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The Forge

The Forge, formerly known as Forge in the Forest, is a bistro-style eatery in Carmel, CA, where Fido is welcome to join you on their dog-friendly patio named, The Pound Patio. Pooches may order specialty items from their own Canine Cuisine menu. The patio is heaters and has fireplaces for chilly nights. The restaurant features gourmet dishes for lunch and dinner such as San Francisco style fondue, chicken satay lollipops, curry chicken paninis, Margherita pizza, fettuccine Alfredo, skirt steak and more. The Canine Cuisine menu offers items such as a cup of kibble, the Hot Diggity Dog, a Quarter Hounder, and Hen House Chicken Strips. Visit Website

Or call (831) 624-2233 or email greg@forgeintheforest.com for more information.

Reviews

BringFido Guest Rating
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

The Forge has received a rating of 4.7 out of 5 bones by 34 canine critics on BringFido and 4.0 out of 5 by 810 guests on TripAdvisor.

  • Erika
    Jun 18, 2023
    Great place!

    Delicious food, very dog friendly, great service!

  • Jennifer
    Mar 13, 2023
    Great lunch spot with Great Danes

    The Forge was super dog friendly! We had a great lunch: good service and good food! made our day :)

  • Holly
    Oct 28, 2022
    Very Dog Friendly

    We felt very welcome with our dog. Lots of other dogs there too. The patio is lovely and the food was good. Our dog got water, chicken and lots of attention.

  • Bella
    Nov 8, 2021
    Food was good

    We had an OK time at this place.

  • Matt
    Nov 6, 2021
    Terrible Service

    My wife and I brought our border collie here based on previous reviews. I called the restaurant at 6:10 pm and was told patio seating was available.
    We got there promptly and was seated at 6:30 pm.
    After ordering a bottle of wine, we were told that the kitchen was closed and would reopen at 7 pm.
    We placed an order for Asian meatloaf and tacos, along with an order for hamburger for our canine best friend.
    Then the server said the kitchen would not reopen again until 7:15 pm.
    As we patiently waited, a nice family of four was seated next to us.
    At 7:45 pm, food was served to the table next to us and we still haven’t been served our meals. What was most disturbing was the same server brought out the tacos that we ordered at least a half hour before the party next to us were even seated.
    We talked to the manager and he didn’t even try to apologize. He just said sorry for not serving us food in a timely manner.
    We left without eating our meals and our dog never got fed either.
    Never going back here.
    PLEASE STAY AWAY from this place!

  • Deborah
    Jul 12, 2021
    Pet Central!

    Loved having a terrific place that honored our four-legged family member. We went for lunch and although it was busy, we had a great experience. The seafood dishes we ordered were spectacular.

  • Dena
    Jul 2, 2021
    All around fabulous!

    Such a nice patio with fireplaces. The staff was so friendly. The food menu had a wonderful variety (duck empanadas!?!) of really great tasting options. Plus they had a doggy menu and brought the pup a bowl of water. So glad we found this gem!

  • Cesar
    Apr 12, 2021
    Great place for doggies and humans

    Some of the best food We have had in a while. Chicken sandwich, Margarita pizza was amazing. They have a dog menu and my dog ate 2 bowls. Quality place and wasn't pricey at all. Our served Judith was really sweet and took care of all us. Seriously try the Margarita pizza.

  • Nori
    Aug 25, 2019
    Awesome Restaurant!

    Food was delicious and super dog friendly! Patio seating is great for our 2 doggies! And they even had a separate menu for them.

  • Heather
    Jan 17, 2019
    Hospitality And Lunch For The Dogs!

    We had a lovely afternoon on the patio with our beagles. They provided water bowls and we ordered them food of the doggy menu. Our dishes were yummy as well.

  • Kristy
    More than a year ago
    Best Food in Carmel!!!

    I found this place in Bring Frido and from the great reviews we had to try this place! The outside patio area is very intimate and relaxing with a hint of romantic atmosphere. The staff are very friendly to both humans and pets! They have regular menus and offer a dog menu. The staff were very attentive and the food was so DELICIOUS!!! I highly recommend the Alfredo pasta!!! If ever in Carmel you must try!

  • Tanya
    More than a year ago
    The BESTEST!!!

