Dog-Friendly Restaurants With a View

Posted by Lauren Barker

There are many things to consider when searching for the perfect restaurant for you and Fido. Of course, delicious food and a pet-friendly patio top the list, but the ambiance can be just as important. Check out these dog-friendly restaurant patios where the view is as incredible as the food.

Summit House

Enumclaw, WA
This view can’t be beat! Photo by @crystalmountain

During the summer, Fido is welcome to join you on the Mount Rainier Gondola, which takes riders above the alpine forest to Washington’s highest elevation restaurant, Summit House. At 6,872 feet up, you’ll experience gorgeous views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding Cascades. On a clear day you might even spot Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, and more. Dine with your pup on the outdoor deck and enjoy menu items like burgers, fish and chips, or pulled pork. After your meal, relax with a glass of wine, cold beer, or a specialty cocktail from the Adirondack chairs overlooking the mountain range. Adventurous canines can also climb to the restaurant via the Crystal Mountain hiking trails.

If your eyes were bigger than your stomach, take a doggie bag to enjoy later at this Euro Cabin in Buckly, WA. This tiny home has everything you and your pup need for a weekend away.

Have a cheeseburger in “pawradise.” Photo by BringFido/Lauren

As you make your way down Overseas Highway to the Florida Keys, stop for lunch or dinner at Marker 88 in Plantation Key. Follow signs for the dog entrance and you’ll be seated at one of the oceanfront tables along the natural beach overlooking calm, turquoise blue waters. The sea breeze will keep you cool while you dine on a Cheeseburger in Paradise, Islamorada fish sandwich, or lobster bisque, and wet your whistle with a tropical cocktail. The restaurant is also accessible by water, and the dock provides plenty of boat parking. If you stop in for dinner, you and your pup will be treated to a breathtaking sunset over the ocean.

Extend your stay in paradise at Casa Morada, a boutique oasis that includes complimentary breakfast and use of kayaks, paddle boards, and bicycles. Stay on a Wednesday and you can also enjoy a free yoga class.

Sevens Restaurant

Breckenridge, CO
“This is what we call a vacation.” Photo by @breckenridgemtn

Stunning mountain views will greet you from the tables on the sprawling deck of Sevens Restaurant, located at the Grand Lodge on Peak 7. Whether you’re staying in the lodge or just hitting the slopes at Breckenridge Nordic Center, stop in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner with your hungry hound. Order small plates, a salad, flatbread, or a top sirloin, and grab a signature cocktail from the bar lounge, where you’ll also find a selection of yard games. The view is hard to beat, so reservations are highly recommended. You and your pooch can also take in the mountain views from Ski Hill Grill atop Peak 7, which is accessible by a ride on the pet-friendly BreckConnect Gondola.

In addition to Sevens Restaurant, guests will have access to an indoor pool, hot tub, and game room when staying in one of the residences at Grand Lodge on Peak 7. Fido is welcome to join you in both of these one- and two-bedroom rentals.

“Everything about this is epic!” Photo by @cigar517

While you’re out exploring all the pet-friendly attractions in The Golden City, stop for lunch or dinner with Fido at Epic Steak. Situated right on the San Francisco Bay near the base of the Bay Bridge, the patio views will be just as epic as the cuisine. Watch for watercraft like the Blue and Gold Fleet as they cruise the bay, and spot other canines strolling by on the San Francisco Bay Trail. Patio umbrellas offer shade when the summer sun beats down, while outdoor heaters will keep you and your terrier toasty on cooler days. In addition to mouth-watering steaks, the menu features tasty seafood like northern halibut, lobster, and a daily Pacific oyster selection. Pair your meal with a bottle from the restaurant’s extraordinary wine list, sip on an Epic martini, or try Michter’s Whiskey Flight.

After dinner, spend an elegant night at the Beacon Grand in Union Square. Fido will be welcomed with treats as well as a dog bed and bowls upon request.

Harbor House

Milwaukee, WI
Sitting pretty. Photo by @spartacusmke

Marvel at the architecture of the Milwaukee Art Museum and the rest of Brew City’s skyline from across the shores of Lake Michigan at Harbor House. The New England-style seafood restaurant serves up the freshest catch, flown in daily from both coasts, and features a raw bar and extensive wine list. Enjoy the ambiance with Fido at one of the tables on the seasonal outdoor patio, or take your glass of wine to an Adirondack chair and soak in the unparalleled views with your furry sightseer by your side.

After dinner, take Fido for a walk on the Oak Leaf Trail along the shores of Lake Michigan before settling into your room at The Westin Milwaukee. Both city and lake view rooms are available, and you’ll be a short walk to Harbor House and the waterfront.

“I’ll take all the hot dogs.” Photo by @dogsontherock

You’ll be able to see seven states from the patio of Cafe 7, located on the terrace at Lover’s Leap in Lookout Mountain’s famed Rock City. Choose from a selection of southern-inspired menu items like fried green tomatoes, chicken and waffles, or shrimp and grits. Canine hikers can order a hot dog or puppuccino from the pet menu. Regional craft beers and a full wine list are available at the counter-service bar. After you eat, take your pup on a walk along Rock’ City’s Enchanted Trail to view the 90-foot waterfall and cross the 180-foot suspension bridge over the Chattanooga Valley. The full-service restaurant is open April through Labor Day, and access to the cafe is included in admission to Rock City.

