Seeking awesome eats in Boston with your barker? Why not venture to a dog-friendly restaurant to enjoy a muttastic meal?
Dining out with your dog is a great way to bond and introduce your pup to new sights, sounds, and smells for mental stimulation – an enrichment area critical to canines.
Below, we’ll share the best dog-friendly restaurants in Boston and tips for making your doggy dining experience a breeze.
15 Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Boston
Boston’s one of the best cities for dogs in the U.S., so countless paw-positive eateries await, each vying for your visit. We’ve selected the best dog-friendly restaurants in Boston to make choosing your destination easier.
1. Coppa
About: Pups are permitted on the patio of this city eatery known for Italian dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Dig into arancini, spaghetti carbonara, and more while washing dinner down with something from the broad drink menu of wine, beer, cider, and cocktails.
Address: 253 Shawmut Avenue, South End, MA 02118
Phone Number: (617) 391-0902
Website: http://www.coppaboston.com/
Special Notes:
- Open Monday to Friday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Saturday from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Outdoor tables are streetside with umbrellas for shade
Unwind after a long day with your floof by heading to a dog-friendly drinking hole. Popping into a bar with your barker is a top-notch canine enrichment activity, breaking up the monotony of day-to-day #muttlife.
Check out our list of the best dog-friendly bars in Boston for paw-positive places to explore!
2. State Street Provisions
About: The walk-friendly location of this eatery makes it the perfect place to grab a bite with your barker after a city stroll. Leashed companions are welcome at the outdoor tables while you browse the mouth-pleasing menu of fresh seafood, steak, and much more.
Address: 255 State Street, Boston, MA 02109
Phone Number: (617) 863-8363
Website: https://statestreetprovisions.com/
Special Notes:
- Open 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM Monday to Wednesday, 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM Thursday, 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM Friday, 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM Saturday and 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM Sunday
- Brunch is served on weekends only
- Look for dollar-saving specials, like cheap oysters and three-course-meal deals, to save your doggy dough for even more mutt-friendly outings
3. South End Buttery
About: Stringed lights, cozy tables, and cobblestones adorn this canine-friendly cafe’s outdoor seating area, giving it more character than your average eatery. The menu consists of classic breakfast finds like biscuits, quiche, and toast, as well as meals fit for midday and beyond, including the California BLT, turkey burger, and pear salad.
Address: 314 Shawmut Avenue, Boston, MA 02118
Phone Number: (617) 482-1015
Website: https://www.southendbuttery.com/
Special Notes:
- Cafe portion is open daily from 6:30 AM to 8:00 PM
- Restaurant is open every day from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
4. Yellow Door Taqueria
About: California-inspired eats are flying from the kitchen of this canine-friendly stop, known for tacos, including birria, carnitas, and chili duck, but don’t think that’s where the deliciousness ends! You can also score other awesome eats like scrumptious ceviche, tostadas, and elote.
Address: 354 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02118
Phone Number: (857) 239-9276
Website: https://www.yellowdoortaqueria.com/
Special Notes:
- Harrison Avenue location open Monday to Wednesday from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Thursday and Friday from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM, Saturday from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM (varies by location)
- There are 3 Boston locations: Dorchester, Tremont Street, and Harrison Avenue
5. James Hook & Company
About: Fresh lobster is the main draw of this family-owned eatery that also boasts a bold beer menu, wine list, and a pup-friendly patio. Grub options include clam chowder, lobster mac and cheese, and shrimp cocktail.
Address: 440 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, MA 02110
Phone Number: (617) 423-5501
Website: https://jameshooklobster.com/
Special Notes:
- Open Monday to Thursday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Friday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (change seasonally)
- Check their website for authentic family seafood recipes
6. Shy Bird
About: The pup-friendly patio seats of this cafe and bar offer a quaint space to indulge in breakfast, lunch, or dinner with your doggo with lights overhead and some greenery. The menu contains flavor-packed dishes like the rotisserie chicken, smash burger, and harissa breakfast bowl.
Address: 12 Old Colony Avenue, Boston, MA 02127
Phone Number: (617) 766-8309
Website: https://www.shybird.com
Special Notes:
- Open 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM Monday and Tuesday, 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM Wednesday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM Saturday, and 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM Sunday
- There are 2 Boston area locations: Kendall Square and South Boston
7. Oak Long Bar + Kitchen
About: This farm-to-table foodery uses fresh, local ingredients to craft dishes like blackened beef rib, eggplant piccata, and spring pea pappardelle. Best of all, they have a pup-friendly patio where well-behaved woofs can come along to take in the sights (and most importantly, the smells!)
