San Diego’s a hotspot for awesome eateries, serving everything from fresh fish tacos to ooey-gooey pizza. Why not visit a dog-welcoming one with your four-footer?
Grabbing a meal with your mutt offers the chance to relax, bond, and take in new sights, sounds, and smells. Talk about some great enrichment!
Below, we’ll share the best dog-friendly restaurants in San Diego and some tips for making your doggy dining experience a hit.
The 15 Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants in San Diego
We’ve retrieved the best dog-friendly restaurants in San Diego, including casual cafes and swanky seaside spots. Let’s see if any sound great for your floof’s next outing.
1. Sally’s Fish House & Bar
About: Waggers are welcome outdoors at this marina-side restaurant, serving seafood with a side of salt air. Craft cocktails and local wine are also on the menu, but remember to sip responsibly when dining with your doggo.
Address: 1 Market Pl, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone Number: (619) 358-6740
Website: https://www.instagram.com/sallysfishhouse/?hl=en
Special notes:
- Check out the dog menu for pup-friendly eats
- Open 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily
San Diego is one of the best cities for dogs with its amazing weather, ample outdoor space, and dog-welcoming spaces. Its bars are no different, with many allowing you to pop in for a drink with your doggo at your side.
Check out our list of the best bog-friendly bars in San Diego.
2. Casa de Freds Tacos y Tequila
About: Doggos are welcome in the outdoor seating areas of this fun taqueria, known for its Mexican-American fusion menu. From carne asada fries to chicken mole, this place’s menu is loaded with tasty food, and you won’t want to miss their mighty selection of margaritas.
Address: 2470 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110
Phone Number: (619) 858-8226
Website: http://www.fredsmexicancafeoldtown.com/
Special notes:
- Open 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM Tuesday, 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM Friday, 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM Saturday, and 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM Sunday
- Doggie menu has pup-friendly options like grilled chicken, a burger patty, and scrambled eggs, letting your doggo dine too
3. Bay Park Fish Company
About: Fresh seafood is waiting at this establishment’s fur-friendly patio, including Cajun seafood boil, cioppino, and shrimp. The drink menu also offers plenty of cold options, with wine, beer, and even sake!
Address: 4121 Ashton Street, San Diego, CA, 92110
Phone Number:(619) 276-3474
Website: http://www.bayparkfishco.com/
Special notes:
- Open 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday, 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM Tuesday to Sunday
- Happy Hour is 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM daily
4. Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens
About: While beloved for its beer, this San Diego spot also has a great mix of food menu options, including pretzels with dip and sandwiches. Best of all, its large outdoor eating area is pet-friendly for leashed, well-manned woofs.
Address: 2816 Historic Decatur Road, San Diego, CA 92106
Phone Number: (619) 269-2200
Website: http://www.stonebrewing.com/visit/bistros/liberty-station
Special notes:
- Open Sunday to Thursday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM Friday and Saturday
- Live music is occasionally on site, which can be too noisy for doggos’ delicate ears
5. Isa.Bella
About: Specializing in pizza, pasta, and craft beer, this place is a carb lover’s dream with outdoor dog-friendly tables. They also offer pup-friendly meatballs, letting your dog dig in too!
Address: 4705A Clairemont Drive, San Diego, CA 92117
Phone Number: (858) 270-1798
Website: https://www.isabellapizzeria.com/
Special notes:
- Open 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM Monday to Thursday, 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM Friday, 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Saturday, and 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Friday
- The patio area is roomy with umbrella-shaded tables
6. Fig Tree Café
About: Good vibes are abundant at this San Diego breakfast and lunch spot, boasting a dog-friendly patio and a menu that screams California with locally-sourced ingredients. While the area has four locations to choose from, you’ll want to head to the Pacific Beach location one to check out its dog menu, offering rice, turkey bacon, and more.
