Traveling with your pup means scouting out the best dog-friendly bars and restaurants wherever you go. And in Chicago, there’s no shortage of spots to grab a bite with your four-legged friend. These bars and restaurants in particular are super pup-friendly, whether it’s a large patio, free water and treats, or a whole menu just for dogs
Here are my top picks for soaking up the rest of patio season alongside your favorite pup.
Barrio
Fido can get the full red carpet treatment at Barrio, River North’s Mexican-inspired hot spot. Grab a seat on the patio and order from the canine menu, which features skirt steak, burger patties, grilled chicken, and dairy-free “woof-cream” for dessert. The best part? A portion of the proceeds from the puppy patio menu will be donated to PAWS Chicago. 65 W. Kinzie St.
Formento’s
Located in the heart of the West Loop on the popular Restaurant Row, Formento’s is the place to be for old-school Italian dishes. You and your pet can grab a seat outside (Formento’s has one of the widest sidewalk patios in the neighborhood) and nosh on dishes like Nonna’s homemade meatballs, grilled artichokes with parmesan and garlic butter, and risotto with corn, lobster and chives. 925 W. Randolph
Broken English Taco Pub
The Lincoln Park outpost of the popular Mexican street style restaurant has some great daily food and drink specials (like $2 taco Tuesdays or the bottomless weekend brunch buffet). Another reason to visit Broken English: the pup-filled patio. Don’t miss the “paw-letas” (dog-friendly paletas) from the walk-up ice cream window. 2576 N. Lincoln Ave.
Big Star
Big Star is an iconic Wicker Park spot. On any given day, the bustling patio will be filled with pitchers of margaritas, plates of al pastor tacos, and plenty of pups. The large outdoor space means there’s plenty of room for your furry friend to relax and afterward you can go for a walk in the neighborhood’s namesake park right next door. 1531 N. Damen Ave.
Taureaux Tavern
Taureaux Tavern, the newest French eatery to hit the Loop, pulls out all the stops for guests with canine companions. Water comes in custom Taureaux dog bowls and there’s a special canine menu with made-to-order dishes. Order a hamburger patty or scrambled eggs for your pup, plus a seafood tower or black truffle pappardelle for you. 155 W. Van Buren St.
The Promontory
The Promontory is primarily known for its hearth-cooked menu, but its dog-friendly outdoor patio is another compelling reason to visit this Hyde Park hot spot. After bringing a scenic walk with your pup at skyline-facing Promontory Point, head over to The Promontory’s patio for seasonal brunch and dinner dishes, plus creative cocktails. 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. West
Siena Tavern
If you (and your pet) are craving Italian, then head to Siena Tavern in the heart of River North. Choose from antipasti, local salumi, and housemade pastas, then pick a dish from the “puppy ciao” menu (like grilled meats and dog-friendly ice cream). 51 W. Kinzie
Antique Taco
The lively patio at the Bridgeport location of Antique Taco is often packed with locals and their furry friends. While pups may not be filling up on tacos and margaritas, you can grab your pet a snack at Bow Wow Bakery, the organic dog treat truck that pulls up outside Antique Taco every Wednesday night. 1000 W. 35th St.
Parson’s Chicken and Fish
Parson’s Chicken and Fish is where you can find one of Chicagoan’s favorite summer drink — the negroni slushy. It’s also home to one of Logan Square’s greatest and largest patios. With picnic tables, red-and-white umbrellas, and ping-pong tables galore, the patio is packed nightly with city dwellers and their pups. While dogs can enjoy plenty of space to roam around, you can dig into their famous fried chicken, fresh oysters, and more. 2952 W. Armitage Ave.
