Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Denver: 21 Pup-Welcoming Places to Eat

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WRITTEN BY:

Kelsey Leicht

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Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Denver

Want to dine with your doggo in Denver? It’s certainly possible – you just have to find a pet-friendly restaurant. Fortunately, with the dog-friendly restaurant trend catching on, your options aren’t limited, either. You can choose from bustling bistros to quaint cafes without having to leave your canine at home.

Below, we’ll share the best dog-friendly restaurants in Denver and a few tips to make your mutt-tastic meal in the Mile High City a success.

On a liquid diet? Denver has plenty of dog-friendly bars you can visit too!

21 Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Denver

Small dog in restaurant

We’ve retrieved the best dog-friendly restaurants in Denver, including barker-welcoming brunch spots and pupper-positive pasta hangouts. Let’s get after them and find your next doggy destination.

1. Stoney’s Uptown Joint

About: The paw-friendly patio of this sports bar and restaurant is a great place to take in a game with your fur fan while grazing on casual cuisine like nachos, burgers, and wings. Outdoor seating is plentiful, but it can get busy, so if your pup’s more low key, visit early or skip peak times, like game days.

Address: 1035 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80218 

Phone Number: (720) 485-5503

Website / Social: https://www.stoneysuptown.com/ 

Special Notes:

  • Open 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM Monday, 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM Tuesday to Thursday, 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM Friday, 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM Saturday, and 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM Sunday
  • The restaurant is devoted to green practices and uses recyclable materials, relies on energy-efficient lighting, and composts kitchen scraps

2. Just BE Kitchen

About: This gluten-, grain-, and refined-sugar-free stop is an excellent choice for pet parents with food allergies and intolerances, as their kitchen specializes in accommodating such requests. Best of all, you can dine with your leashed doggo on their rear patio.

Address: 2364 15th St, Denver, CO 80202

Phone Number: (303) 284-6652

Website: https://justbekitchen.com/

Special Notes:

  • Open daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
  • All food is labeled for potential allergens
  • Every menu item is made by hand in-house
Why won’t your server pet your pup?

The hardest part of working at these dog-friendly restaurants is that servers aren’t permitted to pet pups.

It’s sad, we know, but the health department has strict rules about dishing out food to humans, and one of those is that they can’t give Rover a rubdown between tables.

3. Shell and Sauce 

Shell and Sauce 
Image from Facebook

About: Your mutt’s allowed to join you for a meal on this Italian bistro’s patio, though you’ll want to book ahead or arrive early since this small space fills up fast. As you likely can tell by the name, they specialize in pasta, and to your doggo’s delight, they’re only a short walk from Cheesman Park for a post-meal stroll.

Address: 2600 E. 12th Ave, Denver, Co 80206

Phone Number: (303) 377-2091

Website: https://www.shellsandsauce.net/

Special Notes:

  • Open 3:30 PM to 8:30 PM Tuesday to Thursday, 3:30 PM to 9:00 PM Friday and Saturday, and closed Sunday and Monday
  • Metal patio seating with aa bit of space between tables

4. Highland Cork & Coffee

Highland Cork & Coffee

About: Relax outdoors with your pupperino at this European cafe offering breakfast and lunch service. Dine on one of their famous paninis or try something else from their menu, including vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free picks. You could also just grab a drink, as they offer coffee, cocktails, wine, and more.

Address: 3701 W 32nd Ave, Denver, CO 80211

Phone Number: (303) 477-3382

Website: https://highlandscorkandcoffee.com/

Special Notes:

  • Open 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM Saturday and Sunday
  • Quiches are named after pets who’ve visited
  • Treats and water bowls provided for doggy diners
  • Live music at times, so it may get too loud for doggos

5. Postino WineCafe LoHi

About: Pop over to the patio of this pup-welcoming place, serving up tasty appetizers, lunch staples, desserts, and a rockin’ bruschetta. Umbrellas offer shade to the tables, letting you comfortably enjoy your meal with your best bud.

Address: 2715 17th St, Denver, CO 80211

Phone Number: (303) 433-6363

Website: https://www.postinowinecafe.com/locations/colorado/lohi/

Special Notes:

  • Open 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM Monday to Thursday, 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM Friday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 Saturday, and 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM Sunday
  • The kitchen shuts down one hour before closing
  • Brunch service Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

6. Forest Room 5

About: Rovers are allowed on the patio of this woodland-themed eatery in the Highlands neighborhood. Stone firepits, stump seating, and killer views await outdoors, but so does dirt, so watch your woofer if he’s a fan of digging!

