Where to Bring Your Leashed Pup for Brunch, Beers and Bayside Dinners
Dog-friendly patios in San Diego are outdoor dining spaces at restaurants, bars and resorts that welcome leashed dogs alongside their owners. And San Diego has 26 standout spots where your pup can join you for everything from bottomless brunch to happy hour. From beachside dives to bayfront resort patios, these are grouped by neighborhood so you can plan the perfect pup date. Come hungry, and bring your dog.
Pacific Beach & Mission Beach
1. Pickleball, Pints and Pups
Mavericks Beach Club is 15,000+ square feet of pure Pacific Beach energy. You’ll find three versatile courts for pickleball, futsal or basketball, 40 TVs, full-service food and beverage options and outdoor areas where leashed dogs are always welcome. Your pup settles in while you scan the lineup: Baja-inspired bites, $8 burgers all day on Burger Mondays and $5 tacos all day on Taco Tuesday. Wednesday brings trivia night with $5 select beers and $1 wings all day (five-wing minimum), and Thursday is Country Night with instructor-led line dancing starting at 7 p.m. Happy hour brings half off all drinks from 2 to 5 p.m. Football Sundays fill every screen with one of Pacific Beach’s liveliest game-day crowds. It’s a beach party, a sports bar and a neighborhood hangout all at once, and your pup gets a seat at all three.
Mavericks Beach Club
860 Garnet Ave
San Diego, CA 92109
858.999.0348
M, 4 p.m.–close; T–Th, 2 p.m.–close; F, noon–close; Sa, 11 a.m.–2 a.m.; Su, 9:30 a.m.–close
2. Scratch Pastries, House-Roasted Coffee and a Seat for Your Pup
Molly’s sits a block off the Mission Beach boardwalk, and the plant-filled patio welcomes leashed dogs. Order downstairs, then claim a table on the rooftop deck, where lush greenery, couches and the Sunshine Bar stretch brunch well past noon. The coffee gets roasted in-house, so your latte tastes like someone actually cared. The pastry case is the real threat here, stocked daily with made-from-scratch almond croissants, scones and cookies. The shakshuka, the Mission Beach Breakfast Bowl and the avocado toast also earn their reputations. Parking gets competitive on weekends, so come early. A pre-brunch stroll on the sand works, too, since leashed dogs are allowed on the beach and boardwalk before 9 a.m.
Molly’s
3770 Mission Blvd
San Diego, CA 92109
858.301.6313
Daily, 7:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
3. Pacific Beach’s OG Neighborhood Bar
Step onto the open-air patio at The Duck Dive and you’ll understand why it’s been a Pacific Beach institution since 2012. Sitting 120 steps from the ocean, this surf-inspired neighborhood lounge blends a casual, wavelike vibe with a menu that punches above dive-bar expectations. Duck Dive is open seven days a week with a pup-friendly patio, serving brunch, lunch and dinner alongside craft cocktails, beer and wine. Weekend brunch is the move, with bottomless mimosas, a turkey and bacon benny and duck fat fries all deserving their own fan club. Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. with $8 cocktails, $7 select drafts and half off select snacks.
Daily specials keep the regulars rotating through: an $18 burger and beer on Monday, $5 tacos and $7 house margaritas on Taco Tuesday, half-off bottles of wine and bubbles on Wednesday and $10 build-your-own old fashioneds on Thursday. Trivia kicks off Wednesdays at 8 p.m., so grab tickets on Eventbrite and plan to camp out. Your pup parks in the sunshine while you decide between another round and the adobo chicken tacos. Spoiler: order both.
The Duck Dive
4650 Mission Blvd
San Diego, CA 92109
858.273.3825
M–Th, 10 a.m.–11 p.m.; F, 10 a.m.–midnight; Sa, 9 a.m.–midnight; Su, 9 a.m.–11 p.m.
4. Fire Pits, House Brews and a Patio Sunset
Just a few blocks from Mavericks, PB AleHouse welcomes leashed pups on its main-floor patio, so claim a spot by the fire pits and settle in for sunset. Up top, the rooftop Sky Deck serves up unobstructed beach views. The menu leans into pub classics done well. Expect giant soft pretzels, fried pickles, haddock fish and chips and birria tacos, plus six staple house beers and rotating seasonal taps brewed on site. Weekend brunch runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 18 big screens cover every game and the bar keeps pouring until 2 a.m. on weekends. It’s a brewery, a sports bar and a beach-day finish line rolled into one, and the patio makes sure your pup doesn’t miss the fun.
