Tampa’s great weather makes it a wonderful place to be a pet owner with heaps of fun, new ways to bond with your barker. One of our favorites is visiting a restaurant, as dining out with a doggo provides excellent enrichment and mixes up your mutt’s everyday routine.
We’ll introduce you to the best dog-friendly restaurants in Tampa and discuss how to make your first mutt-inclusive meal successful below.
15 Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Tampa
With Tampa being one of the best cities for dogs and dog owners, the list of the best dog-friendly restaurants includes a variety of vibes and cuisines, giving you plenty of options. Let’s dig into our top picks and see which suits you and your dog.
1. Besito
About: Located in WestShore, this upscale Mexican eatery has plenty of pup-friendly patio tables for you and your doggo. The food menu is stacked with ceviches, street tacos, and more, while the drink offerings offer next-level cocktails and margaritas to sip on with your four-footed friend at your side.
Address: 205 WestShore Plaza, Tampa, FL 33609
Phone Number: (813) 287-4800
Website: https://www.besitotampa.com/
Special Notes:
- Open Sunday to Wednesday from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM and Thursday to Saturday from 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Happy Hour is Monday to Friday from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM
2. Luv Child
About: Cuban and Latino food are the focus of this sunny establishment that welcomes woofs on its patio dining area. Bright colors and upbeat music await, along with palate-pleasing dishes like the aji verde sandwich, burrito suave, and street tacos.
Address: 516 S Howard Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606
Phone Number: (813) 213-0100
Website: https://www.luvchildsoho.com/
Special Notes:
- Open Sunday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Tuesday and Wednesday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Thursday from 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM, and Friday and Saturday from 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM
- Closed Mondays
- Happy Hour is everyday from 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM, except Tuesday
3. Ulele
About: This Riverwalk eatery specializes in Native American fusion cuisine featuring ingredients local to the Florida area, like okra fries, native chili, and alligator hush puppies. Mutts are welcome in the outdoor dining area, where casual dress is permitted.
Address: 1810 North Highland Avenue, Tampa, FL 33602
Phone Number: (813) 999-4952
Website: https://ulele.com/
Special Notes:
- Open 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM from Sunday to Thursday and 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM Friday and Saturday
- Make online reservations to snag a spot in advance during high-traffic times
4. Salt Shack
About: Pet-friendly outdoor seating is available in droves at this waterside restaurant, which is proud to serve fresh seafood dishes with a Caribbean focus. Coconut fried shrimp, fish tacos, and coastal crab cakes are just some awesome eats you can score here!
Address: 5415 W Tyson, Tampa, FL 33611
Phone Number: (813) 444-4569
Website: https://salt-shack.com/
Special Notes:
- Open Tuesday to Thursday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Friday and Saturday from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Closed on Mondays
5. Stones Throw
About: Water views and fresh seafood set this dog-friendly restaurant apart from ordinary eateries, known for its catch-of-the-day tacos and cocktails featuring fresh-squeezed juices. The menu’s straightforward with tasty options, including lobster rolls, smash burgers, and crisp wedge salads; plus, you can grab a “cocktail that cares,” where a portion of every sale goes towards K9s For Warriors.
Address: 304 W 7th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33602
Phone Number: (813) 328-3910
Website: https://www.stonesthrowtampa.com/location/stones-throw/
Special Notes:
- Open Monday to Thursday from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, Friday and Saturday from 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM, and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- If pup-friendly outdoor seapacked is full with too long of a wait, put in a to-go order and picnic with your pooch on the Armature Works lawn
6. MacDinton’s Irish Pub
About: Pups are permitted at this Irish bar and eatery, specializing in traditional dishes like shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash, and fish and chips while also offering fast-casual favorites like wings, nachos, and flatbreads. Keep an eye out for specials to save doggy dollars for more mutt-friendly activities around the city.
Address: 405 S Howard Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606
Phone Number: (813) 251-8999
Website: https://macdintons.com/
Special Notes:
- Open Monday to Friday from 4:00 PM to 3:00 AM and Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 AM
- Watch the calendar of events for live music, which can be too loud for sniffers
7. Datz
About: Good eats and good times are plentiful at this pup-friendly place, priding itself as a gastropub with a menu of scrumptious brunch bites, burgers, and desserts. You can also score cocktails, including mimosas and margaritas, and booze-free mocktails for a tasty treat.
