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Does your dog look at you with puppy eyes every time you head out without them? Do you feel guilty sitting in a local restaurant while your dog is sitting at home, waiting for you to return? Do you get frustrated when you get hungry while out with your dog and you don’t have anywhere to go?
There are actually many dog-friendly restaurants in Tampa where your pooch can join you, usually in an outdoor seating area. Check out our list of the 10 best dog-friendly restaurants in the Tampa area.
1. American Social
691 S. Harbour Island Blvd #107, Tampa, FL 33602
Photos by Bridgette K., Elke H./ Yelp
If you enjoy brunch during the day or happy hour drinks in the evening, you will be grateful for American Social, which offers great food and drinks at affordable prices and is also pup-friendly.
Your dog is welcome throughout as long as they are under control, but the best spot is the covered patio with a waterfront review.
Watch for weekly events such as holiday parties and special offers for the biggest sporting events.
2. City Dog Cantina
1208 E. Kennedy Blvd #114, Tampa, FL 33602
Photos by Karlita P., Conchinita Nachos / Yelp
Located in downtown Tampa’s Channelside District, City Dog Cantina is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Everything is served on their outdoor patio where dogs are also welcome.
You will find mostly West Coast and Mexican fusion-style dishes on the menu, including crab cake BLTs and jalapeno mac & cheese.
Don’t forget to try their City Dog packaged liquor, though it is definitely for you and not your pup.
1805 E. 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605
Photo by Robert S., Yelp | Photo by Gaspar’s Grotto (Facebook)
This is a pirate-themed restaurant and bar in Ybor City. There is a nice indoor bar and dining area, and also two sun-drenched outdoor patios where you are more than welcome to sit with your canine companion.
The Grotto is a great place for private events, especially if you want to get together with your other dog-loving friends.
Live music is available Monday to Thursday, and all day long on weekends as well.
4. The Getaway
13090 Gandy Blvd N., St Petersburg, FL 33702
Photo by Stephanie S./ Yelp
If you are looking for a spot where you can meet other dog lovers, then you will appreciate the Getaway on Tuesdays, which is a special weekly dog-friendly day.
You and your pup will feel like you are on vacation, with a tropical setting, beachy drinks, and coconut cream cocktails.
This restaurant also has some of the best oysters in the city if you want to treat yourself at the same time you treat your pooch.
5. MacDinton’s Soho
405 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
Photos by Maria D., Scott W./ Yelp
If you are looking for a good traditional Irish pub where you can sit with your dog, then MacDinton’s fits the bill. You’ll find classic beers on tap and typical pub fare including shepherd’s pie and bangers and mash.
Your dog is welcome on the outdoor patio at any time, and there are also a variety of “yappy hours” when dog lovers can get together and socialize.
There is always live music on the weekends, and you can make music yourself with karaoke on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
6. Pour House
1208 E. Kennedy Blvd #112, Tampa, FL 33602
Photos by Leila R., Jennifer B./ Yelp
Located right across the street from one of the local dog parks, Pour Hours invites you to bring your pup in with you after you complete your exercise.
It feels like an intimate sports bar, but Pour House specializes in draft beers, with an incredibly wide selection. Their Hard Tropical Pinch cider is also worth trying.
Head over on the evening on the third Thursday of every month when food trucks are on site.
7. Red Mesa Mercado
1100 1st Ave N. St Petersburg, FL 33705
Photo by Red Mesa Mercado / Facebook
If you are a fan of Mexican food and want a spot to bring your pup, head to this corner of Tampa where you will find some fantastic chicken chili.
Your pup is welcome throughout the premises, and they will even get their own water bowl. Bring a handful of their food with you so they can chow down with you.
Vegans will also love this place, as they have surprisingly hearty vegan-friendly options.
8. The Sail
333 S. Franklin Street, Tampa, FL 33602
Photo by The Sail, Teresa T. / Yelp
This fully outdoor restaurant and bar has a patio that offers spectacular views of the Tampa waterfront. Sit in the open air or undercover as you prefer, with your four-legged friend by your side.
Burgers and fries dominate the menu, as do signature cocktails including Island Mai Tais, Grey Goose Mules, and frozen Mojitos.
Pups get complimentary dog biscuits and water bowls, and you can buy them dog ice cream to cool down on hot days.
9. Sparkman Wharf
615 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
Photos by Mel L., Rachel M. / Yelp
At the wharf, you will find a beer garden and lots of street food stands that allow you to experiment with the latest culinary crazes.
Try healthy Fit Bowl Co. smoothies, chicken and beef dishes from Flock and Stock, Mexican provisions from Jotoro, or Nori seaweed fries from Boat Run.
There are lots of green grassy areas where your dog can roam, and regular live music and entertainment events for you, too.
Need To Know
While your dog might be welcome in these restaurants, it is important that you respect the rules of each establishment. This usually means that your dog needs to be clean, well-socialized, and well-behaved.
Your dog shouldn’t be barking at other patrons, and you certainly don’t want to deal with any potty training accidents in an area where people are eating.
Make sure you train your dog to behave appropriately in such complex environments.
Are you also looking for a vet in the Tampa area? Check out The Vets, the veterinary service that comes to you.