    Great food, ambiance, patio, fireplaces, dog menu, and jazz. We love it!

  • Jamey
    More than a year ago
    dog friendly patio

    Not only does the Forge have delicious food, and terrific service, they couldn't be friendlier or more welcoming to our dog. They have a special patio that specifically allows pets.
    Be sure to get the amazing chocolate chip cookie in the frying pan!

  • Marilyn
    More than a year ago
    Best Ever!

    This is the greatest dog friendly restaurant ever! They offer a "Canine Cuisine" menu which by far is good quality food for the dogs and large portions. My 2 small dogs couldn't even eat the 1 order of the Quarter Hounder, so they shared it with another large dog. It would be great if more restaurants shared this openness to having dogs. BTW my meal was delicious!

  • Annie
    More than a year ago
    don't bother searching any longer

    I'll keep it short and simple. We are from out of town, fine dining, casual dress code and totally dog friendly. They have a great variety of meals on their "bark menu" for your pup. Need I say more

  • Rachel
    More than a year ago
    Wonderfully dog friendly--food is a mixed bag

    We went for an early dinner on a weekend night and had a great time with our dogs on the welcoming enclosed patio. The doggie menu is always a nice touch (though we didn't order anything this time).

    The human food, however, was decidedly a mixed bag. One of us ordered a personal pizza (not recommended at all) an the other ordered an entree special (delicious!) If you decide to go, stick with the simple dishes (like appetizers, as we saw many people doing) or choose a special. Otherwise, two thumbs up for dog-friendly dining!

  • Tanya
    More than a year ago
    AMAZING!!!

    Had an amazing seafood paella the first time we went and then a wonderful pork tenderloin the second. They have a menu for the pups. Though ours had already eaten, several dogs around us were enjoying their doggie dinners.
    I highly recommend this local gem!!!

  • Sheri
    More than a year ago
    Romantic Dinner Place

    We came here for dinner and got to sit outside, near one of the fireplaces (they also have heaters but we didn't need them). The outdoor dining experience cannot be matched. The fireplaces, plants and white Christmas lights make the ambiance special. We had our dog and she was welcomed warmly. The wine list was decent, The menu varied and our dog even got her own menu to order from. We ordered gnocchi and short rib. Overall, the food was okay, not great. However, I would definitely come here again for the dog friendliness (she loved her steak dinner) and the outstanding outdoor experience. I definitely recommend reservations for dinner.

  • Jerry
    More than a year ago
    The best

    We had dinner here one night, probably the best food we had on our CA road trip. Very dog friendly, with a dog menu. There were 6 dogs there the evening we visited...so a little barking, but everyone seemed to be so understanding. A little pricey but so worth it. I would recommend Forge in the Forest to anyone who is traveling with a dog and wants to treat themselves to an evening of good food.

  • Kathy
    More than a year ago
    Beautiful Garden Restaurant

    We stopped in for lunch with our Westie after spending the morning on the beach. It was turning into a hot day, and this place was an oasis! Right of the bat they brought Wally a cool bowl of water, and our drink order. There is a menu for dogs that is creative and amusing. We declined due to Wally's dietary restrictions. Our food was great and attractively presented. The wait staff refilled our iced tea when they were almost empty. They were attentive without being intrusive. You may be surprised at the prices, but then you might want to remind yourself that you are in a tourist town, on the coast, and in California....

  • Greg
    More than a year ago
    Great

    Very kind people! The patio is really nice

  • Sue
    More than a year ago
    STEAK!!!!

    We decided to give The Forge in The Forest a try based on the great reviews here & we were glad we did. Patio area was great and the staff here are amazing. We have a well behaved but shy, large, mixed breed and he was instantly comfortable here. They really do take "Dog Friendly" to the next level. They brought our pooch a nice bowl of water right away and we decided to go with the "Good Dog" steak for him. When they brought it out-it looked & smelled delicious. Max confirmed that it was. We went with steaks also (from the human menu) and they were incredible -very tender & perfectly cooked. Service was very prompt & attentive. We will definitely be back.

  • Haze
    More than a year ago
    Great patio

    I used to like the other sunny patio better but our pooches enjoy the 'dog pound, their dog friendly patio. The food is average but the servers are nice

  • Tricia
    More than a year ago
    Dog Friendly Outdoor Dining

    This place had a great private outdoor patio with heaters and fire pit, a dog menu with meats, kibble, and dog biscuits available! The human food was decent but a little over priced. The crab stuffed portobello and giant cookie skillet were the best!

