Ask any pet parent and they’ll tell you it’s hard to leave our fur babies at home. Sure, sometimes you want a break from caregiving, but our pets are a part of the family and we wouldn’t leave our family behind! My sister’s family has two adorable dogs and it’s a given that we’ll be bringing them to just about every meal and vacation we can.
Luckily Seattle makes it easy because it’s a super pet-friendly city. There are countless parks, outdoor attractions, and pet-friendly activities just waiting to be explored. Since finding a place to eat that allows our furry friends can be difficult, I’m sharing the ultimate guide to the pet-friendly restaurants in Seattle. Use this as you plan your next meal out!
Pet-Friendly Restaurants in Seattle
Before diving into the best pet-friendly restaurants in Seattle, let’s go over Seattle’s pet policy in general.
Is Seattle pet friendly?
Definitely! Seattle is often cited as one of the most pet-friendly cities in the US. We treat them like family here, allowing them on public transit and in many parks, hotels, water crafts, and even restaurants.
All Seattle businesses, including restaurants, are required by law to allow service animals indoors. However, for health code reasons most places only allow pets outside. Also when searching for “pet friendly” spots to eat, it usually means dog-friendly restaurants in Seattle. If you’re rolling with a cat or another pet, though, you should reach out to these restaurants and see if they’re allowed! Pet owners across multiple Reddit and Facebook group threads will tell you how they bring cats and even pet birds into restaurants, cafes, and coffee shops.
Also know that just about every brewery in Seattle allows dogs! Most have outdoor seating and many have an indoor-outdoor design where dogs can roam freely. Ballard has the highest concentrations of breweries in one area, so check out my guide to the best Ballard breweries for more ideas of places to bring your four-legged friend. Most also host some of the best food trucks in Seattle so you can eat well while enjoying beer.
Seattle pet-friendly restaurants
Alright, let’s dive into the ultimate list of Seattle’s dog-friendly restaurants. Save this to Pinterest for later for the next time you want to bring your furry loved one along for your next meal!
Ada’s Restaurant & Bar
website | neighborhood: Phinney Ridge (get directions) | cuisine: Turkish / Mediterranean
Ada’s is one of the best Mediterranean restaurants in Seattle and, lucky for us, we don’t have to skip it when we have our dog in tow. They allow dogs out on their seasonal patio and they also let me know via Instagram DM that they allow them inside. However, I’d check ahead if you have your heart set on sitting indoors to confirm.
Agua Verde Café
website | neighborhood: U-District (get directions) | cuisine: Mexican
If you love exploring Mexican restaurants in Seattle or want to bring your dog out on a paddle board on a nice day, Aqua Verde is the best to be. Not only do they allow dogs at their restaurant, but they also rent kayaks and paddle boards right from their property! It’s one of the best water activities in Seattle that’s perfect for both humans and chill dogs alike.
The Barking Dog Alehouse
website | neighborhood: Ballard (get directions) | cuisine: American
It’d be disappointing if a restaurant with “dog” in its name didn’t allow them! Luckily, The Barking Dog Alehouse delivers by allowing furry friends on their outdoor patio. This neighborhood spot tucked on a quiet residential street is a hidden gem that locals love for brunch.
Beardslee Public House
website | neighborhood: Bothell (get directions) | cuisine: American
Beardslee is part of the John Howie restaurant group. Yes, they’re located outside Seattle, but their outdoor patio is darling and the perfect spot for dining with pets. They also have a vast menu to satisfy even the pickiest eaters, so it’s also one of the most family-friendly restaurants in Seattle.
Bongos
website | neighborhood: Green Lake (get directions) | cuisine: Caribbean
Ask anyone where the best patio dining is in Seattle and multiple people will mention Bongos. They also happen to be one of the most pet-friendly restaurants in Seattle. This Black-owned restaurant in Seattle has a large patio right across from the lake and, while it doesn’t have the sand it was once famous for, it’s the perfect location to grab a bite before taking a long walk.
Brimmer & Heeltap / Red Arrow Coffee
website | neighborhood: Ballard (get directions) | cuisine: American / farm-to-table
I dream of having a wedding on Brimmer & Heeltap’s dog-friendly garden patio. But until then, I’ll settle for enjoying a lovely dinner under the twinkling string lights or a salmon toast at their day-time concept, Red Arrow Coffee, with my furry friends in tow.
Pro tip: While not dog-friendly, they own Halfseas Wine across the street. It’s one of my favorite wine bars in Seattle!
Cafe Flora
website | neighborhood: Madison Valley (get directions) | cuisine: vegetarian
If you don’t enjoy meat like your fur baby, then Cafe Flora is the perfect pet-friendly restaurant in Seattle for you. It’s one of Seattle’s best vegetarian restaurants and has a beautiful atrium that takes in a ton of light. Your dog will love lounging in the warm sun!
