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17 Most Dog-Friendly Restaurant Chains in the United States

BySherry Arkfeld

Dining out with your dog has never been easier. Across the U.S., more restaurants are rolling out dog-friendly patios, special menus, and outdoor spaces where dogs are genuinely welcome.

Whether you’re after a steak dinner, a quick burger, or a casual coffee, this guide covers the best dog-friendly restaurant chains with the details you actually need.

Note that policies vary from one location to another. Always double-check that your dog will be welcome.

Full-Service Restaurants with Dog-Friendly Patios

1. Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar

  • Location: West Coast, Texas, Georgia, Virginia, Florida
  • What They Serve: American comfort food, craft cocktails

Lazy Dog is my favorite dog-friendly restaurant chain because it is built for people who want their dogs right beside them while they enjoy a meal.

Their outdoor patios are fully pet-welcoming, and they even offer a dedicated dog menu with options like grilled hamburger patties and chicken breast served over brown rice.

Inside, the atmosphere is cozy and family-friendly, but dogs must stay outside on the patio. With generous portions and lots of casual favorites, it’s a great spot to hang out without feeling rushed.

🦴Dog Tip: Dogs must stay leashed and on the patio. Bring a blanket or mat if the ground is hot.

2. Olive Garden

  • Location: Nationwide
  • What They Serve: Italian-American pastas, soups, and salads

Olive Garden is known for its endless breadsticks and classic Italian dishes. While not every location welcomes dogs, those with outdoor patios often allow them, especially in warmer states like Florida and California.

The atmosphere is casual and family-centered, making it a good choice for a relaxed, sit-down meal where you don’t have to leave your dog behind.

🦴Dog Tip: Policies vary. Always call ahead to check if the patio is dog-friendly.

A stylish woman wearing oversized white sunglasses, a colorful scarf, and black clothing enjoys a meal with wine at an outdoor restaurant, while a large white dog wearing a leopard and red-green patterned bandana and lime green leash sits beside her.

3. Applebee’s Grill & Bar

  • Location: Nationwide
  • What They Serve: Burgers, wings, salads, and bar favorites

Applebee’s offers a casual, neighborhood bar-and-grill vibe. Some locations with outdoor patios are dog-friendly and even host “Yappy Hour” events where you and your dog can mingle with others.

It is a good choice for affordable comfort food in a laid-back setting.

🦴Dog Tip: Not every location allows dogs. Always confirm first, especially if you’re planning around a special event.

4. Joe’s Crab Shack

  • Location: Larger towns and cities across the country
  • What They Serve: Seafood platters, crab legs, shrimp, and Southern sides

Joe’s Crab Shack has a lively, casual feel and focuses on all things seafood. Many of their locations have outdoor patios where dogs are welcome.

With colorful decor and a come-as-you-are attitude, it’s a good choice if you want to enjoy a seafood feast with your dog lounging nearby.

🦴Dog Tip: No dog menu, but water bowls are often available if you ask.

5. Outback Steakhouse

  • Location: Nationwide
  • What They Serve: Steaks, ribs, seafood, and hearty sides

Outback Steakhouse serves up Australian-themed steakhouse fare in a family-friendly setting.

Some locations allow dogs on their patios, but it is location-dependent.

🦴Dog Tip: Always call ahead to confirm. Patio access for dogs is not universal.

A large white dog with a fluffy coat lies calmly on a cobblestone floor under an outdoor restaurant table, wearing a red-and-green patterned bandana and a yellow leash. The background shows other tables draped in neutral-toned checkered and solid tablecloths.

Fast-Casual Chains with Dog-Friendly Patios

6. Shake Shack

  • Location: Nationwide (especially cities and suburbs)
  • What They Serve: Burgers, crinkle-cut fries, shakes, and frozen custard

Shake Shack started as a hot dog cart and grew into one of the most popular fast-casual chains in the U.S.

They take their dog-friendliness seriously, offering the “Woof Menu” with Bag O’ Bones treats and the Pooch-ini dessert. Outdoor seating areas are common and designed to be casual, fun, and welcoming to dogs.

🦴Dog Tip: Ask for the Pooch-ini if your pup can handle dairy and peanut butter.

7. Panera Bread

  • Location: Nationwide
  • What They Serve: Sandwiches, soups, salads, coffee, bakery items

Panera Bread is a go-to for lighter meals and fresh options like salads, soups, and sandwiches.

Their outdoor seating areas are typically dog-friendly, making it a popular lunch stop for dog owners. The laid-back café vibe makes it easy to hang out with your pup without feeling rushed.

🦴Dog Tip: Many staff are happy to bring out a water bowl if it’s hot outside.

A man and woman sit at a small outdoor café table having a cheerful conversation, while a brown and white Corgi sits on the tiled floor between them, facing away from the camera. The man wears a short-sleeved button-down shirt and shorts, and the woman wears a sleeveless patterned dress and sandals.

8. Baja Fresh

  • Location: Nationwide, but heavier on the West Coast
  • What They Serve: Fresh Mexican food, including tacos, burritos, and salads

Baja Fresh offers a fast-casual experience with healthier spins on traditional Mexican food.

Many locations have patios where dogs are welcome, and the casual vibe means you will not feel out of place sitting outside with your dog.

🦴Dog Tip: Not all patios are shaded, so bring water and check the weather if it’s warm.

9. Noah’s New York Bagels

  • Location: California
  • What They Serve: Bagels, breakfast sandwiches, coffee

This West Coast favorite is a great morning stop. Outdoor seating welcomes dogs, and many locations provide water bowls and sometimes dog treats.

