Dining with canines: dog friendly restaurants, San Diego

In a city with a vibrant culinary scene and a love of dogs, it’s only fair to celebrate the dog friendly restaurants San Diego has to offer. We’ve sniffed out the best spots to dig into some delicious bites while Fido gets a taste of the good life too, because let’s face it, food tastes better with a furry friend by your side. From restaurants with pup-approved patios to places with menus just for pooch pals, these are our favorite dog friendly restaurants in San Diego.

Dog friendly restaurants, San Diego Old Town

Casa de Freds Tacos y Tequila

Address and map pin: 2470 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110, United States

Why we like it: This dog friendly restaurant in San Diego has a special doggie menu! 

Proudly declaring themselves to be the only dog friendly restaurant in San Diego’s Old Town, pups are treated like family on the pet friendly patio of this local Mexican restaurant. Head here for the special doggie menu, which offers Buddy’s Bowl (chicken and fries), Snoopy’s Scramble (scrambled eggs), Chance’s Chicken (grilled chicken breast), Baxter’s Burger (handmade beef patty), and Cujo’s Carne (sliced carne asada). Oh, and pet parents can enjoy grilled meat tacos, chips and salsas, and fresh churros. The only thing they ask is that you abide by the patio pet-iquette, which involves only allowing pups to eat from their special dog bowls, and keeping all four paws firmly on the ground (not on the chairs). 

Bull’s Smokin’ BBQ

Address and map pin: 1127 Morena Blvd, San Diego, CA 92110, United States

Why we like it: Some San Diego dog friendly restaurants offer puppy menus, but this is the only one that will give your dog a bone. 

Four-pawed pals and their well-behaved owners are welcome on the dog friendly patio of this Western-style BBQ joint. Customers on two legs are kept happy with slow-cooked meats, smoked ribs, and freshly baked cornbread, while beef bones and bowls of water are there for furry friends. With happy hour 2-5pm Monday through to Friday, it’s no wonder this place has got a flurry of furry regulars!

Dog friendly restaurants, Downtown San Diego

Queenstown Public House

Address and map pin: 1557 Columbia St, San Diego, CA 92101, United States

Why we like it: It serves up the best dog friendly brunch in San Diego. 

Stepping inside this cozy pub is like taking a trip to a rustic New Zealand farmhouse, think wooden beams and vintage decor, oh, and did we mention the dog friendly patio? The pups here have even got their very own instagram page, @dogsofqueenstownsd! Weekday happy hour includes plates for $8 and $9 cocktails and New Zealand favorites like grass-fed burgers, tasty pies, and seasonal salads are served daily. If it’s weekend brunch you’ve got in mind, the chicken and waffles, steak croissant benedict, and lamb hash has got our mouths watering, but be sure to get there early to secure a table!  

Sally’s Fish House & Bar

Address and map pin: 1 Market Pl, San Diego, CA 92101, United States

Why we like it: You’ll be dining right on the waterfront (be sure to request a table near the boats when booking).

Looking for dog friendly restaurants in San Diego with woof-worthy cuisine? Treat yourself to grilled octopus, steamed clams, and seared diver scallops at this sustainably sourced seafood spot. Pooch pals can enjoy something from the special doggie menu, which features Surf & T-Arf (salmon, chicken, bacon, and rice), Sally’s Famous Pancakes (peanut butter, bacon, carrots, and Greek yogurt - a questionable combo!), Frozen Pawpsicles, and Rawhide Bones. The restaurant also hosts special dog friendly events like Paws on the Patio, which involves games and a dog-themed raffle, all in aid of the local animal shelter Paws of Coronado.

Edgewater Grill

Address and map pin: 861 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, United States

Why we like it: Unlike at some of the dog friendly San Diego restaurants, the seafood dishes here won’t break the bank.

This family-owned restaurant is situated right on the waterfront, offering visitors stunning views of the bay as they dig into the freshest seafood of the day. The grilled shrimp tacos, fresh oysters, and delicious crab cakes are firm favorites, but if seafood’s not your thing, they also offer grilled sandwiches, burgers, and flatbreads. The atmosphere is laid back and casual, and of course, pups can dine alongside their pet parents on the outdoor patio.

Dog friendly restaurants, Mission Beach

Woody’s Breakfast and Burgers

Address and map pin: 4111 Ocean Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109, United States

Why we like it: The best breakfast in San Diego, paws down.

Located right on Pacific Beach Boardwalk, this is the perfect pit stop if you’re taking Fido for a stroll in the area. Play it safe with breakfast favorites like fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, and eggs cooked just the way you like them, or try their legendary breakfast burritos! If you’re passing by at lunch or dinner time, prepare yourself for juicy patties piled high with toppings or tasty tacos with a side of black beans. Bring your friends, bring Fido, and soak up some sunshine on their patio from sunrise to sunset.

Backyard Kitchen and Tap

Address and map pin: 832 Garnet Ave, Pacific Beach, CA 92109, United States

Why we like it: Their calendar is full of events!

Head towards Pacific Beach, and you’ll find this friendly American spot just yards from the water. The spacious outdoor patio has dog friendly seating, cozy fire pits, and twinkling lights, and it’s the perfect spot to kick back and relax with your furry friend beside you. Hearty sandwiches, enchiladas, and tacos are washed down with an award-winning selection of craft beers and local brews, and live music and regular events like trivia, karaoke, and bottomless brunch make this a local favorite.

Dog friendly restaurants, North Park

Station Tavern

Address and map pin: 2204 Fern St, San Diego, CA 92104, United States

Why we like it: There’s space for everyone on the dog friendly patio. 

Hamburgers, sandwiches, and salads are served in this simple, fuss-free restaurant located right on the edge of North Park. Dog friendly dining can be found in the outdoor area, which has rustic wooden tables and cozy booths to kick back in. With a great selection of craft beers on tap and friendly staff to have a chat with, this spot is always buzzing with activity and good vibes (but note that parking can get tricky!).

Dog friendly restaurants, Ocean Beach

Voltaire Beach House

Address and map pin: 4934 Voltaire St, San Diego, CA 92107, United States

Why we like it: It’s just minutes from Ocean Beach Dog Beach. 

This little slice of beachside heaven has a laid-back atmosphere and a popular outdoor patio where you can chill with the whole crew (canines included!). Two-legged visitors can enjoy a tasty selection of burgers and bowls, with daily food and drinks specials and deals 3-6pm on weekdays. Those with four legs and wagging tails can dig into bowls of chicken breast, steak, fish, or cauliflower with rice and veg and a side of water.

Calling all dog lovers, pet parents, and dog sitters in the San Diego area, these dog friendly restaurants are well worth a visit! Good food and good company go paw in paw, and sharing a bite to eat with your furry friend is one of the best things to do in San Diego while house and pet sitting!