Post overview: Best dog friendly restaurants in NYC
I’ve had more than one out-of-towner tell me they were completely flabbergasted by how many dogs there are in New York City. If I’m being honest, when I moved to the city six years ago I was just as bamboozled.
But it doesn’t take long to see New Yorkers love their pups. You see the four-legged friends in strollers, backpacks or wearing raincoats and cuter winter boots than mine.
So it should come as no surprise there’s a variety of dog friendly restaurants in New York City. Some are just joints where your pooch can hang out while you enjoy a meal, and others are catered to the dogs themselves.
So if you have a furry friend you hate leaving at home keep reading this post. I’ll go over the best dog friendly restaurants in NYC so separation anxiety becomes a thing of the past, whether if it’s for you or your pooch.
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The best neighborhoods for first timers +2 to avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Best Dog Friendly Restaurants in NYC
#15. Pier-i Cafe
Open: May to mid-October in Riverside Park South.
If you’ve never seen the sunset in Riverside Park you’re missing out. The park borders the Hudson River and the sky comes aflame in shades or orange and cotton candy pink. The only thing that makes the experience better is one of the best dog-friendly restaurants in NYC, Pier-i Cafe.
It’s a casual joint with a large outdoor area full of neon green tables and chairs. You order at the counter before finding an open table and plopping down with your pup. Or if you’d prefer, find the table first and scan the QR code for online ordering, then just pick up your grub at the counter.
It’s all easy eating too, you won’t get any filet mignon here folks. Expect the menu to consist of what you’d find at an open air lobster shack or burger bar that you can eat with your hands. And for those of age, this wouldn’t be one of the best dog-friendly restaurants in NYC without the ability to order a cocktail!
Besides visiting in the evening I also thoroughly enjoy a morning coffee and treat from Pier-i Cafe. It’s less crowded in the morning and a great way to fit in a walk with your dog.
Address: 500 W 70th St On the Hudson River in Riverside Park, New York, NY 10023
#14. Chateau le Woof
Chateau le Woof is a dog cafe, and visiting is one of the best things to do in Astoria. Those of you who can never get enough puppy love will be in heaven.
But you might be wondering what the heck a dog cafe even is: it’s a pooch’s paradise. There’s a 3,000 square foot play area for your doggie, and you can buy them treats or even a new outfit.
But us two-legged folk aren’t left unattended. You can order a coffee during the day or a brew in the afternoon while your hound makes friends.
If you don’t have a dog but want to stop by anyways Chateau le Woof’s doors are open. I fall into this category, I grew up with dogs but can’t have one in my apartment so visiting is one of the best things to do in Astoria.
Address: 3101 Vernon Blvd, Queens, NY 11106
#13. Banc Cafe
Kips Bay is home to Banc Cafe, which I have frequented many a night for dinner and drinks. It wasn’t until a friend invited me for lunch however that I realized it’s also one of the best dog-friendly restaurants NYC has to offer.
By no means is it a dog cafe, there are no menu items for your pooch. With that said, if you’re going out for brunch, lunch, or even happy hour you can bring fido along and grab a seat at one of their outdoor tables.
The menu is full of typical American fare, with salads and sandwiches dominating the lunch menu.
The three times I’ve been back since I can’t help but notice there’s usually at least one pup patiently hanging out under someone’s chair. If you can’t find a sitter, Banc Cafe is one of the best dog friendly restaurants in NYC.
Address: 431 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10016
#12. Anejo
Tacos and tequila? Let me grab my shoes.
Located in the bustling neighborhood of Tribeca, Añejo is one of the best dog-friendly restaurants in NYC. The patio is completely pup-safe and the staff fully adore the furry distractions.
Serving delicious Mexican food with a modern twist in a casual eatery, finding a reason to swing by for tacos and margaritas won’t be too difficult. Just make sure to ask for a spot outside otherwise your pup can’t join you.
Añejo is the place to go if you’re looking for one of the top dog-friendly bars for flights and tastings. You can order almost a dozen flights, which include mezcal, agave, and Añejo tequila, to broaden your palate.
Address: 301 Church St, New York, NY 10013
#11. Bistro Les Amis
French fare and a man’s (or gal’s!) best friend, does life get any sweeter than this?