Address: 2532 15th St, Denver, CO 80211

Phone Number: (303) 433-7001

Website: https://forest-room-5.com/

Special Notes:

  • Open daily from 4:00 PM to 2:00 AM
  • The menu features a great mix of meat and vegetarian options
  • The restaurant has an extensive drink list with an on-staff mixologist

7. Wash Park Grille

About: Visit the outdoor dining area of this neighborhood favorite with your pooch, known for slinging out killer seafood, pasta, and signature cocktails like the Empress Moon. The seating area is flanked by plants during warmer weather, giving you and your pup some privacy from the sidewalk as you bond and enjoy a bite.

Address: 1096 S Gaylord St, Denver, CO 80209

Phone Number: (303) 777-0707

Website: https://www.washparkgrille.com/

Special Notes:

  • Open Monday to Wednesday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM Friday and Saturday, and 11:00 AM to 8:30 PM on Sunday
  • Happy Hour Monday to Friday from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
  • Live music every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night, which may be too loud for doggos

8. Denver Biscuit Company

About: Bring your barker to grab one of this restaurant’s famous biscuit dishes, from sky-high burgers to delicious desserts. Sit outside and people-watch with your pup, but be warned: This place gets super busy! 

Address: 3237 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206

Phone Number: (303) 377-7900

Website: https://www.denbisco.com/

Special Notes:

  • Open 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM Saturday and Sunday
  • Four Denver-area locations: Centennial, Colfax, S. Broadway, and Tennyson

9. Kaos Pizzeria

About: Dig into handmade, brick-oven pizza featuring locally-sourced ingredients at this Denver must-visit with its mutt-friendly patio space. Garden furniture and graveled ground greet you in the area, but it’s uncovered, so this isn’t recommended for rainy weather.  

Address: 1439 South Pearl Street, Denver, CO 80210

Phone Number: (303) 733-5267

Website / Social: https://kaospizzeria.com/ 

Special Notes:

  • Hours are 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM Sunday to Thursday, 11:30 PM to 10:00 PM Friday and Saturday
  • Daily Happy Hour from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
  • Uses 100% recyclable materials, pleasing eco-conscious pet parents

10. GB Fish & Chips

About: Leash your dining doggo and head over to this lakeside eatery to feast on traditional English eats, like pasties, sausage rolls, and of course, fresh fish and chips. Once you’re done, you can mosey over to walk around the trails of Sloan’s Lake. 

Address: 2175 Sheridan Boulevard, Edgewater, CO 80214

Phone Number: (303) 232-2128

Website: https://www.gbfishandchips.com/

Special Notes:

  • Open Monday to Thursday from 11:00 AM to 9:00, 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday
  • Outdoor seating includes picnic tables, umbrella-adorned tables, and an overhang
  • Choose from four Denver-area locations: Ralston Road, S. Broadway, Sheridan Boulevard, and E. Colfax

11. Hopdoddy Burger Bar

Hopdoddy Burger Bar
Image from Facebook

About: The dog-friendly patio of this burger joint welcomes your woof to soak in the busy atmosphere while you sink your teeth into one of their show-stopper burgers or sandwiches. Paved and covered, the Union Station location’s seating area’s great for dining with your four-footed friend.

Address: 1747 Wynkoop Street, Denver, CO 80202

Phone Number: (303) 446-2337

Website: https://www.hopdoddy.com/

Special Notes:

  • Open 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM Sunday to Thursday, 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM Friday and Saturday
  • Two Denver locations: Union Station and 9th & Co 
  • Outdoor picnic tables with umbrellas 

12. Pub Dog Colorado

About: OK – we know this isn’t technically in Denver, but this one-stop shop for fun and food with your Fido is worth the journey south thanks to its 9000-square-foot dog park, which features both heated indoor and fenced outdoor sections. They even have a dog menu at their restaurant, offering puppuccinos, bark bowls, and more, plus they don’t impose breed restrictions.

Address: 2207 Bott Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80904

Phone Number: (719) 375-0771

Website: https://pubdogcolorado.com/

Special Notes:

  • Open 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM Monday to Thursday, 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
  • Visitors must make a purchase and pay the small membership fee to use the facilities
  • There are no servers; you’ll have to order your food at the counter
  • You don’t need proof of your dog’s vaccination status, but strongly advised to have them handy
  • They host a meetup for a different breed every Friday at 5:30 PM
  • Dogs must be leashed indoors and on the patio
  • Children under 16 are not allowed in the off-leash area

13. Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar

About: Venture 9 miles east of Denver to visit this dog-friendly restaurant’s patio area, known for its TV dinner-style eats like Salisbury steak and chicken pot pie. You can also order from the pup menu, featuring complimentary water and affordably priced protein bowls.