Cafe Hagen
website | neighborhood: South Lake Union, Queen Anne, Downtown, Bellevue, & Kirkland (get directions) | cuisine: Scandinavian
I’m always on the hunt for the best coffee roasters in Seattle and Cafe Hagen fits the bill. They also have a bunch of dog-friendly cafes around the greater Seattle area, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a latte and hearty breakfast or lunch with your pet in tow.
Don Lucho’s
website | neighborhood: Maple Leaf (get directions) | cuisine: Peruvian
If you want one of the pet-friendly restaurants in Seattle that feels like a backyard hang, Don Lucho’s is the place. They have a huge astro-turfed covered patio that’s always bumpin’ music and full of families having a great time (dogs included). You’ll also happen to find some of the best ceviche in Seattle here.
Dreamland Bar & Diner
website | neighborhood: Fremont (get directions) | cuisine: American
Speaking of a party, Dreamland is another restaurant that feels like a celebration where even furry friends are welcome. They’re a popular spot for bachelorette parties in Seattle thanks for their weekend drag brunch, and the after-hours crowd loves it for their psychedelic Carnelian Bay bar that’s one of the best speakeasies in Seattle. No matter what time of day you decide to visit, they welcome dogs at any time except during drag brunches on both their outdoor patio and inside.
Familyfriend
website | neighborhood: Beacon Hill (get directions) | cuisine: Guamanian
You wouldn’t expect one of Seattle’s best burgers to come out of a restaurant that focuses on the Asian flavors of Guam, but Familyfriend is offering just that. Most people don’t realize they also have a dog-friendly back patio since it’s hidden from street view. It’s the perfect place to lounge on a nice day!
Hangar Cafe
website | neighborhood: Georgetown (get directions) | cuisine: American
As you may have guessed by the name, Hangar Cafe is named after a plane hangar. But it’s not because this popular neighborhood joint has a strong aviation theme. It’s because they sit right on a flight path and are an exciting spot to watch planes land really close to where you’re dining on their front and back dog-friendly patios. They don’t take reservations and, since they are one of the best breakfast spots in Seattle, you may need to wait for a table. But luckily Georgetown is a cute neighborhood perfect a walk or self-guided food tour!
Lady Jaye
website | neighborhood: West Seattle (get directions) | cuisine: sandwiches
Lady Jaye used to be one of the best BBQ spots in Seattle until they pivoted to sandwiches. Given their culinary acumen though, they are safely on my list of the best Seattle sandwiches. They’re great for pet owners because they have a large covered back patio and are open late for when a sandwich craving hits.
Layers Green Lake
website | neighborhood: Green Lake (get directions) | cuisine: American
Layers is another one of the pet-friendly restaurants in Seattle known for sandwiches. They share a courtyard with a few other businesses, so it’s a great spot to grab a seat with your pets before heading to Green Lake for some play time.
Liberty
website | neighborhood: Capitol Hill (get directions) | cuisine: Japanese
You’d think one of the best craft cocktail bars in Seattle wouldn’t allow dogs, but Liberty goes against the grain. They allow dogs both inside and out so you can enjoy their excellent bevvies and, randomly, sushi rolls.
Don’t care about a full food menu? Ruby in Greenwood is another great cocktail bar that allows dogs. In fact, you can bring in a pet portrait to adorn their wall! They have some snacks, but are mostly best for drinks. Note, their space is tiny! But go on a Wednesday night for free bingo and less crowds.
Locus Wines
website | neighborhood: Pioneer Square (get directions) | cuisine: European
Many of Seattle’s urban wineries allow dogs and Locus Wines just so happens to also offer food. You can bring your dog inside or enjoy people watching from their bistro tables that sit right within Occidental Square, a historic area bustling with people.
Many Bennie’s
website | neighborhood: Fremont (get directions) | cuisine: ice cream
It’s easy for Many Bennie’s to be one of the best pet-friendly restaurants in Seattle considering they don’t even have indoor dining. This popular spot serves New Zealand-style soft serve ice cream where they blend frozen fruit into ice cream for a refreshing treat. They have outdoor tables perfect for pet owners, especially those always on the hunt for Seattle’s best ice cream.
Mean Sandwich
website | neighborhood: Ballard (get directions) | cuisine: sandwiches
Mean Sandwich is one of the best Ballard lunch spots for pet owners thanks to their large back patio. You can expect creative, chef-y sandwiches in a casual atmosphere. While owner Dan has been operating well before he married the famous restauranteur, Renee Erickson, he makes food worthy of her James Beard nominations!
