Everyone knows Chicago’s home to world-class eats, but did you know some of the city’s restaurants allow your dog to dine too?
Fetching food with your floof is a great bonding experience and provides excellent enrichment with new sights, sounds, and smells.
We’ll share the best dog-friendly restaurants in Chicago and run through ways to make your four-footed outing a howlin’ success below.
15 Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Chicago
The best dog-friendly restaurants in Chicago are as diverse as the Windy City itself, including everything from casual sit-down spots to upscale digs. Let’s see which matches you and your mutt.
1. Parson’s Chicken and Fish
About: Fried chicken and fish are this Rover-friendly restaurant’s specialty, but you can also score burgers, salads, and milkshakes. All fried items are cooked in soybean oil, and you can wash everything down with a cocktail, beer, or wine if you need a refresher.
Address: 2952 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Phone Number: (773) 384-3333
Website: https://www.parsonschickenandfish.com/
Special Notes:
- Open 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM Sunday to Thursday and 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM Friday and Saturday
- Look for doggo events on the calendar, including pup cup giveaway nights
- There are 4 Chicago-area restaurants in total – pups are welcome on all the patios!
2. The Patio at Café Brauer
About: This outdoor eating oasis welcomes woofs to take in the scenery and lingering aromas of delicious dishes like falafel burgers, fish tacos, and seasonal ravioli. You can also unwind with a craft beer, cocktail, or fresh-squeezed juice.
Address: 2021 North Stockton, Chicago, IL 60614
Phone Number: (312) 507-9053
Website: http://www.lpzoopatio.org/
Special Notes:
- Open Monday to Friday from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Keep an eye on their calendar for canine events like the Dog Days of Summer party
3. Dog Haus
About: Hot dogs, sausages, burgers, and more are on the menu of this mutt-friendly restaurant and biergarten. Craft beer’s also on tap if you’re after a cold one with your canine companion.
Address: 2464 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Phone Number: (773) 935-3647
Website: https://doghaus.com/location/lincoln-park-biergarten/
Special Notes:
- Open daily 8:00 AM to 2:00 AM
- Happy Hour is Monday to Friday from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
4. The Spoke & Bird Cafe
About: This farm-to-table restaurant’s South Loop patio is pooch-friendly with well-spaced tables and a menu made with locally sourced ingredients. Dishes rotate seasonally, with the mushroom melt, jerk chicken salad sandwich, and summer harvest salad being some of the most mouth-watering meal options.
Address: 205 E 18th Street, Chicago, IL 60616
Phone Number: (929) 263-2473
Website: https://www.spokeandbird.com/
Special Notes:
- Open Monday to Friday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Live music can be too much for some dogs
5. Farm Bar
About: This four-footer-friendly restaurant focuses on sustainably sourced local ingredients, featuring dishes like braised lamb, pork chops, and salad. Pop in on Tuesdays and this eatery will donate 20% of your bill toward a roster of charities, including canine groups.
Address: 1300 W Wellington Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Phone Number: (773) 281-2599
Website: https://www.farm-bar.com/
Special Notes:
- Open Sunday from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Monday to Wednesday from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Thursday from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Friday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Works in conjunction with the Brown Dog Farm to source fresh ingredients – named after Chesapeake Bay retrievers
6. Barrio
About: Check out the Bark-io menu for doggos at this Mexican meal stop, offering dog-friendly entrees like grilled chicken and even dessert. As for humans, you can feast on time-tested favorites like tacos, enchiladas, and more.
Address: 65 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654
Phone Number: (312) 940-9900
Website: https://www.barriochicago.com/
Special Notes:
- Open Monday to Thursday from 4:30 PM to 11:30 PM, Friday from 4:30 PM to 2:00 AM, Saturday from 10:30 AM to 2:00 AM, and Sunday from 10:30 AM to 11:30 PM
- Happy Hour is Monday to Thursday from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
7. 312 Chicago
About: Modern Italian eats are coming out of this pooch-positive business that allows dogs in the outdoor dining area. The menu’s a mix of classic and unique dishes, including bolognese, halibut, and pan-seared salmon.
