The best dog-friendly pubs in York 2023

If you're house sitting in York, chances are you want to do some exploring, and there’s nothing better than doing it with your (temporary) four-legged friend in tow. While not every city has an abundance of dog-friendly pubs, York has got some great spots where the staff will be just as happy to see your pooch pal as he is to see them!

We’ve chosen the top 12 dog-friendly pubs in York so that animal lovers, puppy parents, and pet sitters don’t have to stay at home to enjoy the company of their furry friends. 

Valhalla

Address and map pin: 4 Patrick Pool, York YO1 8BB

Not only is this one of the highest-rated dog-friendly pubs in York city centre, but it’s also a great place to go for a spot of history. Your pooch pals can enjoy a bit of TLC from the friendly staff while you immerse yourself in the medieval ambience - wooden beams decorate the ceilings, furry blankets are thrown on the backs of benches, and the rooms are lit with candelabra chandeliers.

The Valhalla gets its name from Norse mythology, in which majestic halls became the final resting place for warriors who died in battle. Today, this pub pays homage to York’s Viking heritage by serving proper pub grub alongside traditional mead, to the beat of rock and metal music. 

The Minster Inn 

Address and map pin: 24 Marygate, York YO30 7BH

Whether you’re a pet parent, dog sitter, or animal lover visiting York, dog-friendly pubs like The Minster Inn will probably be high on your list of places to go. Here, they offer an excellent range of locally brewed beers, hand-stretched stone-baked pizzas (what a mouthful!), and delicious doggy biscuits too. Depending on the season, you and your pooch can cosy up next to the roaring fire or catch some rays in the beer garden out back.

BrewDog

Address and map pin: 130-134 Micklegate, York YO1 6JX

So much more than a pub, BrewDog hosts co-working spaces, beer school experiences and… dog pawties! You can celebrate your furry friend’s special day with pawty hats and puppy-friendly treats, plus we love that they donate part of the fee to Street Paws, a charity that supports homeless people and their pets across the country. 

Eagle & Child 

Address and map pin: 9 High Petergate, York YO1 7EN

We don’t know what’s more exciting, the fact that this pub welcomes our four-legged friends with open paws, or that the Rolling Stones signed their names in lipstick on the walls. Serving seasonal dishes made from fresh, local ingredients, and of course, doggy treats and water bowls for thirsty companions, this is one of the best dog-friendly places to eat in York. 

The Market Cat

Address and map pin 6 Jubbergate, York YO1 8RT

With views across the city as far as the York Minster, this is a great spot for pizza and pawsecco. Despite the name, this three-storey watering hole welcomes our four-legged friends that bark (so it’s better to leave furry felines at home). 

Ye Olde Starre Inne

Address and map pin: 40 Stonegate, York YO1 8AS

The only kittens you’re likely to see at this pub are the ghostly shadows of two black cats who lived here 300 years ago. If you hadn’t guessed by the name, Ye Olde Starre Inne is one of the oldest (if not the oldest) pubs in York, so we recommend cosying up in one of the nooks and crannies with your trusted companion close by in case of any spooky encounters.

Drift-In York 

Address and map pin: 1-3 Nessgate, York YO1 9NP

If you’re looking for a dog-friendly cafe, York will have you spoilt for choice. But the Drift-In is a good place to start off your food tour, with coffees topped with impressive latte art and a mouth-watering array of brunch options (from Korean pulled chicken bao buns and herby mushrooms on toast to Lotus Biscoff french toast). Everything they do is served with a side of puppy love, and they’ve even got a wall of polaroids in honour of their furry regulars!

The Winning Post

Address and map pin: 127-129 Bishopthorpe Rd, York YO23 1NZ

If you and your pooch are in need of a walk before cosying up in the pub, the Winning Post has conveniently mapped out a 4km walk along the River Ouse to help work up your appetites. This pub hosts comedy and music nights, exhibitions of paintings and ceramics, and of course, the staff will make a great fuss of furry friends. What’s not to love?

The Ackhorne

Address and map pin: 9 St Martin's Ln, York YO1 6LR

A couple of “inn-house” doggies have got their paws in every pie at The Ackhorne, from balancing the books to serious quizmasters. Hidden away on a quirky cobbled street, you will be greeted by friendly staff, excellent food, and the stars of the show, bulldogs Lenny and Buddy. 

Ambiente Tapas

Address and map pin: 14 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LQ

One of the best dog-friendly restaurants in York, Ambiente tapas serves up small dishes and paella alongside a selection of over 50 different types of wine and sherry. Just a stone’s throw from the medieval city walls, this is a well-known spot for locals and tourists alike so it’s well worth booking in advance to avoid disappointment.

Shambles Tavern  

Address and map pin: 44 Shambles, York YO1 7LX

This is another spot that’s top of the list if you’re heading for a day out in York, and why should our four-legged friends have to miss out? The pub is proudly dog-friendly and pet parents and their companions can dive in here for a bite to eat and some cuddles (for the pooch, not you!). 

The Stone Trough Inn

Address and map pin: Kirkham Abbey, York YO60 7JS

Heading out of the city in search of some dog-friendly pubs near York? The Stone Trough Inn is surrounded by breathtaking views of the countryside and Kirkham Abbey, the perfect spot for a Sunday stomp followed by some good local grub. Described as “dog friendly inside and out”, we think more places should be like this!

Things to do in York

Looking for more things to do in York? Check out our guide to some of the best attractions aside from food and drink!