Looking to grab a good old-fashioned Philly cheesesteak or enjoy some new food finds in Philadelphia? Why not include your canine in your eating adventure?
Visiting a dog-friendly restaurant with your Rover provides valuable enrichment and flexes his obedience chops – two things that can be tricky in a city like Philly.
Below, we’ll share the best dog-friendly restaurants in Philadelphia and ways to make your doggy dining experience a hit.
22 Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Philadelphia
We’ve gathered the best dog-friendly restaurants in Philadelphia, from the Delaware River to Center City and beyond!.
Check out these excellent paw-friendly eateries.
1. White Dog Cafe
About: Located in University City, this quaint canine-themed cafe permits your pooch to join you on its patio for a meal. Prepared with local, sustainable ingredients, the menu items vary seasonally, with striped bass, tuna tartare, and housemade potato chips just some of the tasty offerings.
Address: 3420 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone Number: (215) 386-9224
Website: http://www.whitedog.com/
Special Notes:
- Hours are 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM from Monday to Thursday, 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM Friday, 9:00 AM to 9:30 PM Saturday, and 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM Sunday
- Happy Hour is on weekdays from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Outdoor seating isn’t covered, so this isn’t a good pick for hot or rainy days
Dining at a dog-friendly restaurant is a blast, but it can be a pain in the tail if your terrier gets infested by fleas, as communal canine places sometimes house hidden populations of these icky pests. Discuss the best flea prevention with your vet, whether a topical, flea collar, or natural flea treatment.
Ticks are another formidable foe, as these little bloodsuckers can carry illness, especially Lymes disease, in the Philadelphia region. Ticks live on grass and trees, even in urban areas like cities. Luckily, several flea preventatives also offer tick protection but check with your vet to ensure yours has your canine covered.
Don’t forget about heartworms, either! With dog-friendly restaurants having mainly outdoor eating areas, mosquitoes may crash your meal, leaving your lovebug at risk. All dogs (including those who don’t frequent restaurants) should be on a year-round heartworm preventative.
2. El Camino Real
About: Covered picnic tables welcome diners and doggos at this Northern Liberties taqueria, dishing out everything from fish tacos to smokehouse sandwiches. Tex-Mex brunch is also on the menu, including smoked brisket hash and shrimp and grits.
Address: 1040 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Phone Number: (215) 925-1110
Website: elcaminophilly.com
Special Notes:
- Open 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM Saturday and Sunday
- Happy Hour is Monday to Friday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Taco Tuesday festivities take place between 5:00 PM and close
3. P’unk Burger
About: Interested in grabbing an all-natural bite with your best fur friend? Venture to this South Philly restaurant’s sidewalk seating area and munch on meals made with humanely-raised, hormone- and antibiotic-free cows, wild-caught seafood, and fair-trade soda. They also cater to vegan and gluten-free diets!
Address: 1823 E. Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA, 19148
Phone Number: (215) 468-7865
Website: http://punkburger.com/
Special Notes:
- Hours are 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM Monday to Thursday, 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM Friday and Saturday, and 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Sunday
- Outdoor seating is limited and unshaded, so try to visit during off-peak hours and cooler days
- Cash only, though there’s an ATM on the premises for convenience
4. Red Owl Tavern
About: Your floof’s welcome at the sidewalk seating area of this historic district restaurant, beloved for its tasty menu of eats like potato pierogies, fried chicken, and slammin’ sandwiches. You won’t want to miss Wednesdays when your dog can score puppy plates during Yappy Hour between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM.
Address: 433 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone Number: (215) 923-2267
Website: http://www.redowltavern.com/
Special Notes:
- Breakfast hours are 7:30 AM to 10:45 AM on weekdays, 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM on weekends
- Weekend brunch is served from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Saturday and 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Sunday
- Lunch is available Monday to Friday from 11:30 AM to 4:30 PM
- Dinner service is 4:30 PM to 10:00 PM on weekdays, 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM Saturdays, and closed on Sunday
5. Neighborhood Ramen
About: The pup-friendly patio of this ramen restaurant is the place to be for a steaming bowl of great grub and pawesome memories. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, too, along with refreshing beverages like iced hibiscus green tea and yuzu lemonade.