Address: 5119 Cass Street, Pacific Beach, CA 92109
Phone Number: (858) 274-2233
Website: https://figtreeeatery.com/
Special notes:
- Open 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM daily
- Dogs are given a complimentary bowl of water
7. Bunz Burger Joint
About: You and your polite pup can dine on the patio of this burger-tastic eatery. But while this restaurant is best known for its burgers, it also offers salads, sandwiches, and a barkin’ good breakfast if you’re more of an early bird. You can cool down with a delicious milkshake or ice cream, too.
Address: 475 Hotel Circle South, San Diego, CA 92108
Phone Number: (619) 298-6515
Website: https://www.bunzsd.com/
Special notes:
- Open for breakfast only Mondays from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM Tuesday to Thursday, 7:00 AM to 9:30 PM Friday and Saturday, and 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM Sunday (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu times vary daily)
- Happy Hour is daily from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM if you want to sip a cold one with your canine at your side
8. Honey’s Bistro & Bakery
About: While technically north of San Diego, this bark-friendly bistro deserves a drive with its pup-welcoming outdoor dining and a broad menu of breakfast and lunch favorites like omelets, acai bowls, and mouth-watering melts. You won’t want to miss the smoothies, including an innovative ice cream smoothie for an indulgent treat.
Address: 632 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
Phone Number: (760) 942-5433
Website: https://www.honeysbistroencinitas.com/
Special notes:
- Open daily from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Its located off a busy road, so it can be a little noisy for some doggos
9. Bull’s Smokin’ BBQ
About: Savory smells are plentiful at this barbecue joint, allowing doggos to bask in meaty aroma on its paw-friendly patio. All meats are cooked Carolina style, with a menu offering ribs, brisket, salmon, and more.
Address: 1127 Morena Blvd, San Diego, CA 92110
Phone Number: (619) 276-2855
Website: https://www.bullssmokin-bbq.com/
Special notes:
- Open daily from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Happy Hour is Monday to Friday from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
10. The Prado at Balboa Park
About: The patio of this San Diego eatery welcomes wagging tails at its collection of umbrella-shielded tables. Its broad menu dishes out the good stuff, like seafood paella and short ribs.
Address: 1549 El Prado, Suite 12, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone Number: (619) 557-9441
Website: https://www.pradobalboa.com/
Special notes:
- Open Tuesday to Saturday from 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM, Sundays from 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM; Closed Mondays
- There are 3 nearby dog parks for exercise before or after your mutt-tastic meal
11. Daybreak Island Grill
About: This Hawaiian-themed food stop allows doggos to dine with you outdoors. The menu’s rich in island favorites, including Hawaiian breakfast bowls, tropical oatmeal, and loco moco fries.
Address: 2296 Bacon St, San Diego, CA, 92107
Phone Number: (619) 222-0406
Website: http://www.daybreakislandgrill.com/
Special notes:
- Open weekdays from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM and weekends from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, closed Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Christmas
- You can browse their dog menu for mutt-friendly meals
12. Cafe 222
About: Stop in for breakfast with your pooch on the patio of this cafe, dishing out breakfast and lunch options like stuffed French toast, scrambles, and huevos rancheros. The outdoor space is quaint, but each table’s private, so you and your canine won’t feel too cramped.
Address: 222 Island Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone Number: (619) 236-9902
Website: http://www.cafe222.com/
Special notes:
- Open 7:00 AM to 1:45 PM daily (except Christmas)
- Has appeared on Food Network, which is a win with many foodie Fido owners
12. Backyard Kitchen & Tap
About: Located 20 minutes north of the city, the outdoor area of this restaurant permits pups to join in the fun, even offering a dog menu. Brunch, lunch, and dinner service are available, with menu options like fish tacos, seasonal cocktails, and calamari.
Address: 832 Garnet Ave. Pacific Beach, CA 92109
Phone Number: 858-263-7850
Website: https://backyardpb.com/
Special notes:
- Open 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM Tuesday, 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM Wednesday, 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM Thursday, 12:00 PM to 2:00 AM Friday, 10:00 AM to 2:00 AM Saturday, and 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM Sunday; Kitchen hours are from opening to 9:00 PM; closed Mondays
- It can get rowdy after dark, so you may want to dip out early
13. Edgewater Bar & Grill
About: Pups are permitted at the patio of this waterside restaurant, featuring umbrella-capped tables and views of the bay. Local wines, beers, and distilled spirits are available, while the menu’s a mix of fresh seafood, salads, and scrumptious steak.