Bistro Les Amis is one of the best dog-friendly restaurants in New York City, just snag an outdoor table and order away. The restaurant has the self-proclaimed best french-onion soup in NYC, and I’m not going to disagree.
There aren’t any plates available for your canine, so you’ll just have to give them a treat later. If you really want to, sneak a bite of your steak-frites. 😉
Address: 180 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
#10. Pete’s Tavern
Pete’s Tavern opened in 1864, making it one of the oldest bars in New York City. In fact they stayed opened through prohibition by posing as a flower shop (nothing to see here, officer).
If you don’t want to visit for the history though you’ll want to visit because this is one of the best dog-friendly restaurants in New York City.
You’ll have to grab a seat outside which won’t be a problem since there is plenty of seating. Pete’s Tavern is very accommodating and can even offer your pup a bowl of water.
The food at Pete’s Tavern is also splendid. Bar food has no business being this good, but I’m glad it is! The Italian cuisine pairs nicely with a full beer glass. There isn’t anything on the menu for your pup so it’s up to you if you want to share your steak or not!
Address: 129 E 18th St, New York, NY 10003
#9. d.b.a
Are you a dog owner attached to your pooch at the hip? Because if you are d.b.a. doesn’t mind hosting the both of you.
One of the best dog-friendly bars in the East Village d.b.a. is unpretentious, fun and welcoming. There’s a selection of draft beers poured by friendly barkeeps who make for pleasant small talk in-between rounds.
The bar also hosts trivia on Sundays at 8PM, so if you or your pup are well versed in random facts you’re sure to do well. Prefer games on a screen? d.b.a. has TV’s and video games so geeks (like me) can enjoy a brew and a game.
Something to know: In case you were curious, d.b.a. stands for Double Barrel Ale.
Address: 41 1st Ave., New York, NY 10003
#8. Barking Dog
With a name like the Barking Dog need I say more? This is one of the most dog-friendly restaurants in New York City and your pupfluencer is going to love it.
Dogs aren’t allowed to sit inside, but there’s plenty of outdoor seating for you and your pooch. In the winter they even put up a heated outdoor greenhouse to keep you comfortable.
Both you and your dog can eat your fill at the Barking Dog. There’s food for both two and four-legged friends.
Unlike other dog-friendly restaurants in NYC that merely accept dogs outdoors, the Barking Dog actually welcomes them. The staff bring out water bowls and treats that’ll keep your pup’s tail wagging the entire time.
Address: 1678 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10128
#7. The Grey Dog
As long as you’re able to snag a table outside, The Grey Dog is one of the most accommodating dog-friendly restaurants in New York City.
Serving brunch all day, you can enjoy the laid-back environment without having to set an alarm clock. Expect to find all the basics that are simple, quick and always satisfying at this popular brunch place.
Where The Grey Dog really shines is with the impressive drink menu. With delicious drinks like a spicy pineapple margarita and Grey Dog Spritz, this is the spot you take your dog to after work instead of your coworkers to decompress.
Cocktails will cost you $12-$16, which is almost unheard of in a pricey city like NYC! And if you linger long enough, The Grey Dog also offers an unbelievable happy hour deal. I’m talking beer and wine for $5 and half-off priced cocktails.
Since The Grey Dog is technically for humans and not pups, pack some treats for your pal and a collapsable water bowl. This way there’s no rush for you to finish your meal and your dog is well taken care of.
Address: 242 W 16th St, New York, NY 10011
#6. Dog and Bone
Dog and Bone is one of the best dog-friendly restaurants in NYC, trust me, I know the owner. His name is Winston, and he’s a beefy English Bulldog that welcomes you to the tavern.
Styled after pubs in the UK you’ll have a full array of British comfort food and brews. So long as you grab a table outside your pooch is welcome to hang out, too.
Dog and Bone is also a popular sports bar in Kips Bay (especially for football or soccer). But unfortunately your pup will have to cheer from home since they’re not allowed indoors.
Address: 338 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10010
#5. Shake Shack (Madison Square Park)
Shake Shack needs no introduction, but for the sake of this guide being about dog-friendly restaurants in NYC, the location in Madison Square Park specifically is a can’t-miss.
First off, the burger joint is a window walk-up — meaning your pooch can stay attached to your hip the entire time without being shooed away. Secondly, you’re in a park!