Mezzanotte
website | neighborhood: Georgetown (get directions) | cuisine: Italian
You’d think one of Seattle’s best Italian restaurants that feels kinda fancy thanks to their beautiful historic building wouldn’t be dog friendly, but that’s where Mezzanotte defies expectations. You can dine with pets on their adorable patio surrounded by pavers, plants, and colorful chairs. They also often host music nights, which offers background noise for your pups to fade into.
Mulleady’s Irish Pub
website | neighborhood: Magnolia (get directions) | cuisine: Irish
I used to live a block away from this adorable Irish pub that’s in a beautiful building that feels right at home among the other houses in the neighborhood. They have a cute front patio adorned with colorful flowers and water bowls perfect for dining with pets.
Musang
website | neighborhood: Beacon Hill (get directions) | cuisine: Filipino
Ask anyone about the best restaurants in Beacon Hill and Musang is likely to be at the top of their list. Owner Miranda is credited with opening the door to the Filipino food Renaissance the city has had over the past decade. Her team makes elevated versions of this often humble cuisine, so you’d think dogs would be a no-go. But luckily you’re allowed to bring them on their covered outdoor patio.
Nirvana
website | neighborhood: Ballard (get directions) | cuisine: Mediterranean
Some of the most fun places to eat in Portland are in the city’s famous food cart pods. I hate how Seattle doesn’t have a food cart pod culture, but Nirvana tries to recreate the magic. You can expect not only awesome pizzas and kebabs, but they have a covered patio area and bistro tables scattered around their cart and and impressive oven. Since it’s all outdoors, you can bring your pets!
Outsider BBQ & Beer Garden
website | neighborhood: Fremont (get directions) | cuisine: Texan-Turkish fusion
As you’d expect from a beer garden, Outsider BBQ allows pets. And lucky for us this is somewhere you’d actually want to eat because they’re making excellent BBQ like smoked brisket, sausages, and more. The best part? The owner is Turkish so each recipe has a Turkish twist!
Patrick’s Café & Bakery
website | neighborhood: White Center (get directions) | cuisine: Hawaiian
Insiders know this yellow cottage is doling out some of the best Hawaiian food in Seattle. You may pass it by, but that’d be a mistake to miss out on their Hawaiian cakes and hot plates. They also have a large side patio perfect for enjoying their food with your pets at your feet.
Portage Bay Cafe
website | neighborhood: U-District, SLU, Roosevelt, Ballard, & West Seattle (get directions) | cuisine: American
One of my favorite brunch spots in Seattle also happens to be one of the most dog-friendly restaurants in Seattle. Not only can you get their excellent migas eggs and bananas foster French toast, but you can do it with your pets in tow from their outdoor patio. You’ll often fine dog bowls available for them too!
Paseo
website | neighborhood: Fremont, SODO, & Issaquah (get directions) | cuisine: Caribbean
Paseo is one of the OG sandwich spots in Seattle that happens to be on my self-guided Fremont food tour. They make delightfully-messy roast pork sandwiches that have gotten national attention. Since all their locations are casual with an outdoor patio, they’re one of the most pet-friendly restaurants in Seattle.
Phinney Station
website | neighborhood: Phinney Ridge (get directions) | cuisine: American & Mexican
Phinney Station is a cool bar and hangout space inside a remodeled vintage gas station. There is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating perfect for spreading out with your pooch. Food wise you can get one of the city’s best smash burgers at one truck or Mexican food at another, both of which are permanently parked on the property.
Reckless Noodle House & Cocktails
website | neighborhood: Central District (get directions) | cuisine: Vietnamese
One of the most beloved restaurants in south Seattle is Reckless Noodle, a hip Vietnamese spot with noodle bowls and creative small plates. They’re also known for their patio that allows well-behaved dogs.
Rhein Haus
website | neighborhood: Capitol Hill (get directions) | cuisine: Bavarian
One of the best restaurants for groups in Seattle is Rhein Haus…and that includes groups with pups! They’re allowed in the biergarten, which is the best place to be anyway given the multiple bocce ball courts, TVs, and picnic tables throughout the space.
Sabine Café & Bar
website | neighborhood: Ballard (get directions) | cuisine: Mediterranean
One of the most Instagrammable restaurants in Seattle has a large covered side patio perfect for diners with dogs. You can enjoy watching people along busy Ballard Ave while enjoying their excellent lamb burger, mezze, and cocktails.
Saint Bread
website | neighborhood: U-District (get directions) | cuisine: Asian fusion
Saint Bread is one of the most exciting bakeries in Seattle, acclaimed for taking French pastries and mixing them with Asian ingredients. They also happen to be one of the best restaurants for water views in Seattle thanks to their large side patio overlooking Lake Union. It’s the perfect spot to grab a picnic bench with your dogs to enjoy the views.
