Unleash your appetite: the best dog friendly restaurants, Houston

Why should you have to choose between your four-legged friend and food? Well, in Houston, you don’t have to! Yep, that’s right, Fido can sit right next to you as you chow down on breakfast, lunch, and dinner al fresco, and if you’re lucky, there might even be a special menu for your four-pawed pal! If you’ve worked up an appetite after visiting one of Houston’s dog friendly parks or you just want to pop out for a bite to eat, we’ve got you covered. Let’s take a look at the dog friendly restaurants Houston hounds love the most!

The best dog friendly restaurants, Houston, TX

• Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
• Barnaby’s Cafe 
• Backstreet Cafe
• Piggy’s Kitchen & Bar 
• Giacomo's Cibo e Vino
• Rudyard’s
• Eight Row Flint
• Little Matt’s

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar 

Address and map pin: 20030 Northwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77065

Four-legged friends and their human companions are welcome in the pet-friendly outdoor area of this chilled-out restaurant. Pet parents, dog sitters, and pup lovers looking for dog friendly restaurants in Houston can feast upon classic TV dinners, family favorites, and roadtrip bowls while furry friends peruse the special dog menu, which includes a bowl of water (complimentary of course) and a choice of grilled hamburger or chicken. What’s more, a weekend brunch is served until 2pm and happy hour runs from 3-6pm Monday through to Friday.

Barnaby’s Cafe 

Address and map pin: 1701 S Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77019

It’s only fitting that this dog themed cafe (named after the founder’s childhood Sheepdog) is named as one of Houston’s dog friendly restaurants! The menu features classic American comfort food - think chicken caesar salad, guacamole cheeseburgers, and Doctor Gale’s meatloaf, while the special puppy menu consists of ground beef, sliced chicken breast, scrambled eggs, and doggie ice cream to cleanse the palette - how refined!

Backstreet Cafe

Address and map pin: 1103 S Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77019

This seasonal American Bistro is a must-visit for foodies and dog lovers alike! Four-legged friends can come along for the ride (and a bowl of water) while their pet parents dig into seafood, soups, and sides, or order something off the vegetarian menu. Houston’s diverse influences are reflected in the seasonal plates served here, which focus on a variety of flavors and sustainable ingredients. This award-winning restaurant features one of the most beautiful dog friendly patios Houston’s got to offer, surrounded by lush greenery, it creates a peaceful oasis right in the heart of Houston. 

Piggy’s Kitchen & Bar 

Address and map pin: 3412 W Lamar St, Houston, TX 77019

Pup parents and dog sitters with canine companions in tow can grab a bite to eat on the outdoor tables at this laid-back joint. The everyday menu features sharing plates, tacos, mac & cheese, salads, burgers, and pizza pies, while weekends are a brunch-lovers delight with waffles, eggs, and toast all washed down with a carafe of mimosa. Get together with your brunch gang and their pooch pals to soak up the good vibes to the beat of the DJ that spins tunes on the outdoor patio. 

Giacomo's Cibo e Vino

Address and map pin: 3215 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098

This friendly neighborhood cafe serves Italian dishes made from scratch with house-made pasta, meat, fish, and vegetable sides. Sure, there are lots of restaurants on Westheimer to choose from, but it’s the pet-friendly patio that’s earnt this one a place on this list of dog-friendly restaurants in Houston. What we love most is that every time someone orders their special seasonal dessert, they donate the proceeds to Rescued Pets Movement, an organization that rescues cats and dogs from being euthanized. A restaurant that’s dog friendly and supports less fortunate Fidos, what’s not to love?!

Rudyard’s 

Address and map pin: 2010 Waugh Dr, Houston, TX 77006

Known affectionately as the “living room of Montrose”, this local institution might be one of the oldest Houston pet friendly restaurants - it’s been about for over 40 years! And the best part? Whether you’re stopping at this dive bar for a craft beer or you’re catching a live music show, you can bring your pooch pal along for company! Head here for a game of darts, some excellent pizza, or one of the weekly comedy shows, karaoke, or games nights! 

Eight Row Flint

Address and map pin: 1039 Yale St, Houston, TX 77008

One of the best things to do while house and pet sitting in Houston is to take Fido for a walk along the Heights hiking trails. After you’ve worked up a bit of a sweat, head to the dog friendly patio at Eight Row Flint to enjoy a cold drink and some top-rated tacos from the on-site food truck. On weekends from 11-2pm, huevos rancheros and breakfast tamales are served alongside smoky cocktails and specialty bourbons. So if you’re looking for dog friendly breakfast in Houston, this is the place for you!

Little Matt’s

Address and map pin: 6203 Edloe St, Houston, TX 77005

Here, Fidos are welcomed with a fuss from friendly staff and a bowl of water while their dog owners fill up on good old American grub. Pet parents can chow down on classic cobb salad, ahi tuna sandwich, or signature chicken enchiladas, and the special kid's menu serves burgers, macaroni and cheese, and hot dogs with a side of fruit and fries. 

As you eat your way through this list of dog friendly restaurants, Houston, it’s important to remember to be respectful of the establishment so that furry friends continue being welcomed with open arms. The following puppy patio pet-iquette makes it an enjoyable experience for everyone involved: 

• Do not place your pooch pal on the table, in your lap, or on a chair.
• Avoid the three B’s: Begging, Barking, and Biting.
• Don’t let your furry friend eat off your plate - there are special bowls for them.
• Servers aren’t allowed to touch pups while working; don’t take it personally!
• Four-legged friends must be kept on a leash and within reach of the owner at all times.