Address: 617 S. 3rd St. Philadelphia, Pa. 19147
Phone Number: (215) 201-3501
Website: https://www.neighborhoodramen.com/menu
Special Notes:
- Open 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM Thursday to Sunday
- Closed Tuesday and Wednesday
- Patio hours vary, so be sure to call in advance to ensure the area’s open
6. The Good Karma Cafe
About: Umbrellas offer shade to you and your sniffer as you bond on this canine-friendly coffee shop’s patio area. Specializing in organic and free-trade-certified coffee, this cafe also offers delicious food like grilled sandwiches, bagels, and protein cups, letting you fuel up for a day of fun in Philly.
Address: 331 S 22nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone Number: (215) 546-1479
Website: http://www.thegoodkarmacafe.com/
Special Notes:
- 22nd St location hours are 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM daily
- Four locations total in Philly
7. Martha
About: The covered garden patio of this eatery allows your four-footer to stop in with you for a bite to eat from its delicious menu of hoagies, salads, and snacks. With a broad mix of drink offerings, Martha doubles as one of the best dog-friendly bars in Philadelphia.
Address: 2113 E York St, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Phone Number: (215) 867-8881
Website: https://martha.menu/
Special Notes:
- Open 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Sunday, 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM Monday, 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM Wednesday and Thursday, 12:00 PM to “late night” on Friday and Saturday
- Closed Tuesdays
- Live music and events later in the night can be too much for some sniffers
- Happy Hour is on weekdays from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Every check has a 20% gratuity added
8. Honey’s Sit ‘n Eat
About: Nosh on something Southern and delicious at this Northern Liberties restaurant, allowing woofs at the umbrella-shaded outdoor tables during warmer weather. Dig into comfort classics like fritters, hand pies, and Nashville hot chicken, or go south of the border with huevos rancheros and enfrijoladas.
Address: 800 N 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Phone Number: (215) 925-1150
Website: https://honeyssitneat.com/
Special Notes:
- Open 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM Monday to Wednesday, 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM Thursday and Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM Saturday and Sunday
- As with many of the best dog-friendly restaurants in Philly, outdoor seating is limited, so you may need to wait for a spot to clear for you and your canine
9. Parc Restaurant
About: Feast on French favorites and more at this dog-friendly bistro, serving pet parents at outdoor tables lining the bustling sidewalk of Rittenhouse Square. The menu bursts with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and desserts, including escargot, tuna carpaccio, and croque madame.
Address: 227 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone Number: (215) 545-2262
Website: https://parc-restaurant.com/
Special Notes:
- Open 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM Monday to Thursday, 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM Friday, 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM Saturday, and 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM Sunday
- Occasional live music can be too loud for some pups
10. Pizzeria Vetri
About: Sink your teeth into authentic Neapolitan pizza prepped in a wood-fire oven at this pup-welcoming pizzeria, or try another dish like a prosciutto and burrata board. Be sure you check out their ever-changing menu, with summer offerings like heirloom pizza and summer sangria waiting with the season’s bounty.
Address: 1939 Callowhill St, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Phone Number: (215) 600-2629
Website: http://www.pizzeriavetri.com/
Special Notes:
- Open 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM Sunday to Thursday and 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM Friday and Saturday
- Two Philly locations in the Art Museum and Rittenhouse areas
- Walk-in only; they don’t take reservations
11. Le Virtù
About: Authentic Italian’s on the menu at this restaurant, featuring fur-friendly seating in a covered patio area during warmer weather. The menu’s rich in deliciousness, from pasta swimming in seafood to tender braised lamb.
Address: 1927 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Phone Number: (215) 271-5626
Website: http://www.levirtu.com/
Special Notes:
- Open 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM from Monday to Thursday, 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM Friday and Saturday, and 4:00 PM to 9:00 AM Sunday
- The extensive drink list includes cocktails, mocktails, wine, and more
12. Rouge 98
About: A dog-friendly outdoor patio and sidewalk seating await at this Rittenhouse Square location serving classic offerings like burgers, sandwiches, and steaks. Just seeking a cold sip of something special with your sniffer? Check out the long list of adult beverages, including beer, wine, and cocktails.
Address: 205 S 18th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone Number: (215) 732-6622
Website: http://www.rouge98.com/
Special Notes:
- The kitchen is open from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM Monday, 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM Tuesday to Friday, 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM Saturday, and 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM Sunday
- Brunch is served on weekends from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
13. Square 1682
About: Chow down with your doggo at one of this cafe’s umbrella-shielded tables. Offering locally sourced produce, its menu includes the wagyu burger, grilled ahi tuna, and a variety of vegetarian and gluten-free dishes.