Salt & Sugar Bakery
website | neighborhood: Ballard (get directions) | cuisine: Lebanese
This is one of the most unassuming hidden gem restaurants in Seattle. From the outside it looks like your dime-a-dozen coffee shops, but insiders know they’re making excellent Lebanese food as well. You can even get really affordable olive oil from Lebanon to take home! They allow dogs inside, so it’s the perfect spot to spend a rainy day in Seattle.
Secret Congee
website | neighborhood: Ballard (get directions) | cuisine: Chinese
As the name implies, Secret Congee focuses on the classic Chinese rice porridge. This singular focus makes them one of the best Chinese restaurants in Seattle since they do one thing and they do it well. You can enjoy it with your pets in tow since they also have an outdoor patio.
Smarty Pants
website | neighborhood: Georgetown (get directions) & Burien (get directions) | cuisine: sandwiches
I was born in New Jersey so I often miss big east coast-style sandwiches. Luckily Smarty Pants fills that craving with their dive bar-cool atmosphere and no-fuss sandwiches in huge portions. You can enjoy them from their dog-friendly patio!
Smash That Burger Co.
website | neighborhood: Fremont (get directions) & Phinney Ridge (get directions) | cuisine: American
Ever since I started exploring the LA restaurant scene regularly for work, I’ve become obsessed with finding the best smash burger in Seattle. In LA they know how to do them right, getting that crispy lattice edge around the patties. Smash That has one of the best versions I’ve found in Seattle and, despite being a food cart, you can get your fix regularly since they’re permanently parked outside Fremont Brewing and Sully’s Snow Goose Saloon. And the best part is that both are dog friendly, particularly Fremont Brewing with their large beer garden.
S/T Hooligans
website | neighborhood: Fremont (get directions) | cuisine: New Orleans/Creole
It’s not common to find Creole food outside of Louisiana, but S/T Hooligans is filling the gap in Seattle. They’re doing it so well that they’re actually one if the few five star restaurants in Seattle! And on top of that, they allow dogs both inside and out on their patio.
Stoneburner
website | neighborhood: Ballard (get directions) | cuisine: Italian
Stoneburner, one of the most aesthetic, cutest restaurants in Seattle surprisingly allows dogs both at their marble high tops near the door and their patio. They’re also one of my go-to restaurants for pasta in Seattle.
The Stonehouse Cafe
website | neighborhood: Rainier Beach (get directions) | cuisine: American
Stonehouse is arguably the pet-friendliest restaurant in Seattle. As the name implies, it’s located in a historic stone house that has a huge property with a ton of outdoor seating. You order at the counter and then find a nook to sit in with your crew, even if it includes dogs! And since it sits right across from Lake Washington, you also get great one of the best views in Seattle.
Taurus Ox
website | neighborhood: Capitol Hill (get directions) | cuisine: Laotian
Taurus Ox is another contender for the best burger in Seattle, which is interesting since they focus on Laotian food. However, their version of the burger is filled with Asian flavors, plus some of the juiciest meat. Enjoying a burger and beer out on their patio with your dog is the quintessential summer activities in Seattle!
Tivoli
website | neighborhood: Fremont (get directions) | cuisine: Italian
Saint Bread’s sister restaurant, Tivoli, has a nice outdoor patio that allows dogs. It’s a great place to people watch since it’s near the tech campuses bustling with workers getting lunch. Plus, if you go during lunch time you can get their incredibly mortadella sandwich, which has my vote for the best in the city.
Un Bien
website | neighborhood: Ballard & Queen Anne (get directions) | cuisine: Caribbean
Un Bien is known for stealing the crown for the best Caribbean roast pork sandwich from Paseo. Since the sandwich is so messy, it’s perfect that they have outdoors eating at all their locations. Your dog will be thrilled patiently waiting to see if you drop any of the succulent pieces of meat!
Pro tip: Walk across the street to Secret Beach afterwards. It’s one of the best hidden gems in Seattle!
Valhalla Sandwiches
website | neighborhood: Greenwood (get directions) | cuisine: sandwiches
One of my favorite sandwich spots is this casual spot among some of the best restaurants in north Seattle. They have excellent sweet potato tater tots, a mean Thanksgiving-inspired sandwich, and an outdoor patio perfect for dogs.
White Swan Public House
website | neighborhood: South Lake Union (get directions) | cuisine: American
One of the best restaurants in Lake Union also offers stunning views of the water. With its expansive deck and casual seafood menu, White Swan Public House is the perfect spot to take in the views with your pooch in tow. It’s one of my favorite fish restaurants in Seattle because it takes me back to all those times going down the shore and enjoying a crab roll, chowder, or fish and chips on the beach!
More to do with your family around Seattle
Hey, our furry friends are family too! After you map out the pet-friendly restaurants in Seattle you want to eat at, fill you itinerary with ideas from my other guides.
Leave a Reply