As the fourth largest city in the country, Houston is home to more than 2.2 million residents—and with them come hundreds of thousands of four-legged family members.
To be a truly dog-friendly city, there needs to be more than high quality veterinarians and talented trainers. Fido should get to join in on the food scene, too.
Thankfully, Houston is a great place to be a pup with its plethora of dog-friendly establishments.
Whether you're a longtime resident of this booming metropolis or just a curious visitor, don't let your furry friends miss out on all the fun.
From classic burger joints to German beer gardens, here are 11 dog-friendly restaurants in Houston, Texas.
11 dog-friendly restaurants in Houston
1. Good Dog Hot Dog
903 Studewood St, Houston, TX 77008
Let's start with the obvious. Any restaurant with "good dog" in its name surely caters to our canine friends, and Good Dog Hot Dog is no exception.
The dog-friendly patio appeals to pet parents looking to nosh on a delicious hot dog in the company of their actual dog, and maybe enjoy an ice cold beer while they're at it.
Their menu boasts more than a dozen Texas-made hot dog options for humans and $3 sausages for pooches. Everyone wins at Good Dog Hot Dog.
2. Christian's Tailgate Bar & Grill
2000 Bagby St #105/106, Houston, TX 77002
The tailgate in the name of this popular joint has a dual meaning, if you know what we mean.
Love watching your favorite sports at a bar but don't want to leave your dog at home? Luckily for you and your tail-wagging friend, you can bring them with you to Christian's Tailgate to enjoy a hearty burger on the patio while you watch the game.
There are four locations of this dog-friendly sports bar, so take your pick.
3. Lucille's
5512 La Branch St, Houston, TX 77004
Lucille's epitomizes Southern charm with its cozy ambiance and menu of down home favorites like shrimp and grits and fried green tomatoes.
Pups love dining at Lucille's for its pet-friendly outdoor patio with occasional live music.
Once you've satisfied your taste buds, take Fido on a walk through McGovern Centennial Gardens just blocks away.
4. Karbach Brewing Co.
2032 Karbach St, Houston, TX 77092
You'll find packs of pups at this popular dog-friendly restaurant in Houston. The beer garden welcomes patrons and pooches looking for good drinks, delicious food, and fresh air. Play cornhole while your dog enjoys the sun or settle down at a picnic table and let your four-legged friend snuggle up to your table mates.
This German-style brewery offers classic bar foods like chicken wings, burgers, pretzels, and pizza—and of course, their year-round and seasonal beers are a must try.
5. Little Matt's
6203 Edloe St, Houston, TX 77005
It's clear that the owners at Little Matt's have a big heart for dogs. Pet parents and their pups are welcomed by a big bin of dog treats, and there's even a doggie bar outside.
The food menu for humans features everything from lighter fare like salads to Tex-Mex entrees like chicken enchiladas (their signature dish). Multiple visitors have reported that their dogs have scored a beef patty of their own while dining at this Houston establishment.
Add on the candy shop and game room, and Little Matt's is a win-win for both you and your dog.
6. Hopdoddy Burger Bar
4444 Westheimer Rd Suite H100, Houston, TX 77027
This multi-location burger joint features more than a dozen outdoor tables for you and your furry friend to enjoy. Pups will be treated with ice water while their parents browse the impressive menu—ahem, there are fourteen burgers and eight french fries to choose from.
Snag a snack for Fido from the treat jar on your way out.
7. Hobbit Cafe
2243 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77098
Channeling the hospitable nature of hobbits since 1972, this dog-friendly Houston restaurant earned the title of best patio in the city with its large wooden deck and giant oak tree.
The menu features a variety of starters, soups, salads, burgers, and sandwiches, while the overall vibe is chill, happy, and a little bit magical.
Tolkien fans will be especially enamored with this Lord of the Rings-inspired establishment, but if you're not already convinced, it has been visited by Lynyrd Skynyrd, Neil Young, and Woody Harrelson, among other celebs.
8. Barnaby's Cafe
1701 S Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77019
You'll often find the outdoor patio of this Houston staple full of four-legged friends. It's no wonder, because Barnaby's has a menu just for dogs. Pups can choose from ground beef and garlic, sliced chicken breast, or scrambled eggs, all served atop a bed of brown rice. Oh, they also have $1 doggy ice cream for pooches with a sweet tooth.
Pet parents have a few more options on their menu, with everything from homemade mac and cheese to ribeye steak and fries.
With nine locations throughout the Houston area, Barnaby's Cafe is a must.
9. Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
20030 Northwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77065
Another dog-friendly Houston restaurant with a menu just for pups is Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar. Pooches dining on the patio can choose between a grilled hamburger patty bowl or a chicken breast bowl, both served with brown rice and veggies.
Humans can choose from a giant menu of starters, small plates, soups, salads, sandwiches, and more. Cozy up to the gas fire pit on chilly nights so you and your pup can stay warm.
10. Axelrad Beer Garden
1517 Alabama St, Houston, TX 77004
Though this is considered more of a bar than a restaurant, Axelrad is a favorite among Houston pet parents. Dogs are welcome both inside and outside, and those enjoying a craft beer or glass of wine can order from Luigi's pizza next door or one of the food trucks onsite.
Live music, comfy hammocks, and string lights at night give this crowd favorite a relaxing and cool ambiance.
11. MOD Pizza
5777 San Felipe St, Houston, TX 77057
A list of dog-friendly restaurants in Houston would not be complete without a pizza joint. And this build-your-own pie spot is the perfect way to round out the list.
Specializing in artisanal individual pizzas, MOD Pizza lets hungry patrons build their own with more than 30 toppings to choose from.
The San Felipe street location features seven outdoor tables for pets and their human caretakers—just make sure you're able to secure your dog while you order inside.