Address: 121 South 17th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone Number: (215) 563-5008
Website: http://www.square1682.com/
Special Notes:
- Breakfast hours are Monday to Friday from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM
- Brunch is Saturday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM and Sunday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Lunch is 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM Monday to Thursday and 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM Friday
- Mid-day menu available Friday and Sunday from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
- Dinner is served from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM Tuesday to Thursday, 5:00 PM to 11:00 Friday and Saturday, and unavailable Sunday and Monday
14. Fork
About: This swanky spot serves eats in an outdoor, dog-friendly setting. Some tables are covered, and potted plants add extra privacy while you enjoy drool-worthy finds like risotto, steak, and panna cotta.
Address: 306 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone Number: (215) 625-9425
Website: https://forkrestaurant.com/
Special Notes:
- Dinner service is 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM Tuesday to Thursday and 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM Friday and Saturday
- Lunch is served Tuesday to Friday from 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM
- Brunch is available on weekends from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Happy Hour is Tuesday to Friday from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
15. New Wave Cafe
About: Cruise to Queen Village with your canine to this gastropub, permitting pups to dine at its outdoor tables. Meal options include bold burgers, gooey cheesesteaks, and fresh salads.
Address: 784 S 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone Number: (215) 922-8484
Website: https://www.newwavecafe.com/
Special Notes:
- The kitchen is open from 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM daily (may vary)
- Lunch specials are available from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM to save your doggy dollars for more city-slickin’ fun with Fido
16. FARE
About: Your woof’s welcome at this restaurant’s covered patio or sidewalk seating area, offering space between tables and ample lighting for twilight meals. The menu includes fresh flatbreads, crisp salads, and unctuous avocado crab cakes.
Address: 2028 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Phone Number: (215) 763-5500
Website: https://farerestaurant.com/
Special Notes:
- Hours are 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Tuesday to Saturday
- Closed Sunday and Monday
- Happy Hour is Wednesday to Friday from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM
17. Spasso Italian Grill
About: Enjoy a shaded outdoor meal with your mutt at this Old City eatery preparing Italian classics like arancini and saltimbocca. Leave room to roam the decadent dessert menu featuring tiramisu, cannoli, and spumoni.
Address: 34 S Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone Number: (215) 592-7661
Website: http://www.spassoitaliangrill.com/
Special Notes:
- Open 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM Tuesday to Thursday, 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM Friday, 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM Saturday, 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM Sunday
- Closed Mondays
18. Bridget Foy’s
About: Do you smell a doggy menu? You sure do at this restaurant, allowing pupperinos at its assortment of outdoor tables. While you’re feasting on eats like steak frites, sandwiches, and seafood, your four-footer can enjoy a pup patty, steamed chicken, seared salmon, or scrambled eggs.
Address: 200 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone Number: (215) 922-1813
Website: https://bridgetfoys.com/
Special Notes:
- Open 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM Wednesday to Sunday
- Brunch served Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Closed Monday and Tuesday
19. Race Street Cafe
About: Rovers can join you in this restaurant’s sidewalk seating area while you dine on a menu of awesome eats, including gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. Dishes vary seasonally, with summer offerings including salads, sandwiches, and southern-style meatloaf.
Address: 208 Race St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone Number: (215) 627-6181
Website: https://www.racestreetcafe.net/
Special Notes:
- Open 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM Monday to Thursday, 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM Friday, 10:30 AM to 11:00 PM Saturday, and 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM Sunday
- Serves a great mix of bottled, canned, and draft beers
20. Cafe Ole
About: Hang out at one of this cafe’s umbrella-covered tables with your hound and savor classic cuisine like sandwiches and salads or opt for something exotic like shakshuka. Fresh muffins are on the menu, too, along with bagels, croissants, and crepes.
Address: 147 N 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone Number: (215) 627-2140
Website: https://www.facebook.com/PhillyCafeOle
Special Notes:
- Open 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily
- Seating is sidewalk-side, so be sure your pup’s on a shorter lead
21. Bourbon + Branch
About: This bar and restaurant permits your pup to “dine in” at its outdoor collection of picnic table seating. Many of its menu options can be made vegan, with offerings including strawberry-stuffed French toast, bourbon burrito, and of course, cheesesteaks.
