Dogs are a human's best friend. Why not take them with you when grabbing your next bite?
From restaurants with beautiful outdoor seating, to pet-centered and inspired cafés, New York City is becoming the paw-fect place for furry friends to enjoy some adventure. Some eateries even provide pet-friendly menus and special watering options.
Next time you and your best friend are looking for a fun time out, check out these pet-friendly restaurants.
See also: The 11 Best Brunch Spots in NYC
Barking Dog
Multiple locations / Website
With locations in Hell’s Kitchen and the Upper East Side, this restaurant is the perfect place for a pet date. Best known for its egg-centric brunch, The Barking Dog provides your pup with exclusive water bowls. While dogs are limited to the outdoor patio, ample seating and awnings provide both humans and dogs with shade.
Pig Beach
Multiple locations / Website
There’s something that’s just right about dogs and barbeque. Pig Beach serves some of the best barbeque in NYC (Carolina-style, the way God intended it), and dogs are welcome to hang out in the outdoor areas. We recommend bringing some friends so you can try multiple items on the menu.
The Wilson
132 W 27th St. / 212.529.2671 / Website
Oh, to be a New York City dog, feasting on grilled ribeye steaks, or pan-seared salmon… If this sounds like your dream (or your dog's), The Wilson’s extensive dog menu is just for you. Located in Chelsea, this restaurant is as much for humans as it is for pets. With ample outdoor seating, The Wilson’s New American cuisine will keep both humans and pets more than satisfied.
THEP Thai Restaurant
1439 2nd Ave. / 212.899.9995 / Website
Home to deliciously-Instagrammable food, THEP serves traditional Thai food with a side of pet-friendly vibes. With plenty of vegan and gluten-free options, the food and drinks are unmissable. THEP’s outdoor seating along 75th Street is only blocks away from Central Park. After an afternoon of enjoying the sun, you and your puppy are more than welcome to enjoy this Thai cuisine.
Cafe Du Soleil
2723 Broadway / 212.316.5000 / Website
A fan-favorite French spot on the Upper West Side, Café du Soleil is unfussy. Come for a buttery French dish and some delicious wine for weekend brunch or weeknight dinner. With its ample outdoor seating, this restaurant is perfect for a calm, Sunday brunch with your best friends (pets included, obviously).
Bar Primi
325 Bowery / 212.220.9100 / Website
On the border of the East Village and Noho, this Italian gem serves fresh pasta fit for the gods. Located on Bowery Street, outdoor seating at Bar Primi wraps around the corner of East 2nd Street, providing beautiful tree-lined views. Perfect for people and puppy-watching, your fluffy friends are more than welcome to sit and spread or join you on your lap.
Veselka
144 2nd Ave. / 212.228.9682 / Website
Since 1954, Veselka has been serving up delicious Ukrainian food in the East Village. Their gorgeous sidewalk seating makes for an excellent space to enjoy the afternoon with friends, both human and canine alike. Their weekend brunch is particularly delicious, but be sure to arrive early to nab a table.
Rosemary’s West Village
18 Greenwich Ave. / 212.647.1818 / Website
Brunch, lunch, happy hour or dinner, Rosemary’s has you covered with delicious Italian food, including incredible pasta and perfectly crisp pizza. Furry friends are welcome on the patio, meaning there are no compromises when it comes to Rosemary’s. P.S. Don’t skip the dessert; the tiramisu is amazing!
Cookshop
156 10th Ave. / 212.924.4440 / Website
Fresh and seasonal ingredients are at the heart of Cookshop's menu, where lots of pet-friendly outdoor seating welcomes both cat and dog people to this Chelsea staple. While your pet secretly plots their rise to fame, we humans can enjoy Cookshop’s iconic roasted chicken and their market vegetables.
Bistro Les Amis
180 Spring St. / 212.226.8645 / Website
Located in the heart of Soho, Bistro Les Amis is the perfect Parisian getaway in the middle of downtown Manhattan. Home to some of the best French onion soup in New York City, Bistro Les Amis is just as good for a summer dinner as it is for a wine night. Decked with white-lined tables and seating in front of a beautiful mural, this spot is the perfect place for you and your furry companion to rest after a hard day of shopping.
d.b.a.
41 1st Ave. / 646.707.0599
Extensive offerings of beer, wine and spirits make this East Village staple the perfect neighborhood bar for a chill afternoon with friends. You’ll often see dogs inside, meaning those hoping to do some dog-watching need look no further.
Novitá
102 E 22nd St. / 212.677.2222 / Website
This smart and sophisticated Italian restaurant is accompanied by an alfresco dining café. Located on a quiet, tree-lined street in the calm neighborhood of Gramercy Park, this spot is perfect for dogs who don’t like the hustle and bustle of the city. While the outdoor seating is limited to 14 tables, there are still plenty of people, and of course, puppy-watching to do.
Fred’s
476 Amsterdam Ave. / 212.579.3076 / Website
Named after a beloved black labrador retriever, Fred’s interior is filled with customers’ and employees’ dog pictures. Much like Fred, the Upper West Side American menu doesn’t challenge or surprise, serving quality food that will make you want to “Come! Sit! Stay!”
Black Lab Cafe
420 Amsterdam Ave. / 646.343.4089 / Website
Black Lab Cafe understands finding a great cup of coffee is no dog walk. Striving to elevate coffee in every facet possible, the cafe sources coffee beans worldwide before roasting them locally in Brooklyn. Whether you’re the proud owner of a black lab or a golden, you’re in for a real treat.
Shake Shack
Madison Square Park, 23rd St and Madison Ave. / 212.529.2671 / Website
It’s a walk in the park at the Madison Square Park Shake Shack, which offers dog treats and water bowls for the real stars of the park. Sit outside and take in the scene from an outdoor table. Your dog will enjoy chasing squirrels even though we all know they really want your delicious burger and fries.
So next time you're in the mood to go out for dinner, no need to leave your furry friend behind. These NYC restaurants are not only dog-friendly but also delicious, making them well worth a try.
