It’s a natural instinct to want to be with your bestie every moment of every day. That’s why they’re your bestie after all! And, for a lot of us, whether we admit it or not, that best friend is a dog. Hey, being attached at the hip is a lot easier when you’re constantly tethered together by a leash. No judgment here. That’s why we believe that when there’s a particularly beautiful day in the neighborhood and all you want is a mimosa (or five) and some avocado toast, you shouldn’t have to choose between brunch and your best friend. No dogs left behind!
That’s why we put together this handy-dandy guide to the best pet-friendly restaurants in NYC. There are few better places to own a dog than New York City, where many restaurants not only offer outdoor seating and complimentary water bowls, but some places even feature a full dog-friendly menu so your dog can be just as indecisive as you are. Now you and your pet can rest (and dine) easily knowing that there will be a spot at the table for you and your best friend. Check out these dog- (and adventurous cat-) friendly restaurant picks below.
1. Barking Dog
Upper East Side 1678 Third Ave New York, NY 10128
This uptown eatery lives up to its name in every sense of the word. The Barking Dog leans into its theme with adorable dog decor and features a robust and (comforting) menu of American cuisine. Its outdoor seating area has watering fountains specifically for dogs to socialize while you sip on your coffee or cocktail.
2. Parnell’s Pub
Sutton Place 350 E 53rd St. New York, NY 10022
This neighborhood landmark channels its Irish heritage with its dark wood floors and red brick walls. With an emphasis on Irish hospitality (and a menu of comfort pub food to match), Parnell’s Pub welcomes dogs to sit at their outdoor seating area while their owners enjoy a drink or a heaping serving of shepherd’s pie.
3. Bistro Les Amis
SoHo 180 Spring St. New York, NY 10012
This quaint French restaurant bills itself as a reprieve “from the SoHo scene.” And one look at the menu can tell you why — it’s a lot better priced. Serving traditional French cuisine with a very reasonable prix fixe menu, Bistro Les Amis welcomes its guests with open arms (and that includes dogs). The restaurant features outdoor seating where you and your dog can relax for a drink or meal.
4. Novitá
Gramercy 102 E 22nd St. New York, NY 10010
This “smart and sophisticated” restaurant serves a modern take on Italian cuisine with a menu that adapts to the seasons. It also has a wine list to die for. When the weather is right, patrons can choose to dine alfresco at its sidewalk cafe — and their dogs are included. The quiet neighborhood is ideal for dogs who don’t like as much hustle and bustle. Don’t worry though, there’s still plenty of people (and puppy) watching.
5. Deux Amis
Midtown 356 East 51st St. New York, NY 10022
This French café feels like the real deal with its red awning and Parisian looking outdoor seating. The restaurant gets its name from the French words for "two friends" (how perfect for you and your pup!) because of its intimate and cheerful setting. Set up camp with your dog in the outdoor seating area and you may just forget you’re in New York for a while. You'll always have Paris!
6. The Wilson
Chelsea 132 W 27TH St. New York, NY 10001
Located within INNSIDE by Meliá hotel, this bar and restaurant actually is named after the hotel’s bulldog mascot. And it’s always a good sign when a restaurant leans into the dog theme. With a global menu that’s seafood-focused (with plenty of vegetarian options), The Wilson is not only delicious for you, it’s also delicious for your pup. The restaurant offers a fancy menu just for dogs with rib-eye steak and pan-seared salmon options, to name a few. The dog menu is available on the side patio or the front terrace.
7. Boris & Horton
East Village 195 Avenue A New York, NY 10009
This East Village establishment was created so that New Yorkers could enjoy their coffee without leaving their dogs outside. Primarily a café, Boris & Horton also features a simple but yummy menu that’s all vegetarian — with plenty of gluten-free and vegan options. Here you can find a dog-friendly section indoors so you can enjoy some quality time with your two best friends: your dog and your espresso.
8. Shake Shack
Flatiron Madison Square Park Madison Avenue & E 23rd St. 10010
The first location of the now-yuuuge Shake Shack chain, this busy eatery is located in the heart of Madison Square Park. Of course, being located in a park has its perks… like being very dog-friendly! You can enjoy your burger, shake, and fries in the outdoor seating area next to your best friend. The best part? Shake Shack offers its own dog-friendly menu item: the Bag O’ Bones, which are five delicious biscuits made from Bocce’s Bakery.
9. THEP
Upper East Side 1439 2nd Ave New York, NY 10021
THEP gets its name from its Thai roots and promises to live up it: as something “excellent, supreme, and god-like.” Serving up traditional Thai food along with a few dishes they give their own spin, this restaurant is the answer to all your pad see eiw dreams (no, just me?). And with its dog-friendly outdoor seating, you don’t need to leave your dog at home the next time the craving hits.
10. Lucky Dog
Williamsburg 303 Bedford Ave Brooklyn, New York 11211
Some establishments claim to be dog-friendly, this dive bar really means it. A quick look at its Facebook page will show you a host of comments from delighted patrons excited about drinking next to dogs — their own and strangers’ too. With a small menu of bar food and a much larger one of beer and cocktails, this Williamsburg locale is the perfect place to celebrate happy hour with the dog that makes you happiest.