches. A fountain and a plenty of seating options makes the brewery an ideal weekend fun day with your precious pooch. 2000 Lyons Ave., Houston, saintarnold.com
Monkey’s Tail
This hip and funky Lindale Park hangout has a back patio where dogs and their humans can lounge with a thoughtfully-crafted cocktail and a snack or two. There is a mix of four-tops and picnic tables, fans, and large-screen TVs. Expect a menu of tacos, a grilled cheese hot dog, and the famed Chango burger. You can add an extra patty for your pup. 5802 Fulton St,. Houston, monkeystail.com
Cottonwood
While some establishments allow dogs, this rustic bar and restaurant in Garden Oaks truly welcomes them with an expansive covered patio and tree-shaded gravel spaces. Water bowls are always available, and it’s all but guaranteed there will be a couple of fuzzy friends for your dog to socialize with. Besides cold beer, wine, and cocktails, there’s a food menu of burgers, sandwiches, and steaks. 3422 N. Shepherd Dr., Houston, cottonwoodhouston.com