Address: 2616 S MacDill Avenue, Tampa, FL 33629
Phone Number: (813) 831-7000
Website: https://datztampa.com/
Special Notes:
- Open 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM Saturday, and 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Happy Hour is Monday to Friday from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Visit one of three Florida locations: Tampa, St. Pete, and Riverview
8. Cafe Dufrain
About: Dogs are celebrated guests at this restaurant, known for its water views, ample outdoor seating, and family-owned feel and charm. Its offerings include Wagyu burgers, pulled pork mac and cheese, and cornmeal-crusted scallops.
Address: 707 Harbour Post Drive, Tampa, FL 33602
Phone Number: (813) 275-9701
Website: https://cafedufrain.com/
Special Notes:
- Open Monday to Saturday from 4:00 PM to 10:00
- The outdoor seating area includes covered and uncovered tables
9. 717 South
About: Contemporary American cuisine makes up the menu of this mutt-friendly stop, serving dishes like the grouper sandwich, salmon lox, and shrimp and grits as you and your dog dine in their outdoor area. Wine lovers are in luck, too, as there are more than 300 bottles to choose from.
Address: 717 S Howard Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606
Phone Number: (813) 250-1661
Website: https://www.717south.com/
Special Notes:
- Open Monday to Thursday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Friday from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM, Saturday from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM, and Sunday from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Pup-friendly patio space is small, so make a reservation to ensure a seat
10. Independent Bar & Cafe
About: This community gathering place has a pooch-pawsitive patio where you can wine, dine, and mingle with fellow mutt fanciers or stick to yourself with your sniffer. The cafe menu’s a mix of global eats, including the pork banh mi, bratwurst, and hummus.
Address: 5016 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33603
Phone Number: (813) 341-4883
Website: https://www.independentbartampa.com/
Special Notes:
- Open Sunday to Thursday from 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM and Friday and Saturday from 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM
- Watch the restaurant’s events calendar for live music that may be too loud for canines
11. Catch Twenty-Three
About: Enjoy brunch, lunch, or dinner with your doggo at this eatery’s outdoor seating area, featuring uncovered tables and chairs spaced enough to give you and your pup breathing room. This coastal-themed restaurant has a menu rich in the seafood dishes you’d expect in Tampa, including crispy calamari, coconut shrimp, and grouper tacos.
Address: 10103 Montague Street, Tampa, FL 33626
Phone Number: (813) 920-0045
Website: http://www.catchtwentythree.com/westchase/
Special Notes:
- Open 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM Monday and Tuesday, 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM Wednesday and Thursday, 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM Friday, 10:30 AM to 10:30 PM Saturday, and 10:30 AM to 9:30 PM Sunday
- Book a table in advance during peak hours to ensure a spot
12. On Swann
About: This contemporary stop has pup-friendly outdoor seating where you can dive into local-inspired eats like tuna crudo, scallops, and herb-roasted shrimp. The drink menu’s loaded with options, including cocktails, wine, and beer, making it double as one of the best dog-friendly bars in Tampa.
Address: 1501 W Swann Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33606
Phone Number: (813) 251-0110
Website: http://onswann.com/
Special Notes:
- Open Sunday to Thursday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM and Friday and Saturday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Both covered and uncovered outdoor tables and chairs are available
13. Bella’s Italian Cafe
About: Authentic Italian food’s flying out of this cafe’s kitchen, including carpaccio, bruschetta, and pasta e fagioli. Pizza and seafood-based entrees like grouper piccata are also big hits at this eatery where doggos are permitted on the patio.
Address: 1413 S Howard Ave, Ste 100, Tampa, FL 33606
Phone Number: (813) 254-3355
Website: https://www.bellasitaliancafe.com/
Special Notes:
- Open Monday to Thursday from 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM, Friday from 11:30 AM to 1:00 AM, Saturday from 3:00 PM to 1:00 AM, and Sunday from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Check out the specials menu to save your doggy dollars for future furry adventures
14. Grillsmith
About: This American-style restaurant invites you to “surf” with seafood dishes like oak barrel salmon and Thai coconut curry shrimp or “turf” with meaty entrees including aged ribeye, wild mushroom meatloaf, and baby back ribs. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor dining area, and there’s even a doggy menu to explore with beef, chicken, and seafood options for floofs.
