Prudence lusts after my turkey leg during the 2016 Pecan Street Festival in downtown Austin (Credit: Jaclyn Hubersberger)
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more dog-friendly place than Austin, since humanity’s best friends are allowed in the majority of our city’s outdoor spaces. In a place that frequently makes it onto Top 10 lists for dog-friendliness, Austin has no shortage of dog parks, off-leash hiking trails and swimming holes where both you and your pup can cool off. Our Capital City is also home to more than 35 pet photographers, a doggie yoga studio, and Yard Bar–a restaurant/bar and dog park rolled into one.
While most restaurant and bar patios welcome the four-legged variety, there happen to be a few I enjoy more than others when I have my beloved rescue pup, Prudence, in tow. From dive bars to diners, ranch-to-table restaurants to beer gardens, this list has something for every dog (and owner).
1/ Easy Tiger
Behind Easy Tiger on Sixth Street (Credit: Nan Palmero via Flickr CC)
Located at the far east end of Dirty Sixth Street, Easy Tiger offers a reprieve from the rest of the nightlife in the area. Its spacious outdoor patio and doggie water service make it a great downtown meeting place were pets can join in the fun. Humans will enjoy Easy Tiger’s impressive beer list and renowned baked goods.
709 E. 6th St. – Website
2/ Contigo
Contigo (Credit: Google Street)
If you’re looking for a casual, upscale joint to impress both pooches and locavore foodies, Contigo is my recommendation. Enjoy craft cocktails and ranch-to-table eats while dining al fresco alongside your furry friend. During happy hour, patrons can snack on $2.50 ox tongue sliders, $1 fried chicken on Thursdays and imbibe during Drink Local Tuesdays with $2 Austin beers.
2027 Anchor Lane – Website
3/ Spider House
Spider House’s outdoor patio accommodates up to 1,000 people (Credit: Jaclyn Hubersberger)
Spider House Cafe has been a staple of The University of Texas area for more than 20 years and is considered an Austin institution. Its patio is expansive and offers plenty of shade; the crowd is diverse; and their drink specials are tough to beat. Grab the leash and head out with Fido to bury your nose in a good book, or start writing your own, while enjoying the eclectic outdoor space full of creative energy (and tchotchkes).
908 Fruth St. – Website
4/ The Liberty
This list wouldn’t be complete without one of Austin’s best-loved dive bars: The Liberty. With more square footage outdoors than in, dogs give this place a big paws up! Humans will enjoy the cheap drinks, divey digs and what is arguably one of the most well-known food trucks in Austin: East Side King.
1618 E. 6th St. – Website
5/ Cenote
An eastside cafe located inside a historical home, Cenote has a large patio that wraps around the property and provides a quaint atmosphere for enjoying your morning coffee with your BFF at your feet. The menu features local veggies from many Texas farms, pasture-raised eggs and bacon from Flying Pig Provisions. Word on the street is, the breakfast sandwiches are worth writing home about.
1010 E. Cesar Chavez St. – Website
6/ Kerbey Lane Cafe
Kerbey Lane Cafe is the only spot on this list that has been around longer than I have been alive. With seven locations in the Austin area, six of which have dog-friendly patios and five of which are open 24/7, it’s no wonder this establishment is so popular among Austinites and their pooches. After all, who doesn’t love all day breakfast served on shaded patios?
Multiple locations – Website
7/ Cheer Up Charlie’s
A favorite of Austin’s LGBTQ community, Cheer Up Charlie’s is my go-to spot when I’m in the mood to day drink on a health kick (here’s looking at you, Kale Ginger Margarita). With inventive cocktails, a vegan food truck and live outdoor performances, this downtown hangout is the perfect place to have your dog tag along on a sunny Austin afternoon.
8/ Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden
A beer garden with an off-leash dog run, more than 100 beers on tap and 30 house-made sausages, Banger’s is a must if you’re planning a Sunday Funday on Rainey Street with your canine. Be sure to mark your calendar for the next Mega Mutt Monday event on March 27, 2017, an event that features all-day happy hour, live music and dog-centric treats from various vendors.
79 Rainey St. – Website
@theAustinot wants to know:
Which dog-friendly patios in Austin do you frequent with your four-legged pal?
The Crown & Anchor…Covered and uncovered patio and dog bowls….
Moontower Saloon and Guero’s are also dog friendly.