Even though dogs are welcome only in outdoor seating areas in America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital, you can still have a great time if you choose the venue wisely. Out of some 130 restaurants that allow dogs in Sacramento, we have selected the top 9 where you and Fido are bound to experience true Californian hospitality.
Paesanos Midtown
1806 Capitol Ave.
Photos by @tsuuukune_bichon & @paesanos_inc / Instagram
This casual pizza eatery is ideal for folks who adore Italian cuisine: pizzas, various pasta dishes, and salads. House cocktails and a beer selection (on tap and bottled) are also on the menu, including an impressive wine list. The happy hour is Monday through Friday from 3 PM to 6 PM.
Dogs are welcome at charming street-side tables that run along both sides of the sidewalk. Paesanos is usually open from 11:30 AM and closes around 10 in the evening. They also have a restaurant in Elk Grove and one in Davis.
Zócalo Midtown
1801 Capitol Ave.
Photos by @zocalorestaurant & @theadventuresofaussierain / Instagram
If you prefer Mexican over Italian food, head across the street from Paesanos to Zócalo. Here you can try tacos and tortillas, as well as get a taste of Mexican hospitality that promises to “transform the ordinary act of eating into an extraordinary experience.”
Your dog is welcome on the street-corner patio shaded by round, blue umbrellas. They are known for hosting intimate events, as well as being walk-in friendly, which is a rarity in downtown Sacramento. They also offer a to-go menu when Fido and you are in a rush.
Capitol Garage
1500 K St.
Photo by @EMilio M. / Yelp
This American bar & eatery is a place where you’ll always find a place on the patio to sit with your dog. In fact, local dog owners commend the staff on their love for dogs and the fact they always bring water bowls to canine patrons.
Capitol Garage’s weekend brunch from 8 AM to 3 PM is quite popular but the dinner menu doesn’t lag far behind with dishes such as Chicken Malfatti. Before you decide to visit, know that their work hours vary depending on the day of the week (e.g. they are closed on Mondays).
Taylor's Kitchen
2924 Freeport Blvd.
Photos by @taylorskitchen1 & @mama_mac88 / Instagram
This upscale American restaurant allows dogs on the patio when the weather is fine. Their dinner menu features plates of various sizes (including a kids menu), featuring dishes such as Seared Ahi Tuna and Little Gems (a mix of hazelnut and avocado).
They are closed on Sundays, while on other days they open at 5 PM for dinner. On the other hand, Taylor’s Kitchen (alongside Taylor’s Market) offers private dining with custom-created menus. The elaborate wine menu is also something they take pride in.
Don Quixote's
2648 Watt Ave.
Photos by Don Quixote’s Grill / Facebook
Another Mexican eatery on our list, Don Quixote’s is located in the heart of Arden-Arcade. Even though they are a bit to the east of the city center, local vets service area actually reaches as far as Clarksville. The Mexican grill also has restaurants in Rocklin and Natomas.
When they opened the restaurant back in 2006, the owners’ idea was to offer customers traditional Mexican cuisine combined with convenience and speed. Pet-friendliness is an integral part of this philosophy, as Fido is more than welcome at any of the outdoor tables.
Pinkberry
2441 Fair Oaks Blvd.
Photos by @pinkberryswirl & @coo_10.22 / Instagram
Not your typical restaurant, Pinkberry Frozen Yogurt is a place of delight both for you and your pup. They were the ones who started the fro-yo frenzy in Sacramento and today offer all sorts of flavored yogurts with various toppings. Their most popular flavors are passion fruit and Limoncello, which are best paired with fresh fruit as topping. There are a couple of outdoor tables where your dog is welcome to join you but keep in mind you have to tie it up before you go inside to order.
Public House Downtown
1132 16th St.
Photos by @phdowntown / Instagram
Dog lovers who love sports and beer simply cannot afford not to visit Public House Downtown. This resto-bar offers starters such as Nacho Tots, pizzas (BBQ Chicken pizza is original), and delicious entrées (e.g. Spicy Stir Fried Noodles).
The beer menu doesn’t lag behind with 60 beers on tap, ranging from pilsners to cream ales. Public House Downtown is open from 11 AM on the weekends and dogs are more than welcome (expect the waitress to bring a water bowl) in the ale house’s open-air beer garden.
Roxy Restaurant & Bar
2381 Fair Oaks Blvd.
Photo by @roxyrestaurantandbar / Instagram
Apart from a well-stocked bar and a spacious dining room, this stylish bistro features a charming dog-friendly patio. Roxy Restaurant & Bar opened its doors back in 2006 serving innovative “new American cuisine” using organic, locally grown, and handmade products.
You can even order food online from several menus, such as the kids’ menu or the popular midday menu. The aforementioned patio is perfect for pups which are getting used to eating out with their owners, as the staff will bring you a water bowl and a treat.
Crepeville
1730 L St.
Photos by @sacramento_elizabeth & @justjax2016 / Instagram
As its name suggests, Crepeville is the place to go in Sac if you have a case of crepe craving. The outdoor patio welcomes dogs but the staff gets too busy at times, so you might need to go inside to order, which means leaving your pup outside.
Apart from crepes, they also offer eggs, scrambles, omelets, burgers, sandwiches, pasta, soups, etc. The vicinity to California State Capitol Park makes it the ideal dinner venue after walking your dog in summer.
As you have seen from our top 9 choices of dog-friendly Sacramento restaurants, they are fairly eclectic. Whether you just want to savor handmade gelato or you are in search of a wholesome dinner, there are more than enough venues for you and Fido to choose from.
If your four-legged companion happens to need a veterinarian during your stay in the City of Trees, schedule an appointment with our local mobile team to be treated in the comfort of your Sacrament-based home.
FAQ
Yes, dogs are welcome at DOCO – Downtown Commons. In recent years, they have set up a “dog relief station” with patrons with pups in mind.
Since 2014, dogs are allowed in outdoor seating areas of California’s restaurants. When it comes to indoor pet policies, local legislations state that only service animals are allowed in.
Yes, dogs are allowed on the outside patio in Tower Café: International Restaurant and Bakery.
Yes, you can bring Fido to Chevy’s raised patio by the Sacramento River.
