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?
***
We always have unique content on the Austinot, and we love to give things away. You know, like CDs, event tickets and other cool stuff. We only send out our Best of the Austinot newsletter two times/month. It’s where we give you a recap of our best articles and give stuff away. Interested? Subscribe to Best of the Austinot here!