Matthew

It’s just metal cafe tables on a concrete patio, but the outdoor seating area attracts a lot of dogs and their companions. We joined three others on a Saturday morning. Lots of space and it’s on the north side of the building, so lots of shade to keep your dog comfy.

The Elbow Room was a great spot for us and our Shelties on an early Monday evening in late summer. The server was attentive, and actually couldn’t resist giving Ainsley a scratch behind the ears. The sidewalk is just far enough from the inside row of tables so our charismatic doggies could be seen without being touched involuntarily by passers by. Huge bowl of water and overall just a normal place to sit with two dogs.

We hoped for better from this cafe. The seating area (as with several other restaurants in the area) is on the sidewalk and pavement, bounded by several Jersey barriers. The area is shaded by buildings until early afternoon, then it is in the blazing sun for the rest of the day. Our server was polite, but did not acknowledge that we had Ainsley and Fiona with us until she returned our check for signature (you know, tip time)

Just off the highway on the way in to Massena. Katelyn was happy to provide a bowl of ice cold water for Fiona and Ainsley. If we were solo the drive through would work for us.

This Panera location has a spacious outdoor patio, well shaded and lots of room between tables. We enjoyed sandwiches on a beautiful summer day. The staff gladly gave us a bowl for Ainsley and Fiona, which we filled with ice water. This is a good stop for both humans and canines.

We had a nice lunch with Ainsley and Fiona. Two different servers brought them water, and the sidewalk patio was shaded and cool. Plus, the beer.

The Medina restaurant has a covered patio with six tables. The manager was discouraging about seating us, saying it would be okay to sit outdoors with our dogs “as long as no one objected.” When we persuaded him it would be good to give it a try it turned out there was another family seated there already with their beautiful Pug! Despite the uneven welcome we eventually had a good meal, and one server offered to bring water dishes when he saw the other family had snagged a take out box from the bus tray. They could work on their dog manners a bit but their hearts are more or less in the right place.

Saying you’re “dog-friendly” and exiling your canine customers to an asphalt parking lot and unshaded picnic table doesn’t cut it. The Valcour Brewing Company, on the other hand, has a better idea. The Ohio Avenue building, on the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base, has a large and shaded covered porch nestled up against the stone building. Fido can enjoy your company, even on a hot summer day. The beers are all brewed right here, and the food is highly elevated pub fare—no grease, just good stuff. Danielle, tending the bar, also paid great attention to both us and our companions Ainsley and Fiona. This is a great summer hangout for people and their pooches alike. Highly recommended.