Address: 14303 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618
Phone Number: (813) 269-1500
Website: http://www.grillsmith.com/
Special Notes:
- Open Monday to Thursday from 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM, Friday from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Saturday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Weekend brunch is available Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
15. Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar
About: Farm-to-kitchen cuisine’s the specialty of this restaurant, dishing out scratch-made food using real fire for cooking – not microwaves. Pups are permitted on the patio, where you can savor snacks like candied bacon and deviled eggs and mighty main dishes, including pork ribs, ribeye, and shrimp and grits. You won’t want to miss the restaurant’s signature whiskey cake, either – as this decadent dessert is loaded with gooey goodness.
Address: 2223 N. West Shore Blvd. B207, Tampa, FL 33607
Phone Number: (813) 535-9955
Website: https://whiskeycake.com/locations/tampa-fl/
Special Notes:
- Open Monday to Thursday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Friday from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, Saturday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Social hour drink and bar bite specials Monday to Friday from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Tips and Tricks for Taking Your Pup to a Restaurant
Visiting a restaurant with your Rover is an awesome canine enrichment activity, but it requires some preparation to go off without a hitch. Luckily, the steps in the right direction aren’t too tricky to follow.
When venturing to a dog-friendly restaurant:
- Only visit with friendly, trained canines. A restaurant is unpredictable, with new faces, sights, sounds, and smells that may overwhelm anxious pups or be dangerous if your pooch is dog- or people-selective. Rather than risk your dog biting someone, opt for solo activities with these doggos, like a private picnic with frozen treats fit for Tampa.
- Ensure your dog’s shots are up-to-date. At the bare minimum, dogs are required to have current rabies vaccinations in most jurisdictions, but when venturing in public, it’s a good idea to have vaccine protection from other highly infectious diseases, like distemper and parvo. If you’re unsure which vaccines your dog needs, consult your vet. Need an affordable fix? Look into low-cost pet vaccinations.
- Protect your pooch with pest prevention. Public, outdoor spaces can be crawling with bugs ready to bite your barker, including fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. Use up-to-date measures, including heartworm, flea, and tick prevention, to keep your canine safe.
- Check the weather. Tampa’s high temperatures and humidity aren’t anything to mess around with, as overheating is a real risk for you and your pooch, particularly brachycephalic dog breeds, like pugs. Try not to venture to outdoor seating areas during the hottest part of the day, and look for those with shade at other times. Also, seeking covered patios is recommended, as Tampa’s known for pop-up showers.
- Mind your mutt’s manners. Don’t let your four-footer bark up a storm or jump around as you eat. He should sit or lie at the table quietly without making a fuss, which is why mastering basic commands like “sit” and “lie down” are so important ahead of a restaurant trip.
- Exercise your dog before visiting. A tired doggo makes a wonderful dining companion, while a wound-up woofer can be a handful. Check out one of the best dog parks in Tampa or one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Florida with your pooch before heading out to eat. A good, old-fashioned walk will work just fine, too.
- Give your pup a potty break. Always walk your barker for a bathroom break before heading into the restaurant to prevent a mid-meal accident. Be sure to pack extra dog poop bags, too!
- Respect fellow diners. Not everyone wants to dine with a doggo, so keep your canine close and give other guests space to enjoy a meal in pup-free peace. It’s also important to prevent your pooch from barking at others.
- Leash your dog. Keep your canine tethered for everyone’s safety. A runaway dog could easily bolt from an eatery and get lost or injure another guest. Most (if not all) dog-friendly restaurants require visiting dogs to be leashed, anyway. Short leashes tend to work best for tight quarters, like restaurants.
- Don’t offer table scraps. People food may contain toxic ingredients for dogs, like onions and chocolate. Human food (especially restaurant dishes) is also often high in fat and salt, potentially upsetting your pup’s stomach and leading to diarrhea. If there isn’t a designated doggy menu at an eatery, don’t offer your dog table food.
- Bring Fido-friendly eats from home. Watching someone else chow down while you smell every bite with nothing of your own to enjoy sounds terrible, right? Bring dog treats or chews like a bully stick rather than leaving your best hound homie hanging.
- Take lots of photos. Dining out with your doggo is an awesome opportunity to make memories. Capture your time through pictures. Check out our dog photography tips to master the fine art of floof photography.
Hopefully, one or more of the dog-friendly dining spots we’ve mentioned fits your needs, giving you and your pooch a chance to bond in a fun, new way. Just remember to have fun and make memories – rain or shine.
Have you and your pupperino visited any of our favorite dog-friendly restaurants in Tampa? Is there another fur-friendly place you frequent that we missed? Share your doggy dining experiences in the city with us in the comments. We’d love to hear!
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