A lucky customer cools off at Lucia's Dog Bar
By Meredeth Barzen
Note: Throw us a bone and tell us about your favorite places to grab a bite with your dog in the comments section below. Or go one further: We’ve teamed up with our friends at Stunt Puppy to create this super-snazzy interactive map of our choice dog spots in the area. Check it out and add (and review!) your own faves here.
You asked for it, you got it! Our readers have been hounding (nudge, nudge!) us for a definitive list of places to dine with their dogs. Everyone (hopefully) knows about Lucia’s Dog Bar–the creme de la creme of doggie dining–and some of the bigger names we touted in last year’s doggie dining roundup. Now that the season’s officially upon us (catch these 72-degree days while you can,) Sidewalk Dog’s here to offer a few of our favorites.
1. Riverboat Grill - That’s “Captain Fido”, thankyouverymuch. This old-timey riverboat docks at Saint Paul’s Harriet Island and serves up choice chow and scenery in an extremely dog-friendly environment. Since the entire dining room is outdoors, dogs are permitted to roam just about anywhere they’d like–brave pups can even take in the view from the top deck, provided they’re not afraid of a flight of stairs. Water, treats and ample tie-up spots are a given.
2. Toast Wine Bar and Cafe – This North Loop cafe in Downtown Minneapolis has three separate sections to its patio to accommodate all levels of doggie dining interest. Plus, they’ll be hosting their second annual “Yappy Hour” on June 6, where lucky pups will get to taste-test their special treats. Stay tuned to Sidewalk Dog for more info on this event!
3. Blue Plate Restaurants - With hip, dog-friendly spots all over the metro (3 Squares, Edina Grill and Groveland Tap, anyone?), two of this local diner dynasty’s restaurants have really gone to the dogs: Longfellow Grill and Highland Grill. While dogs are welcome to keep you company on the other side of a low fence surrounding all Blue Plate patios (though not on the patios proper), four-legged friends seem especially taken with the casual atmosphere and official, restaurant-branded water bowls at these two locations. Some owners even order lunch for their furry dining companions.
4. Gigi’s Cafe – Need nourishment after a romp around Lake Harriet or Lake Calhoun? This South Minneapolis bistro has a lovely sidewalk where you and your dog are welcome to relax with brunch and a bowl of water. Dispatch from the rumor mill: Homemade dog biscuits are coming soon!
Picosa's patio on St. Anthony Main's cobblestone streets
5. Picosa – With walking trails and a park bordering a long, narrow patio along Minneapolis’ historic St. Anthony Main, dogs are a natural fit at this Latin American/Caribbean restaurant. Water bowls and treats are available for canine customers.
6. Birchwood Cafe – If the homemade dog biscuits that this Seward eatery has in the works are anything like its often local, sustainable and organic people-food, then Twin Cities dogs have a reason to rejoice.
7. Pumphouse Creamery - For dessert, you can’t beat Pumphouse’s decadent ice cream–for you and your dog. That’s right, the South Minneapolis shop makes their own gourmet doggie ice cream. Inspired by 2 neighborhood dogs, the treat comes in two flavors: Bella’s
Tracks (plain) and Bruno’s Tracks (peanut butter). With half the fat and sugar as “people” ice cream, your pup can go gonzo for a treat that tastes like people food, but won’t mess with his system.
Other great places to nosh with your dog:
- Aster Cafe (St. Anthony Main, Downtown Minneapolis)
How about you? Throw us a bone and tell us about your favorite places to grab a bite with your dog in the comments section below. Or go one further: We’ve teamed up with our friends at Stunt Puppy to create this super-snazzy interactive map of our choice dog spots in the area. Check it out and add (and review!) your own faves here.
Sadie the Wonderdoodle takes in her first ballgame.