PB AleHouse
721 Grand Ave
San Diego, CA 92109
858.581.2337
M, W, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Th, 11 a.m.–midnight; F, 11 a.m.–2 a.m.; Sa, 10 a.m.–2 a.m.; Su, 10 a.m.–midnight
Mission Bay
5. Bayfront Tropical Vibes on Mission Bay
Bahia Resort Hotel‘s Dockside 1953 sits on a 14-acre tropical peninsula on Mission Bay, offering a dog-friendly patio (with its own dog menu) and unobstructed water views. The nautical-inspired restaurant serves fresh California fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with craft cocktails, beer and wine. On Saturdays, live music sets the soundtrack for brunch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. After your meal, rent a kayak, paddleboard or sailboat right on the property and explore the bay. SeaWorld is just a five-minute drive away, so the whole afternoon writes itself.
Dockside 1953
998 W Mission Bay Dr
San Diego, CA 92109
858.539.7634
Daily, 7 a.m.–10 p.m.
6. Polynesian Paradise on the Bay
Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa brings Polynesian charm to the shores of Mission Bay, and the outdoor dining scene here welcomes dogs as warmly as it does sunset chasers. Oceana Coastal Kitchen serves chef-driven California cuisine on a heated and covered bayside patio with panoramic views of Mission Bay. Expect fresh seafood, seasonal plates, handcrafted sushi and craft cocktails. Oceana also hosts live music on Sundays from noon to 3 p.m. and Wednesdays from 6 to 9 p.m.
Moray’s is the laid-back outdoor counterpart, with tiki torches, fire pit tables and lush flora setting the scene for tropical drinks and casual bites alongside happy hour specials Monday through Thursday from 2 to 5 p.m. Staying the night? The resort welcomes one dog up to 50 pounds or two dogs with a combined weight of up to 75 pounds, with a $125 non-refundable cleaning fee. Grab a Moray’s Mai Tai (just $15 on Tuesdays) and take your leashed pup for a stroll on the bayside boardwalk after dinner (dogs are allowed after 4 p.m. from November through March and after 6 p.m. from April through October).
Oceana Coastal Kitchen
3999 Mission Blvd
San Diego, CA 92109
858.539.8635
Oceana: M–F, 7 a.m.–2 p.m. & 5:30–10 p.m.; Sa–Su, 7 a.m.–3 p.m. & 5:30–10 p.m.
Moray’s: Daily, 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m. (drinks until 11 p.m.)
La Jolla
7. Benedict by the Cove, Dog in the Breeze
With ocean air, Pacific views and a patio built for long, slow brunches, Cody’s La Jolla is what you and your dog deserve on a Sunday morning. The Crab Cake Benedict is the one everyone mentions first, but the Awesome French Toast, made with Bread & Cie challah and topped with candied walnuts, fresh strawberries and mascarpone honey butter, is quietly competing for the title. Add the Chicken Biscuit Sandy, smothered in sausage gravy, or the Farmer’s Market Omelet, plus a Pomegranate Mimosa to round out the meal. La Jolla Cove is just below, so come back after 4 p.m. in winter or 6 p.m. in summer for a leashed sunset stroll with your pup.
Cody’s La Jolla
1025 Prospect St, Ste 210
La Jolla, CA 92037
858.459.0040
M–Th, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.; F, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sa–Su, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
8. Beachfront Dining Steps From the Sand
The Shores Restaurant at La Jolla Shores Hotel sits on an open-air patio just steps from the sand. With sweeping ocean views from nearly every seat, every meal feels like a special occasion. The California coastal menu covers breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, with fresh seafood, Baja fish tacos and a laid-back, family-friendly vibe keeping every table happy. Thursday nights bring Aloha Thursdays from 5 to 8:30 p.m. It’s open to the public, and the dog-friendly patio even has its own menu for four-legged guests. Come for dinner, then stroll the sand with your leashed pup once dog-friendly beach hours kick in after 4 p.m. in winter or 6 p.m. in summer.
Note: Club Dining, the Walnut Lounge and Beach Hut at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club main property are reserved for members and hotel guests, but The Shores is open to the public.