The atmosphere is easygoing, making it a great place to ease into your day with your dog.

🦴Dog Tip: Perfect for early walks that end with breakfast on the patio.

A man in sunglasses and casual clothes sits at a bistro table on a cobblestone street, lovingly hugging a large white dog beside him while sipping an orange cocktail. The cozy café scene is full of warmth and charm, with other diners in the background and a woven straw bag resting at the base of the table.

10. Le Pain Quotidien

  • Location: Big cities nationwide (New York, D.C., Miami, Los Angeles)
  • What They Serve: Fresh pastries, organic breads, light breakfasts, and lunches

Le Pain Quotidien feels a little more European than your average café. Many locations offer outdoor dog-friendly seating, and some even hand out biscuits for visiting dogs.

It is a good spot for a more relaxed, slower-paced meal.

🦴Dog Tip: Bring a mat if you plan to linger over brunch. Sidewalk patios can get hot.

11. A&W Restaurants

  • Location: Nationwide
  • What They Serve: Root beer floats, burgers, fries, and hot dogs

A&W keeps it classic with old-school fast food and drive-in style service. Many locations have outdoor seating areas that are dog-welcoming, and the casual, no-frills environment means dogs fit right in.

🦴Dog Tip: Bring your own dog water cup. Outdoor amenities can be pretty basic.

Drive-Ins and Quick-Stop Treats

12. Sonic Drive-In

  • Location: Nationwide
  • What They Serve: Burgers, tots, shakes, and hot dogs

Sonic is one of the most dog-friendly drive-ins around. You order from your car and eat without ever leaving your seat.

Many locations also have patio seating if you want to get out of the car. Some of them even hand out “Wag Cups,” small whipped cream treats for pups.

🦴Dog Tip: If your dog gets nervous on patios, Sonic is a low-stress way to grab food together.

13. Dairy Queen

  • Location: Nationwide
  • What They Serve: Soft-serve ice cream, burgers, and fries

Many Dairy Queen locations welcome dogs at outdoor tables and offer a “Pup Cup,” a little cup of vanilla soft-serve. Staff are usually happy to hand one over when you order your treat.

🦴Dog Tip: Double-check availability. Not every DQ automatically offers Pup Cups.

A light-colored dog licks from a cup of creamy dog-friendly dessert topped with green and orange bone-shaped treats, set on a black table against a bold red background. The pup wears a teal collar and looks content as it enjoys the special treat.

14. Culver’s

  • Location: Midwest
  • What They Serve: ButterBurgers, cheese curds, frozen custard

Culver’s patios often welcome dogs, especially in the warmer months. Some locations will even give your dog a little cup of their famous frozen custard.

🦴Dog Tip: Frozen custard can be rich. Offer a few small licks rather than the whole cup.

15. Bruster’s Real Ice Cream

  • Location: Nationwide, although light in the Midwest
  • What They Serve: Fresh-made ice cream, sundaes, and shakes

Bruster’s locations are often designed with dogs in mind. They serve a free “doggie sundae” topped with a bone-shaped biscuit. Outdoor seating areas make it easy to enjoy a treat together.

🦴Dog Tip: Great choice for a warm afternoon outing with your dog.

Coffee Shops

16. Starbucks

  • Location: Nationwide
  • What They Serve: Coffee, teas, breakfast & lunch items, bakery snacks

Most Starbucks locations have dog-friendly patios. Plus, their famous “Puppuccino,” a free cup of whipped cream, is always a hit. It is not listed on the menu, so just ask.

🦴Dog Tip: Puppuccinos are free, but always tip your barista if they go the extra mile.

A small brown terrier sits patiently on a leash beside a group of older adults enjoying drinks at an outdoor café table on a stone-paved sidewalk. The people are smiling and chatting, creating a warm, relaxed atmosphere in what looks like a charming town setting.

17. Peet’s Coffee

  • Location: Primarily in California, with additional locations across the U.S.
  • What They Serve: Specialty coffee drinks, teas, pastries, and light breakfast items

Peet’s Coffee offers a cozy atmosphere with a focus on high-quality, hand-roasted coffee beans.

Many of their locations feature outdoor seating areas where dogs are welcome to join their owners.

While they don’t have a specific dog menu, staff often provide water bowls upon request. It’s a great spot to enjoy a morning brew or an afternoon pick-me-up with your dog by your side.​

🦴Dog Tip: Bring a portable water bowl for your dog, especially during peak hours when outdoor seating might be limited.

How to Plan a Dog-Friendly Meal Out

  • Call ahead to confirm dog policies, especially at chains where it varies.
  • Bring a water bowl and a mat or blanket for your dog’s comfort.
  • Pack treats or a chew toy to keep your dog occupied during the meal.

Wrap-Up: Dog-Friendly Restaurant Chains in the U.S.

More restaurants are recognizing that dogs are family too. Whether you’re grabbing ice cream, a coffee, or a full steak dinner, there are plenty of dog-friendly chains ready to welcome you and your pup.

A little planning turns a regular meal out into a shared experience you both will love.

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Sherry Arkfeld is a digital nomad, travel blogger, and copywriter living her dream of being able to work from anywhere in the world while exploring new places with her little dog, Shelby. Sherry is passionate about sharing her experiences to help other travelers and digital nomads. Sherry and Shelby are currently traveling slowly around Mexico with plans to eventually go (almost) everywhere.