  • Julia
    More than a year ago
    Fun Dinner with Fido

    Carmel is uniquely dog friendly, but even so Forge in the Forest takes the cake, I mean kibble. We were traveling with another couple who did not have a dog so we needed to find an upscale restaurant with a heated outdoor seating area that was nice enough they wouldn't feel they were making a sacrifice because of our dog friendly requirement. We all had a great time. What a novelty to find a doggy menu on the table. The waiter brought out water for our dog right away and we had a large area for him to lay by the fireplace beside our table on the outdoor patio. Places like this make traveling with dogs fun.

  • Deb
    More than a year ago
    Best ever

    The restaurant is adorable and cozy. The service was extraordinary. We indulged our human sleeves and even ordered a hot dog off of the dog menu. For Dunkles, our lovable mutt. While on the pricey side for our budget, the food was absolutely worth it as both our human meals were delicious. Thank Fido for your services!

  • John
    More than a year ago
    What's not to like!

    When you walk into the restaurant and there are already at least seven dogs there, you know this place is dog friendly. Dog friendly is great, but if they don't have good food, what's the point? We went back here three times in our brief stay in Carmel we liked it so much. Our dog loved the chicken he was served from the dog menu and we loved our food. The service was good and friendly to humans as well as dogs.

  • Bogey Labradoodle Olivas
    More than a year ago
    Something for everyone!

    This was a wonderful restaurant! I got my own water bowl, a couple of biscuits and some scraps from mom and dad. They said their meals and drinks were delicious! I met a golden doodle named Posey. She was pretty! Best day ever!!

  • Amanda
    More than a year ago
    LOVE this place!!

    We discovered The Forge a few years back when out in Carmel for our annual dog get together - we have large breed dogs (Leonberger's) and the group usually likes to go out to eat together after the dogs have played on the beach - usually about 7-9 dogs (all over 100 lbs) and they have always been able to accommodate us! The staff is wonderfully dog friendly - and kid friendly too - our girls love going there - their favourite spot is by the fir pit - they also love visiting with all the other dogs on the patio. We always start our meal with the San Francisco Fondue and end it with the giant chocolate chip cookie (well a few of them to go around) - now we go as often as once or twice a month and always end our day at The Forge. Feels like home now!

  • Dominique
    More than a year ago
    Great Ambiance and Food

    Forge has one of the nicest dog friendly patios that I have ever been to! There are plenty of tables (but you can reserve ahead of time if worried), an outdoor fireplace for warmth and ambiance, and great dog friendly staff! The food is delicious for both humans and dogs (they even have their own dog menu...Freckles got the hot dog and thought it was perfect!)! Fantastic, make sure that you visit!

  • Sylvia
    More than a year ago
    Big Thumbs Up

    We really enjoyed our lunch at Forge! The atmosphere and food were so good, we would recommend it to anyone whether they are bringing a dog or not. The staff was very welcoming and friendly. Our dog loved her chicken and we loved the French Onion Soup.

  • Joan
    More than a year ago
    Our evening out with SallyDog

    This place is romantic. There is a tree in the middle of the patio with little white lights on it. A fireplace in a corner of the patio also. White table cloths with candles, great food. Wonderful wine list. Very friendly staff. Just go to the front of the restaurant to let them know you are dining with your dog, the hostess will walk you around to the patio and seat you and your dog. Then a friendly waiter will show up with water for your dog to start the evening. Relax and enjoy every minute.

  • Ashley
    More than a year ago
    Forge is the Best!

    This place is great - complete with a special dog menu! Rusty had the chicken, but could have had a steak or some kibble. Also, all dogs in the "dog pound" get a milk bone and water. I wish I lived closer so I could go here more often!

  • Remington
    More than a year ago
    Forge Rocks

    They brought me a bowl of water and a milk bone.. Mom looked at the dog menu and decided I could have steak but I had to share it with my buddy. It would have been 4 meals for little old me. Forge rocks, can't wait to go back to eat at the area they call the dog pound, mom said her food was great also.

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The Forge