Address: 861 W. Harbor Dr., San Diego, CA 92101
Phone Number: (619) 232-7581
Website: http://www.edgewatergrill.com/
Special notes:
- Open 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday to Thursday, 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM Friday and Saturday, and 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM Sunday
- Happy Hour is Monday to Wednesday from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
14. Parkhouse Eatery
About: Your pooch’s welcome to join you within this restaurant’s outdoor eating area that’s well-shaded and cozy with an assortment of tables. Brunch is a favorite here, with options like scrambles, pancakes, and sandwiches, but you can also score dynamite dinners, like grilled pizza, burgers, and risotto.
Address: 4574 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92116
Phone Number: (619) 295-7275
Website: https://www.parkhousesd.com/
Special notes:
- Open 9:00 AM to 2:00 on Monday and Wednesday, Closed Tuesday, 9:00 AM to 2:00 and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM Thursday and Friday, 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM Saturday, and 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM Sunday
- Lighting is lacking in the outdoor area, so it may not be the best stop for a nighttime meal with your mutt
15. Raglan Public House
About: With a menu rich in scrumptious brunch, cool cocktails, and New Zealand staples like juicy burgers, this eatery’s a unique place to take in with your doggy dining buddy. Sniffer-friendly spots are limited to a small strip of outdoor seating, so you may need to wait for a table.
Address: 1851 Bacon Street, San Diego, CA 92107
Phone Number: (619) 794-2304
Website: http://www.raglanpublichouse.com/
Special notes:
- Open 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM Saturday and Sunday
- Pups are offered complimentary dog water bowls and treats
- Choose from dog-friendly menu options for your dining doggo
Tips & Tricks for a Good Restaurant Trip with Your Rover
Making the most of your doggo dining trip starts with going into the experience well-prepared. Pups are sometimes unpredictable, but with the proper precautions, you’re more likely to have a great, fuss-free time.
Make your restaurant stop a success by practicing the following:
- Exercise your dog before your visit: Grabbing a meal with your mutt is easier when your pup is tuckered out, as a wired-up woof won’t be content to relax at a table while you chow down. A walk will do just fine, preferably with dog walking games to flex your barker’s brain.
- Potty your pup beforehand: The last thing other diners want to deal with is your best fur friend’s bathroom break. Walk your dog to do his business before settling in to prevent a mid-meal tinkle or something stinkier.
- Leash your four-footer: A runaway Rover can spell disaster in a restaurant. Keep your canine leashed at all times to prevent him and others from accidental injury. Ideally, this should be a short leash that’s 6 feet or less.
- Ensure your dog’s core vaccinations and pest preventions are up-to-date: Public spaces can harbor hidden contagions, fleas, and ticks. Don’t risk bringing home any surprises. Contact your vet if unsure which vaccines your dog should have before venturing in public. He or she can also recommend a great flea or tick preventative if you need one.
- Keep your canine’s contact information current: No one wants to think of a lost pup, but you should always prepare for the worst-case scenario. Ensure your dog’s ID tags and microchip information have accurate contact information.
- Don’t feed your dog human food: People food is higher in fat and salt than canine eats. It can also contain toxic ingredients to dogs, like onions and garlic. Stick to dog-specific menus or bring treats from home.
- Only visit with people and dog-friendly doggos: Don’t risk the safety of others and your pup by going in public with a snappy-happy hound. If your dog bites someone, it can be a real headache to remedy the situation. Have a private picnic instead of stressing your sniffer out in a restaurant.
Are you familiar with our picks for the best dog-friendly restaurants in San Diego? Is there one we missed that you enjoy? Let us know about your doggy dining experience in San Diego in the comments. We’d love to hear about your favorite hound hangouts!
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