Address: 136 N. LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60602
Phone Number: (312) 325-7100
Website: http://www.312chicago.com/
Special Notes:
- Open Tuesday to Saturday
- Breakfast service is 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM (7:30 AM start on Saturday)
- Lunch is served 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM
- Dinner is available 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM
- Closed Sunday and Monday
8. Recess
About: Canines are beloved guests at this casual stop, known for dishing out over-the-top sandwiches, amazing appetizers, and big, ol’ burgers. You can also sip on a cold one, with drink options including cocktails, wine, and a wide assortment of beers.
Address: 838 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60642
Phone Number: (312) 801-1181
Website: https://www.chicagoinrecess.com/
Special Notes:
- Open Monday to Wednesday from 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM, Thursday and Friday from 4:00 PM to 2:00 AM, Saturday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 AM, and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Happy Hour is Monday to Thursday from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- All (two-footed) guests must be 21 and older
9. The Moonlighter
About: Mutts are more than welcome at this restaurant’s pooch-friendly patio housing a mix of tables, chairs, and picnic tables for guests. Savor sky-high burgers, crisp salads, nachos, and more at this paw-inclusive pub.
Address: 3204 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Phone Number: (773) 360-8896
Website: https://www.themoonlighterchicago.com/
Special Notes:
- Open Monday to Thursday from 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM, Friday from 3:00 PM to 1:00 AM, Saturday from 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM, and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Reservations recommended around peak hours
10. Wishbone
About: This pooch-friendly cafe’s known for bangin’ breakfast and brunch dishes like the cajun omelet, black bean cakes, and shrimp and grits, but you can also score delicious desserts – including doggy ice cream for your canine! Cocktails, beer, and wine are also available for pet parents.
Address: 161 N Jefferson St, Chicago, IL 60661
Phone Number: (312) 850-2663
Website: http://www.wishbonechicago.com/
Special Notes:
- Open Tuesday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Wednesday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM
- Closed Mondays
- Happy Hour is Wednesday to Friday from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
11. Big Star
About: This dog-friendly Mexican restaurant has three Chicago locations: Wrigleyville, Wicker Park, and Mariscos. The outdoor dining areas have plenty of seating for you and your sniffer, while the menu’s rich in terrific tacos, including pork, fish, and beef options.
Address: 1531 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Phone Number: (773) 235-4039
Website: http://bigstarchicago.com/
Special Notes:
- Open Monday to Thursday from 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM, Friday and Saturday from 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM, and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- You can also order at the window for grab-n-go eats during mutt walks
12. Robert’s Pizza & Dough Company
About: Pups and pizza, anyone? This waterside pizzeria serves up stunning city and river views alongside pizza, sandwiches, and pasta in their dog-friendly outdoor eating area.
Address: 465 N McClurg Ct, Chicago, IL 60611
Phone Number: (312) 265-1328
Website: https://www.robertspizzacompany.com/
Special Notes:
- Open Monday to Thursday from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Friday from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Saturday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Happy Hour is Sunday to Thursday from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
13. River Shannon
About: This Irish eatery full-on encourages you to bring your barker. Canines are always welcome to this community gem, whether celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with your dog or sinking your teeth into their all-day pizza menu of ooey-gooey goodness.
Address: 425 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Phone Number: (312) 944-5087
Website: https://therivershannon.com/
Special Notes:
- Open 12:00 PM to 2:00 AM Monday to Friday, 11:00 AM to 3:00 AM Saturday, and 11:00 AM to 2:00 AM Sunday
- Happy Hour is Monday to Friday from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
14. Mott Street
About: Venture to this mutt-friendly establishment and sink your teeth into flavor-packed finds like Chinese barbecue pork belly, crab rice, and stuffed cabbage. Decadent dessert, ice-cold beer, and wine are also ready to tempt your tastebuds.