When you’re not dining at Cafe 7, fire up the BBQ grill for another meal with a view from the back deck of Lil’ Haven Tiny House in Chattanooga. At night, cuddle up with Fido and stargaze through the skylights from the comfort of your bed.

Mesa Grill

Sedona, AZ
“Is that our ride home?” Photo by @champ_is_a_prince

Admire stunning views of Sedona’s famous red rock landscape along with colorful gardens when you dine at Mesa Grill. Located atop Airport Mesa, the dog-friendly eatery also gives canine aviation enthusiasts the chance to watch airplanes take off and land while relaxing on the partially enclosed, heated patio. The menu features southwest-style favorites like classic ribeye steak, chicken pasta, and burgers, along with vegan options and a selection of Arizona craft beer. Your pup will be excited to order from the Doggie Deck Favorites Menu featuring items like chicken jerky cookies, five-star venison stew, and steak tartare. The chef requests that all four-legged patrons receive a bowl of cold, filtered water upon arrival. While in Sedona, take time to visit Mesa Grill’s sister restaurant, Creekside American Bistro, or local favorite Hideaway House. Both feature a backdrop of gorgeous red rock landscapes as well.

If incredible vistas are your objective, book a Rim View room at Sky Ranch Lodge. You may never want to leave your room, as the view of the rock formations shapeshifts with the sunlight throughout the day.

Jordan Pond House

Seal Harbor, ME
Enjoy “pupovers” with a view. Photo by @jfh.ig

A visit to Acadia National Park with your outbound hound wouldn’t be complete without partaking in a century-old tradition of popovers and tea on the lawn of Jordan Pond House. Perched on a hill overlooking Jordan Pond and the rock formations known as The Bubbles, the restaurant is the perfect mid-day stop for the famous rolls, or for a delicious lunch. The menu includes lobster stew and seafood chowder, sandwiches, and entrees like shepherd’s pie and local boiled lobster. For dessert, try the house-made ice cream and get a hand-squeezed lemonade to go. Then take your pup for a stroll down to the water and find a bench along the shoreline to relax. Jordan Pond House is open seasonally from June to late October. Avoid parking delays at the restaurant by hopping on Acadia’s free and pet-friendly shuttle service, Island Explorer.

Book a stay at Quimby House Inn & Spa, and pamper yourself with an on-site massage, or spend extra time shopping along Main Street in Bar Harbor. Stores like Bark Harbor and Sea Dawg Gift Shop invite four-legged customers to browse around.

“I’d like an order of liver bites, please.” Photo by @chewie_bee

The multi-level outdoor patio at The Cliff in Laguna Beach offers 180-degree ocean views and world-class dining. Stop in with Fido for a relaxing breakfast or lunch, or come in the evening for dinner with live music and fire pits. You’ll be treated to a spectacular sunset over the Pacific Ocean. The dinner menu includes Mexican specialties, burgers, seafood, and more, as well as delicious cocktails. Your pooch can sink his canines into one of Precious' Puppy Plates from the dog menu, featuring oatmeal, chicken, beef, salmon, or prime rib. He can also pick from the selection of all-natural organic treats like salmon snacks, carrot molasses, liver bites, calamari, pumpkin paws, and more.

Keep the views going with a stay at Villa Teatro, a 1-bedroom villa within walking distance to The Cliff and just a short drive to Main Beach Park, where Fido can dip his paws in the ocean. Continue admiring the Laguna coastline with your pup from the rental’s rooftop patio.

“Is it time to go to the dog beach yet?” Photo by @jazcubs22

Once Fido has worked up an appetite after a day at Montrose Dog Beach, take him to the expansive patio of The Dock, a casual beach bar with unparalleled views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. Relax with a cocktail while other pups play in the sand, and watch boats sail by and aquatic birds glide overhead to the neighboring bird sanctuary. Patio umbrellas and the Windy City’s lake breeze will keep your pup cool on a summer day. The menu features tacos, sandwiches, and Great Lakes white fish as well as beer, cocktails, and wine. The Dock is open from May through October, weather permitting. Live bands can be heard daily throughout the summer.

You won’t have to travel far when you stay with your pup at Best Western Plus Hawthorne Terrace Hotel, located in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. Your pup will receive treats at check-in. If that’s not enough, she’ll find more delicious surprises and plenty of Cubs gear at Wigglyville, just one block away.

Waiting for the ducks to float by. Photo by BringFido/Shirley

Casa Rio on the San Antonio Riverwalk was the first business to open along the San Antonio River in 1946, helping to create the famous Riverwalk of today. Stop in with your hungry hound for lunch or dinner right on the waterfront at one of the brightly-colored umbrella tables. Settle back in the Spanish Colonial atmosphere and watch riverboats and ducks float by while you dine on San Antonio Tex-Mex cooking. Order the Regular Plate, which has been a menu staple since 1946, and share a bite with Fido. End your meal on a sweet note with a traditional flan or sopapillas.

Situated right on the water, Drury Inn & Suites San Antonio Riverwalk is conveniently located near other downtown attractions like The Alamo and Historic Market Square. You’ll also be near the start of the Sisters Grimm Ghost Tour, if Fido is into history and haunts.

Do you have a favorite dog-friendly restaurant with an impressive view? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by @breckenridgemtn.