12 Dog-Friendly Dining Options In Chicago To Eat With Your Pup

When your pup becomes your favorite dining buddy, every meal feels like a mini-vacation together. Letting dogs tag along to bars and restaurants deepens the bond between human and canine pals, mixes in a little extra joy and turns ordinary meals into tail-wagging celebrations. The simple pleasure that dog parents can enjoy at one of these dog friendly options is priceless.

Luckily, when visiting Chicago dog-friendly dining options are plentiful. The city rolls out the welcome mat for dog-lovers who love good food, great vibes and four-legged company.

Is Chicago A Dog-Friendly City?

Chicago radiates good vibes for dog lovers. From sprawling parks to patios that welcome wagging tails, the city seems to say “bring ’em along” at many eateries. Laws on municipal and health codes mean that while not every place welcomes paws, plenty do. They offer treat bowls, shady spots and water, making pups beloved guests rather than an afterthought. You’ll find spots across diverse neighborhoods where dogs aren’t just allowed. They’re celebrated.

Here are 12 standout Chicago bars and restaurants that provide dog friendly dining where you and your pup can hang out together.

The SoFo Tap

The SoFo Tap is a welcoming, LGBTQ-friendly pub that keeps energy bright with “doggy days” from noon to 3 p.m. every Saturday. People score half-priced drafts while pups get free treats. It’s a casual, lively scene where good vibes and wagging tails come standard. If you want to kick off your weekend with brews and canine buddies, then this neighborhood gem serves it up. This local favorite is well known for its great music and laid back vibe, so pups have a welcoming environment to explore. 

Farm Bar

The Farm Bar is a Midwestern-meets-canine favorite that serves fresh produce from its own Brown Dog Farm and welcomes pups on its patio. Nature lovers can fully enjoy the ambiance with their canine companion. This bar blends down-home flavors with dog-friendly charm and gives you a chance to enjoy hearty food and drinks under open skies with your furry friend right beside you. Visitors are bound to make some unforgettable memories and capture some unforgettable moments during their stop. 

Ludlow Liquors

In Avondale, Ludlow Liquors invites you and your pup to linger on its backyard garden patio. It perks up the party with rum cocktails, like the Banana Hammock, bacon-gruyère burgers and mini croissant dogs (the sausage kind). So visitors can sit back and relax and sip stylishly while their dog lounges in the sun. 

The Patio at Café Brauer

After a Lincoln Park run, The Patio at Café Brauer on the Nature Boardwalk warmly invites canines to join the al fresco feast. With park views and a relaxed vibe, it makes Sunday brunch feel like a breath of fresh air for both you and your pup. This location has unmatched pond views with the Chicago skyline presenting itself as the perfect backdrop for such a relaxing outing. Visitors can try out the popular chicken quesadilla or specialty burgers, which will have them coming back for more. 

The Moonlighter

Tucked in Logan Square, The Moonlighter’s expansive patio off the 606 trail makes it ideal for refueling with burgers, big cocktails, and bar bites, especially when your four-legged friend walks right alongside you. This spot brings outdoor dining vibes that feel both neighborhood-grown and effortlessly cool.

Big Star

If tacos and margaritas spark joy for you, Big Star does the same for pups with its 80-seat patio and dog-loving energy. The place loves pups so much they run the hashtag #dogsofbigstar. Expect a scene where dogs aren’t just allowed, they’re trendsetters. If your pampered pooch becomes a frequent visitor, then they may just become locally famous.  

Off Color Brewing Taproom The Mousetrap

This Off Color Brewing Taproom The Mousetrap keeps things chill with a small patio off Kingsbury where well-behaved pups can hang while you sip beers made with creativity. At this dog friendly dining spot in Chicago, dogs can soak up the fresh air with their humans. 

Mott St

Chef Edward Kim’s spot offers a lush 64-seat patio outfitted with greenery and water bowls so dogs feel welcome. Meanwhile, you indulge in standout dishes, like king-crab rice or the double-patty burger. It’s a worthy treat for both humans and hounds.

The Empty Bottle

The Empty Bottle features a famously furry feline proprietor, but the scene welcomes dog-toting drinkers too. With gritty charm and musical energy, you get great tunes and good company and your pup fits right into the vibe.

Sportsman’s Club

The Sportsman’s Club lets you mellow out in its backyard patio with a fresh-air cocktail in hand and your pup lounging beside you. The atmosphere blends chill cocktail bar vibes with open-air charm.

Barrio

North Barrio turns up summer radiance with a “puppy patio menu.” Spot and Fido can pick from chicken breast, burger patty, skirt steak. They even offer a dairy-free “woof-cream” dessert. You get stylish vibes and flavorful grills, both dog-approved.

Lou’s Backyard

Lou’s Backyard gives pups and people plenty of play space. You and your fur baby can sip, play bocce or chill by the fire pit. It’s a spacious, playful vibe perfect for long, lazy afternoons with a cold one in one hand and your pup’s leash in the other.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dogs ride the subway in Chicago?

Yes, to get to the dog friendly dining options in Chicago, your dog can ride the subway. However, they only can ride if they’re small and tucked into a closed, secure travel carrier, per the CTA. The carrier must fit under a seat or rest on your lap and not block pathways or take up space meant for riders.

Are dogs allowed in grocery stores in Chicago?

Most grocery stores follow health code rules that restrict animals, so dogs usually aren’t allowed inside unless they’re service animals. It’s best to check with individual stores. However, in general, pups stay outside, especially in grocery stores.

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