Address: 24110 E. State Ave, Aurora, CO 80016

Phone Number: (719) 372-5724

Website: https://www.lazydogrestaurants.com/press/list/lazy-dog-restaurant-and-bar-opens-in-colorado-springs?source=link

Special Notes:

  • Open 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM Monday to Thursday, 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM Friday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM Saturday, and 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM Sunday
  • Happy Hour is 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM Monday to Friday, 9:00 PM to close on weekends
  • Dogs aren’t allowed on tables, chairs, or your lap 
  • Pups must be leashed at all times

14. Illegal Burger

About: Burgers, sandwiches, and salads await at this woof-welcoming food stop’s patio, promising never frozen antibiotic- and hormone-free beef. However, patio service isn’t provided, so you’ll need to order your food indoors.

Address: 1512 Larimer St R12, Denver, CO 80202

Phone Number: (303) 634-1300

Website: https://www.illegalburger.com/

Special Notes:

  • Open 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM Sunday to Thursday, 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM Friday and Saturday
  • Outdoor tables are well-spaced, giving you and your woof more room to dine in peace

15. Sunny’s Breakfast

About: Enjoy breakfast with your best fur buddy at this eggcellent eatery in the Sunnyside neighborhood, dishing out burritos, sandwiches, and plated specials. Eating with your pup is allowed at the outdoor tables, but seating’s limited, and they’re only open weather permitting, so plan ahead and arrive early!

Address: ‎2339 W 44th Ave, ‎Denver, CO 80211

Phone Number: ‎(303) 477-0005

Website: https://sunnysbreakfast.com/

Special Notes:

  • Open 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM Friday to Monday, Closed Tuesday to Thursday
  • The restaurant focuses on eco-friendly practices like composting and recycling

16. Blue Moon Brewing Company

About: Dig into bar food staples and great drinks on the patio of this pup-friendly establishment, including vegan and vegetarian options for meatless mutt parents. Shading is sparse, so skip visits during high sun hours to keep you and your canine cooler.

Address: 3750 Chestnut Place, Denver, CO 80216

Phone Number: (303) 728-2337

Website: https://www.bluemoonrino.com/

Special Notes:

  • Open Sunday and Monday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM Tuesday to Thursday, 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM Friday and Saturday 
  • Happy Hour is Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM

17. SubCulture

About: Sandwiches are a staple at this dog-friendly Denver spot, allowing pups to dine with pet parents on the patio. Tucked in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, it specializes in East Coast-style subs and hoagies featuring cold cuts and freshly chopped vegetables.

Address: 1300 Pennsylvania St Ste 102, Denver, CO 80203

Phone Number: (303) 420-3232

Website: https://thisissubculture.com/

Special Notes:

  • Open Monday to Thursday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM Friday to Sunday
  • Picnic table seating available outdoors
  • Patio space is tight, so make sure your doggo is calm and cool with other canines

18. Buzz Cafe Denver

Buzz Cafe Denver
Image from Facebook

About: Stop in for breakfast with your furriest friend at this quaint cafe’s patio that welcomes well-behaved, leashed doggos. Enjoy coffee and sandwiches at this quirky converted gas station, but remember to call ahead if you plan on ordering more than three items.

Address: 1229 E 6th Ave, Denver, CO 80218

Phone Number: (303) 831-1077

Website / Social: https://buzzcafedenver.com/about 

Special Notes:

  • Hours are 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM from Monday to Saturday, 6:30 AM to 4:00 PM Sunday
  • Closed on New Year’s Day, Christmas, and Thanksgiving
  • Paved floor and metal seating

19. Cozy Cottage

Cozy Cottage
Image from cozyupdenver.com

About: Cozy Cottage is a breakfast and lunch spot with a designated doggy zone on its patio, letting you chow down with your hound before scampering off for more activities around the city. However, the dog-friendly section is small, so you may need to wait for seating.