Address: 1401 N Ashland Ave Chicago, IL 60622
Phone Number: (773) 687-9977
Website: https://www.mottstreetchicago.com
Special Notes:
- Open Tuesday to Thursday from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Friday and Saturday from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and Sunday from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Closed Monday
- Second location in Logan Square
15. The Smoke Daddy
About: This barbecue spot has a dog-friendly patio and serves brunch and dinner dishes, including smoked meats, stuffed sandwiches, and mouth-watering sweets. Drink offerings are another high point, with a stacked menu of cocktails, cold beer, and wine to peruse with your pup at your side.
Address: 1804 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
Phone Number: (773) 772-6656
Website: http://www.thesmokedaddy.com/
Special Notes:
- Open 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM Monday to Thursday, 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM Friday, 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM Saturday, and 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM Sunday
- The second location in Wrigleyville does not welcome woofers
Tips and Tricks for a Great Four-Footed Restaurant Trip
Visiting a restaurant with your best fur friend can be a real treat, but it can also be a handful if you’re not careful. A bit of preparation goes a long way in making the most of your new four-footed adventure.
To have the best restaurant trip with your doggo:
- Make sure your mutt’s shots are up-to-date: Most jurisdictions require resident Rovers to be current on rabies vaccinations, but others like distemper, Bordetella, and parvo are beneficial in keeping your canine illness-free when visiting public spaces. Contact your vet if you’re unsure which shots your sniffer should have before venturing to a restaurant, as the answer varies from dog to dog.
- Check your pooch’s pest prevention plan: The last leftovers anyone wants from a meal out are fleas and ticks. Flea and tick preventatives are key in keeping your canine free of these biting pests. Don’t forget about heartworm prevention too.
- Ensure your pup’s personality is a good fit for a public outing: Restaurants are loud and unpredictable, potentially exposing you and your dog to a range of pups and personalities, which doesn’t mesh well with every mutt. If your canine is people or dog-selective, opt for a solo activity instead of a restaurant trip, like preparing a special bowl of homemade dog food or settling in with a snuffle mat.
- Check the weather forecast: Dog-friendly seating is usually on an outdoor patio area that may or may not be covered, potentially exposing you to a stray shower. If you’re not careful, Chicago’s steamy summers and frigid winters will also make for some miserable four-footed outings. Avoid Mother Nature’s misery by checking the weather before embarking on a mutt meal adventure.
- Leash your dog: Always wrangle your Rover in public to keep him and others safe. Ensure his harness or collar is well-fitted and bearing up-to-date ID tags, just in case you have a runaway floof.
- Bring poop bags and walk your woof to potty: Always walk your dog to do his business before you enter the restaurant, as no one wants a mid-meal mess. Packing extra poop bags is always a good idea, too, just so you’re prepared.
- Don’t share human food with your four-footer: Human foods (especially restaurant dishes) are rich in fat and salt that can make your dog ill. People’s food may also contain toxic ingredients to dogs, like raisins or onions. Opt for dog-friendly dishes from the mutt menu, or skip takeout for your terrier entirely.
- Pack treats for your pup: You wouldn’t want to watch others eat at a restaurant without a snack of your own, right? Your doggo’s no different! Bring a savory snack from home, like dog jerky treats, to satisfy his hunger if there aren’t any mutt-friendly menu options.
- Respect the space of other people: Fellow diners have a right to eat without a four-footed guest watching every move. Keep your pooch tableside, and don’t let him bark at or beg from other patrons.
- Follow the posted rules: Rules are necessary to keep everything safe in a dog-friendly space, and no one’s above them. Respect the staff, establishment, and other visitors by falling in line and keeping the good vibes flowing.
Which of our picks for the best dog-friendly restaurants in Chicago caught your eye? Have you visited any of them before? Is there another pooch-positive place in Chi-Town we missed?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments. We’d love to hear about your favorite dog-friendly eatery in the city!
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