Dog-friendly Restaurants

Posted by Joy Butler Feb 18, 2007

Most dogs love to "go". I know my little terrier does. Every time I pick up my keys, she's asking to "go". It doesn't matter where, or if the trip is 2 miles or 200, she wants to "go"! Some people take their dogs everywhere with them. Sometimes it's ok; sometimes it can be a problem. But more and more places are now allowing dogs. Even restaurants are allowing them in patio areas. Some have certain rules in place. A few years ago some friends and I went to a dog obedience show in San Antonio and stopped for a meal on the Riverwalk. It was a hot day and we weren't going to leave our dogs in the car. Together, we had two German Shepherds, a Labrador Retriever, and an Australian Shepherd, but the little Mexican restaurant invited us to the covered patio area, with our dogs. Each one of them was well-behaved and laid beside the owner's chair. Of course each of them had an obedience title. We were able to enjoy an authentic Mexican meal as well as a serenade from a Mexican street band. Since then I've run across quite a few restaurants and other public places that are dog-friendly. I think it can work as long as there are responsible owners with well-behaved dogs. However, there could be the unruly dog who trips the waiter or the over-zealous owner who allows his dog to eat from restaurant plates, or other problems. I'd like to know what you think. Please voice your opinion in my poll on the topic page.