Address: 705 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Phone Number: (215) 238-0660
Website: https://www.bourbonandbranchphilly.com/
Special Notes:
- Open 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM Sunday to Thursday and 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM Friday and Saturday
- Brunch is served daily from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
22. The Gold Standard Cafe
About: Local produce and meats are on the menu at this West Philly hound-friendly haunt, where you and your doggo can dine on breakfast bowls, wraps, and burgers at one of its outdoor tables. Homemade desserts are available, too.
Address: 4800 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19143
Phone Number: (215) 727-8247
Website: https://thegoldstandardcafe.com/
Special Notes:
- Open from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM Wednesday to Monday
- Brunch is available on weekends from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM
- Closed on Tuesdays
Tips For Dining with Your Doggo in a Restaurant
Making the most of your dog-friendly dining trip starts long before you reach the restaurant. Let’s dig into ways you can rock your next dog-friendly restaurant adventure.
For a successful restaurant with your Rover, remember to:
- Exercise your pup before your visit: It’s easier to dine with a tired doggo than a hyper hound, making pre-meal movement a must. Ideally, pick an activity that’ll flex your Fido’s brain and body, such as visiting one of the best dog parks in Philadelphia or nearby New Jersey.
- Walk your pooch to potty: Never risk a restaurant piddle or poo from your pup. Give your pupper a chance to do his business far from the eatery, and pack extra poop bags!
- Ensure your sniffer’s vaccinations are up-to-date: Public places may be crawling with germs, and always risk a run-in with an unvaccinated, sick dog. Ensure your dog is current on core vaccinations and ask about any others your vet recommends before a restaurant trip.
- Have a pest prevention plan: Public spaces can harbor a hidden surprise in the form of fleas and ticks. Rather than risk bringing any of these sour surprises home, ensure your pup has a solid flea treatment and tick preventative.
- Double-check your dog’s identification: Your dog’s collar or harness should have a tag with your current contact information. Ensure this data is up-to-date, including any loaded to his microchip. These are essential in reuniting you with your woof if he makes a break for it.
- Check the weather: Most dog-friendly establishments feature outdoor seating. Covered patios protect you from rain but may still be too cold during a Philly winter or hot in the summer.
- Don’t share human food with your floof: While there are dog-safe bonus ingredients you can feed at home, skip restaurant food, as it’s high in fat and salt, potentially souring your pup’s stomach. Meals may also contain toxic ingredients for dogs. Luckily, some dog-friendly restaurants have mutt menus to browse with dog-safe dishes, so savor that cheesesteak yourself!
- Pack treats: Since “people food” is off-limits and not every restaurant has a dog menu, bringing snacks for your sniffer’s a wonderful way to bond with every bite. Not only are treats helpful in including your dog in the dining festivities, but they are also perfect for getting his attention if need be.
- Only visit with a dog and people-friendly pup: Public places like restaurants aren’t suited for dog-selective or reactive pups, as they’re packed with people and potentially other pups. Restaurants are also unpredictable, and you can’t control who or what may come running over to your table. If your dog is nervous or skittish about people or other pets, stick to private picnics in your backyard with a dog food topper or homemade dog food recipe.
- Keep your canine leashed: A runaway Rover would be a disaster in a restaurant. Tether your best fur buddy, and remember that a quality leash is one of the best ways to keep your dog from getting lost.
- Respect the restaurant’s rules: Most dog-friendly restaurants simply ask you to eat in the designated area with your dog, leash your pup, and visit with friendly, well-mannered doggos only. Follow the rules to keep the good vibes flowing for everyone.
- Don’t let your dog beg or bother others: Not everyone wants to dine with a drooling doggo staring them down. Keep your canine close and never allow him to wander over to other tables.
- Work on obedience: Restaurant visits require a lot of discipline in a dog and the ability to sit or lie down for an extended period. Dogs who lunge, jump, or bark excessively shouldn’t be permitted to partake in the fun until they’re better adjusted, especially in a city like Philly, known for sidewalk seating versus private patios.
Have you visited any of these woof-welcoming eateries? Is there another place in the city worthy of a spot on our list of the best dog-friendly restaurants in Philadelphia?
Let us know your doggy dining experiences in the city of barkin’ love. We’d love to hear!
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