Grabbing a burger and shake might be a treat for you, but the freedom to roam and play at the neighboring park is a treat your pup will surely appreciate.
There are plenty of tables and chairs scattered around the restaurant but if you struggle to find a seat take a short walk into the grassy area and plop yourself down.
Fun Fact: Not only is the Shake Shack in Madison Square Park one of the best dog-friendly restaurants in New York City, it’s the original location of the famous chain burger shop.
Address: 23rd Street and, Madison Square Park, Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010
#4. Black Lab Cafe
Black Lab Cafe is a true testimony to “if there’s a will, there’s a way.” Founders Nikolas and Kristoffer Powers never left the house without their black labs but they quickly found that the list of dog-friendly restaurants in New York City was unfortunately short.
Taking matters into their own hands, they created a safe and welcoming environment for folks to swing by with their pooch and enjoy coffee and treats (both human and canine).
It doesn’t get better than finding a place that not only accepts you bringing your best friend, but encourages it. Black Lab Cafe on the Upper West Side offers a menu for both you and your pup including cook-to-order items.
Locals Tip: If you’re looking to celebrate your pup, consider ordering the full-sized Doggy Birthday Cake from this dog-friendly cafe in NYC.
Address: 420 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024
#3. Gilligans
Gilligan’s is open from May to late September.
Part of the SoHo Grand Hotel, Gilligans is a completely outdoor bar which doubles as one of the best dog-friendly restaurants in NYC.
They’re famous for their strawberry margaritas which are all the rage online. Needless to say, don’t give your pooch tequila but be sure to give them a try yourself.
As far as food is concerned, the pizza is a fan-favorite but there’s also seafood and shareable appetizers.
The restaurant is meant to feel like a tropical oasis, so it’s densely covered in plants and picnic tables. Just make sure your pooch is well-behaved and not peeing on the flowers and you’re set.
Address: SoHo Grand Hotel, 310 W Broadway, New York, NY 10013
#2. Borris and Horton
Borris & Horton is a dog-friendly cafe in NYC where dogs can wander unleashed while their owners enjoy a cup of coffee. I can’t believe a place like this exists, but it does and visiting is one of the best things to do in the East Village.
This is the ideal spot for those who work remotely but have a pup with a lot of energy. Everyone who swings by this unique coffee shop either has a dog of their own or is obsessed enough to understand that puppies need to play so you don’t need to worry about your pup bothering folks here.
As you can imagine, the staff is constantly happy and friendly since they’re getting paid to watch puppies play all day!
Borris & Horton is one of the best dog-friendly restaurants in NYC for pet owners because of the various meet ups and events like dog-friendly pilates they host.
But the icing on the cake? The cafe has a photo booth (with costumes) set up in the corner of the cafe to snap the sweetest pic of your iconic pup-fluencer. 😉
Address: 195 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009
#1. The Wilson
If you’re looking to celebrate your dog, there is no better dog-friendly restaurant in NYC than the Wilson.
It looks like a high-end restaurant that you could easily have a date night at. There’s a large greenhouse where you and your pup can enjoy your meal.
And you each get to eat. There is both a human menu and a dog menu, the latter which includes house-made biscuits and pupscicles.
I’ll be honest – when I saw there’s a $24 grilled steak on the menu I nearly spit out my coffee. I find it hard to justify paying that for my own meal! But hey, if you love your dog that much I tip my hat to you.
As far as human food is concerned the menu mostly consists of seafood. There’s also burgers, soups and salads for those who are craving something different.
All in all, if you can only visit one dog-friendly restaurant in NYC I suggest making it The Wilson. Both you and your pup will leave well fed and satisfied!
Address: 132 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001
Dog-Friendly Restaurants in New York City (Post Summary)
- The Wilson
- Borris and Horton
- Gilligans
- Black Lab Cafe
- Shake Shack (Madison Square Park)
- Dog and Bone
- The Grey Dog
- Barking Dog
- d.b.a
- Pete’s Tavern
- Bistro Les Amis
- Anejo
- Banc Cafe
- Chateau le Woof
- Pier I Cafe
Dog-Friendly Spots in NYC (Helpful Map)
And there you have it my furry friends, our quick roundup of the best dog-friendly restaurants in NYC. I hope you found the article helpful, until next time.
Cheers
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