Address: 4363 Tennyson St, Denver, CO 80212 

Phone Number: (720) 855-9800

Website / Social: https://cozyupdenver.com/ 

Special Notes:

  • Open from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM Saturday and Sunday
  • Street parking only, so visiting during peak hours can be tricky
  • The outdoor area has umbrella-capped seating, fountains, and plants for a garden vibe

20. Ugly Dog Sports Cafe

About: Pawed pals can join diners at this restaurant’s outdoor seating area; just be sure your woof’s well-mannered and leashed. The menu’s classic casual cuisine, including burgers, cheesesteaks, and nachos.

Address: 1345 Cortez St, Denver, CO 80221 

Phone Number: (303) 428-3600

Website / Social: https://www.uglydogsportscafe.com/ 

Special Notes:

  • Kitchen hours are 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM Sunday to Tuesday, 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM Wednesday to Saturday
  • Game days and fight nights can get noisy (we’d skip these with a barkin’ buddy!)
  • The outdoor seating area is primarily picnic tables

21. Little Man Ice Cream

About: Grabbing a doggy dessert is possible on the patio of this ice cream parlor, serving homemade ice cream to people and “pup cups” of whipped cream for your floof. There are many umbrella-capped outdoor tables and chairs, but summer brings crowds, so plan accordingly!

Address: 2620 16th St, Denver, CO 80211

Phone Number: (303) 455-3811

Website / Social: https://www.littlemanicecreamcan.com/ 

Special Notes:

  • Open daily from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
  • Located on a busy street corner; it may be too chaotic for some pups

Looking for more four-footed fun? Check out these dog-friendly activities in Denver!

Tips for Taking Your Dog to a Restaurant

Fluffy dog under table at restaurant

Visiting a restaurant with your dog can be a lot of fun, but it can also be stressful if you aren’t prepared to wrangle a dog in public. Luckily, there are ways to ensure your trip will get off on the right paw.

To make your dog-friendly restaurant visit a success:

  • Keep your dog leashed and close. A restaurant isn’t the place for a wayward woof. Your dog must be leashed and at your side, not roaming around. You may want to invest in a dog tie down to make things easier.
  • Don’t feed your floof food that’s not pup-friendly. Human food can be fatty, salty, and full of ingredients that are toxic to dogs. Rather than risk a sour stomach, stick to menu options made specifically for dogs or bring treats from home.
  • Visit during comfortable weather. Denver requires doggos to dine outside, and unfortunately, there will be days when it’s less than pleasant outdoors. Skip eating out on hot days (even if you have a good breed for hot weather) or during cold snaps and rain that make everyone miserable.
  • Research the restaurant’s rules in advance. Every eating establishment has its own rules. Familiarize yourself with them before visiting to ensure you’re not surprised by anything like breed restrictions.
  • Exercise your dog before your visit. Let your doggo burn off steam at one of Denver’s many dog parks or through a long walk prior to popping into a restaurant. This prevents your pup from pacing with unspent energy under your table, allowing him to wind down and relax as you enjoy your meal.
  • Plan a potty break before dining. No one wants to smell your dog’s stinky offering mid-meal. Walk your pup before your visit to ensure he does his business far from the food area.
  • Keep your dog’s vaccination records handy. Most dog-friendly restaurants don’t require proof of vaccination, but having this information readily available is helpful if your dog bites someone or gets into it with another woof. Since it’s a public space, it’s also recommended your dog be up-to-date on his vaccinations, like rabies, distemper, and Bordetella, to avoid illness.
  • Respect other diners. We know it’s hard to imagine, but not everyone wants to eat with a pooch begging or near their table. People also don’t want to hear a barking dog. Control your pup at all times and be sure his training’s up to par before visiting a restaurant together.
  • Skip the trip if your dog’s feeling sick. Public areas are no place for sick sniffers who need to be resting at home. A sick dog can infect other pups, or he could vomit or poop in the eating area, ruining everyone’s meal. 
  • Don’t visit with dog-selective or people-shy pups. Dog-friendly restaurants are often poppin’ with pooches and people. They’re not the place for a reactive dog who’s picky about people and pupper friends. Instead of stressing your doggo out, opt for solo activities, like hiking and picnicking together.

Have you dined at any of our best dog-friendly restaurants in Denver picks? Is there one we missed that you enjoy? Tell us about it. We’d love to check out your favorite Denver spot to eat with your doggerino!

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Written by

Kelsey Leicht

Kelsey is a lover of words and woofs. She worked hands-on with dogs for several years at a boarding kennel as a shift runner and office manager before venturing into the world of writing. She lives in New Jersey with her crew of crazy canines.

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