Address: 138 St. James Avenue, Boston, MA 02116
Phone Number: (617) 585-7222
Website: https://www.oaklongbarkitchen.com/
Special Notes:
- Dog-friendly patio hours are 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM daily (weather permitting)
- Valet parking is available, but it’s pricey at $30(!) with validation
8. 75 on Liberty Wharf
About: This barker-friendly bar and grill is a waterside way to dine with a doggo on fresh seafood and turf eats, including herbed clam chowder, turkey and cranberry panini, and grilled pork tenderloin. Additional offerings include a wonderful wine list, specialty cocktails, and a pup menu for pawed patio visitors, featuring four-legged feasts like Alaskan cod skin jerky and chicken littles.
Address: 220 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA 02210
Phone Number: (617) 227-0754
Website: https://www.75onlibertywharf.com/
Special Notes:
- Open Monday to Friday from 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM, Saturday from 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM, and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Valet and public parking are available
9. Longboards
About: Your doggo can dine at this Salem eatery featuring a mutt menu of four-footer food served in a bowl or on a Frisbee your floof can take home. People pickins’ include fresh lobster dishes like lobster sliders, plus fan favorites like decadent flatbreads, burgers, and bruschetta.
Address: 72 Wharf Street, Salem, MA 01970
Phone Number: (978) 745-6659
Website: https://www.longboardsbar.com/
Special Notes:
- Open daily from 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM
- Outdoor seating includes tables with umbrellas for shade
10. Area Four – Technology Square
About: Pooch-friendly pizzeria? Sign us up! Cruise to this Cambridge spot for some cheesy, scratch-made goodness within their outdoor dining area. The mouth-water pizza options include pepperoni, prosciutto, and Hawaiian, while non-pizza picks like wings, meatballs, and gyros are also ready to be devoured.
Address: 500 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone Number: (617) 758-4444
Website: https://www.areafour.com/
Special Notes:
- Open daily 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Reduced fee parking after 5:00 PM at the Tech Square garage
11. Worden Hall
About: Modern American food’s on the menu of this mutt-friendly restaurant with sidewalk-side seating. Savor indulgent starters like street corn nachos and loaded French fries, stick to the crisp beet salad, or munch on a main entree like curry or roasted chicken.
Address: 22 West Broadway, South Boston, MA 02127
Phone Number: (617) 752-4206
Website: https://www.wordenhall.com/
Special Notes:
- Open Monday to Wednesday from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM, Thursday from 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM, Friday from 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM, Saturday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM, and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Huge drink list of 40 rotating beers on tap, over 100 whiskeys, and a collection of craft cocktails
12. Evergreen Eatery + Cafe
About: This Jamaica Plain restaurant’s umbrella-capped outdoor tables are the perfect place to enjoy a relaxed meal with your mutt. Coffees, teas, fresh-squeezed juices, and more are ready to fill your cup, while food options include all-day breakfast, salad, burgers, and sandwiches.
Address: 154 Green Street, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Phone Number: (617) 477-9573
Website: https://www.evergreeneateryjp.com/
Special Notes:
- Open 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM Tuesday to Saturday and 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM Sunday
- Closed Monday
13. Toasted Flats
About: This pet-friendly healthy food house specializes in lighter, fresh fare focusing on wellness, including produce-packed juices, salads, and smoothies. You can’t miss the crazy good coffee selection, either, with options like cold brew, iced lattes, and iced espresso for a pick-me-up before your next pup-tastic adventure in the city.
Address: 53 Chelsea Street, Boston, MA 02128
Phone Number: (857) 264-8531
Website: https://www.toastedflats.com/
Special Notes:
- Open weekdays from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Saturday from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and Sunday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Check out the variety of coffee beans available for purchase
Why not visit one of the best dog parks in Boston with your barker before your restaurant visit? A dog park trip offers fun, sun, and exercise, tiring out your terrier before you relax for a good meal. It’s also a great opportunity for your pooch to mingle with other mutts.
If the dog park isn’t a good fit for your floof, consider another one of the best dog-friendly activities in Boston with your best fur buddy, like walking Beacon Hill.
14. Lobstah on a Roll
About: Loaded lobster rolls are the hallmark of this pooch-friendly place, also dishing out fabulous fish and chips, fried clams, and fish tacos. Don’t let the name fool you, however, as you can also sink your teeth into non-seafood eats like burgers, meatballs, and chicken parmigiana.