The Shores Restaurant
8110 Camino del Oro
La Jolla, CA 92037
858.456.0600
Daily, 7 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
Gaslamp Quarter & East Village
9. Good Vibes on the Gaslamp
Happy Does Bar is a retro indoor-outdoor watering hole right in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter. The patio is sunny, the energy is throwback-good and the Jumbo Chicky Tendies are addictive. Catch a game on the screens (Happy Does is the official San Diego home for Rams fans), stay for karaoke Thursday through Saturday at 8:30 p.m. or let the DJ soundtrack your night at Club Happy. The Game Hall is stocked with ping pong, cornhole, giant Jenga, foosball, darts, Connect 4, bubble hockey and more, all with free cover and free games. Happy hour runs Thursday and Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. Heads-up: it’s 21+ after 7 p.m. Your dog is welcome on the sunny patio, and the Smash Diego Burger is a reasonable excuse to stay for another round.
Happy Does Bar
340 Fifth Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
619.877.1880
M, 3–11 p.m.; Th–F, 3 p.m.–2 a.m.; Sa, 11 a.m.–2 a.m.; Su, 9:30 a.m.–10 p.m. (kitchen closes at 9:30 p.m., Su at 9 p.m.)
10. Garage Doors, Bottomless Mimosas and a Pup Menu
Right across Fifth Avenue from Happy Does, Union Kitchen & Tap brings the neighborhood spirit of its Encinitas original to the heart of the Gaslamp. Garage-style doors roll open onto a generous patio, where dogs are treated like regulars. The Pup Menu means your dog orders too, served right alongside your plate. The seasonal kitchen pulls from land and sea, and multiple bars pour house-made cocktails, craft beers and wines from small, artisanal producers. Weekend brunch brings bottomless mimosas, and a late-night menu keeps the kitchen going Fridays and Saturdays from 10:30 p.m. to midnight.
Happy hour runs weekdays from 4 to 6 p.m. with $6 drafts, $7 calls and $10 signature cocktails. Reclaimed wood and modern furnishings keep things stylish without the stuffiness. Petco Park is just a few blocks away, so it’s an easy pre-game stop, though happy hour takes the night off during Padres home games, Comic-Con and other Petco Park events. Book a patio table on weekends, because those outdoor seats go fast.
Union Kitchen & Tap
333 Fifth Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
619.795.9463
M–Th, 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; F, 11 a.m.–midnight; Sa, 10 a.m.–midnight; Su, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
11. Bay Views and No Pretense
Inside the Hilton San Diego Bayfront, Hudson & Nash does downtown patio dining right. Think sweeping bay views, a menu that leans coastal California without overthinking it and a fire-pit-warmed patio made for your pup. Breakfast brings Hudson Pear Pancakes and chilaquiles. Lunch and dinner shift into a So-Cal Turkey Club, Blackened Mahi Tacos and a Saffron Harbor Cioppino loaded with mussels, shrimp, lobster and calamari. Post up with a Sunset Mai Tai and let the dog claim the breeze while sailboats drift across the bay behind you. That is peak San Diego energy, no argument.
Hudson & Nash
1 Park Blvd
San Diego, CA 92101
619.321.4236
Daily, 6:30 a.m.–10 p.m.
12. Rooftop Skyline, Dogs Welcome
Perched on the fifth-floor terrace of the SpringHill Suites and Residence Inn San Diego Downtown/Bayfront, Harbor & Sky earns its name with sweeping views of the bay and city skyline. The vibe is laid-back with artisan small plates and a SoCal twist, including fish ceviche, Baja fish tacos, flatbreads and a full cocktail menu featuring the Lavender Juniper Spritz and Port Paloma. From 4 to 9 p.m., the pizza oven fires up 14-inch pies like the Hot Honey with pepperoni and pickled jalapeños. Dogs are welcome up here, so bring your pup along for the views. Come for happy hour, weekdays from 4 to 6 p.m., grab a seat by a fire pit and stay until the lights of the city outshine the sunset.
Harbor & Sky
900 Bayfront Ct
San Diego, CA 92101
619.831.0224, ext. 5559
M–Th, 3–10 p.m.; F–Sa, noon–11 p.m.; Su, noon–10 p.m.