Address: 254 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116
Phone Number: (617) 431-2284
Website: https://lobstahonaroll.com/
Special Notes:
- Open daily from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM
- Limited outdoor tables, so visit during off-peak hours or anticipate a wait
- There are 2 Boston locations: Newbury Street and Columbus Avenue
15. The Barking Crab
About: The covered deck of this sniffer-welcoming stop’s an excellent place to take in waterside vibes and fresh seafood, as the digs are open year-round and feature a wood-burning stove for warming up during chilly weather. Food offerings include the sea-dwelling delights you’d expect, like clams, scallops, and crabs, along with land-lovers grub, including fried chicken and steak tips.
Address: 88 Sleeper Street, Boston, MA 02210
Phone Number: (617) 426-2722
Website: http://barkingcrab.com/
Special Notes:
- Open Sunday to Wednesday from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM and Thursday to Saturday from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Space between tables can be tight during peak times
Tips for Taking Your Rover to a Restaurant
Never visited a restaurant with your pooch? Concerned about dotting every I and crossing every T before your trip? We’ve got you covered to make your first venture a success!
Before any restaurant trip with your dog:
- Consider whether a restaurant’s the right match for your mutt. Restaurants can be loud and stressful for dogs, especially if your pooch is anxious. They’re also not a good fit for reactive dogs. If your dog’s more of a lone wolf, consider a solo hike and picnic instead or a backyard brunch.
- Ensure your dog’s vaccinations are up-to-date. Rabies vaccinations are required in most jurisdictions, but parvo and distemper shots are also recommended for dogs frequenting public spaces. Check your dog’s vaccination status with your vet and ask which vaccinations they’d recommend, as some dogs need more protection than others.
- Evaluate your pup’s pest prevention. Nothing ruins an outing more than bringing home a nasty surprise in the form of fleas or ticks, including those that transmit Lyme disease. Flea treatments and tick preventatives are must-have mutt products to keep these bloodsuckers at bay, even in urban areas like Boston. Don’t forget about heartworm prevention, either, as mosquitoes are also an issue in the city.
- Practice dog training basics. Your dog should master core training commands like “sit” and “lie down” before a restaurant visit. Working on skills like loose leash walking manners makes your trip much easier, too.
- Check the weather. Boston’s temperate climate comes with hot summers and bitter winters with lots of snow, which makes keeping an eye on the skies critical. Your best bet is to opt for a pup-friendly place with covered outdoor seating and consider a dog sweater during cold snaps, particularly for thin or short-haired pups.
- Make sure your pup is identifiable. Ideally, your dog’s collar or harness should have ID tags with up-to-date contact information, just in case he slips away while you’re out and about. Microchips kept current with your information are also a great way to help with Rover reunification.
- Exercise your four-footer. Dining in means sitting still, which won’t be easy if your dog has energy galore. Prevent a wired-up woof by walking your dog before visiting the restaurant. You can also encourage indoor exercise in the winter if Boston snows make outdoor time tricky with your doggo.
- Leash your pooch. Restaurants aren’t the place for runaway Rovers. Avoid disaster (and comply with the likely rules) by securing your dog on a quality lead, such as a short dog leash for more control or a multifunction leash for more versatility.
- Potty your pup. No one wants to clean up a mutt mess mid-meal, so skip stinky surprises by walking your dog to do his business before dining. Does your pup struggle to potty on a lead? See our tips on getting your dog to pee on a leash.
- Skip human food for your floof. Avoid the risk of dog diarrhea by keeping human food away from your pup. People’s food (especially in restaurants) is generally much higher in fat and salt than doggo diets, plus it often contains toxic ingredients for dogs. Stick to the dog-friendly menu, or bring treats from home.
- Pack pooch-friendly supplies. Preparation makes a four-footed outing easier, so bring must-haves like dog poop bags and extras like training treats to grab your canine’s attention in a pinch. Long-lasting chews or bully sticks are great goodies to pack, as they hold your doggo’s attention while you enjoy your meal.
- Don’t allow mutt misbehavior. Barking, whining, and begging are no-nos in restaurants, as you don’t want to disturb other diners. Keep your canine corralled to your table, and don’t let him bug anyone. Good mutt manners go a long way in keeping restaurants dog friendly!
Have you visited any of our picks for the best dog-friendly restaurants in Boston? Is there another great city spot to grab grub at with your woof? Share your experiences with us in the comments! We’d love to get to know your favorite sniffer-friendly stops around Boston!
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