Mission Hills
13. Fairy Lights, Farm-to-Table and Pet-Friendly Brunch
Farmer’s Bottega tucks a plant-filled, greenhouse-like back patio behind its Mission Hills dining room, and it’s become one of the most dog-populated brunch spots in the city. The farm-to-table menu swings from a classic eggs Benedict to Banana Foster French Toast, with Italian, French and Mexican touches that keep it from reading like a typical brunch spot. Brunch runs daily, bringing mimosas, Bloody Marys and, on weekends, a wait worth the sit, while dinner shifts into heartier plates for the regulars who treat this place like a second living room. Fairy lights, leafy greenery and a handful of regular four-legged visitors make the patio feel more like a garden party than a restaurant stop. Come hungry and leash up, because the dog-to-human ratio here tilts generously toward the dogs. Bringing a big pup? Call ahead and request a roomier table.
Farmer’s Bottega
860 W Washington St
San Diego, CA 92103
619.458.9929
Daily, 8 a.m.–2 p.m. & 4–9 p.m.
Little Italy & Midway
14. Kiwi Charm, Craftsman Patios, Dogs Always Welcome
Tucked into a whimsical 1905 Craftsman cottage in Little Italy, Queenstown Public House is a neighborhood institution. The New Zealand-inspired menu swings from grass-fed burgers and lamb hash to New Zealand meat pies and a rotating selection of local San Diego craft beers. Weekend brunch brings blood orange mimosas and a crowd that stays into the afternoon. Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. with $10 bites, house wines, sangrias and select cocktails. Dogs are welcome on the patios, essentially everywhere except inside, which is the right call when the weather’s this good.
Queenstown Public House
1557 Columbia St
San Diego, CA 92101
619.546.0444
Su–Th, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; F–Sa, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
15. Brunch Overlooking the Piazza
Morning Glory is the kind of brunch spot that makes you want to move to Little Italy just so you can be a regular. The design-forward diner overlooks the central piazza and serves soufflé pancakes, over-the-top cocktails and weekend energy that starts early and stays loud. Leashed pups are welcome to join you at an outdoor table, and since there’s almost always a wait, the piazza below makes a great spot to pass the time together. Morning Glory primarily operates as a walk-in, with a waitlist through OpenTable that texts you when your table is ready. You’ll need to be there in person to join the list. A handful of reservations open for the last seating on Saturdays and Sundays. Arrive early, put your name in and take a slow stroll through Little Italy with your pup. Consider this the best possible use of a Saturday morning.
Morning Glory
550 W Date St
San Diego, CA 92101
619.629.0302
M–F, 8 a.m.–3 p.m.; Sa–Su, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
16. Plants, Coffee and Pure Midway Calm
Selva Coffee House operates inside Terra Bella Nursery, which means your coffee arrives under a canopy of palms, pothos and flowering plants while the noise of the city fades into the background. The full espresso and coffee bar has something for everyone, with an iced honey lavender latte and creative seasonal matcha drinks drawing a devoted following. Leashed dogs are welcome and feel right at home among the greenery. Stay for a slow lap through the plants, pick something leafy up for your apartment and let your pup do the sniffing they deserve. On Fridays and Saturdays from 7 to 11 p.m., Selva Nights keeps the garden glowing later with live DJs, hibiscus mocktails and neon and disco lights. It’s the reset you didn’t know you needed. Selva has since expanded to Del Mar and South San Diego, off the 805 at Palm Avenue.
Selva Coffee House
3535 Camino Del Rio W
San Diego, CA 92110
619.955.5757
Su–Th, 6 a.m.–9 p.m.; F–Sa, 6 a.m.–11 p.m.
Marina District
17. Dockside With a Side of Coastal Indulgence
Sitting on the marina at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, Sally’s Waterfront Dining has a dog-friendly patio with some of the best bay views in all of downtown. The menu pairs fresh local seafood with hand-cut steaks and bold Baja flavors. Expect crab cakes, lobster rolls and grilled mahi-mahi tacos with mango slaw. Pups get their own menu, too, with treats like pupcakes, salmon and chicken and rice, plus water bowls on arrival. Keep an eye out for its Paws on the Patio events, which raise money for PAWS of Coronado. Weekday afternoons bring Boardwalk Social specials to the lower patio, right on the boardwalk. It’s the kind of spot you come to once and immediately plan your return.
Sally’s Waterfront Dining
1 Market Pl
San Diego, CA 92101
619.358.6740
Daily, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
Bay Park
18. Four Concepts, One Very Good Patio
The Gärten in Bay Park is an outdoor playground where four independent concepts share a single communal patio. The result is one of the most fun multi-hour hangouts in the city. Deft Brewing pours award-winning European-inspired beers spanning German, Belgian and British styles, Lost Cause Meadery crafts creative honey-based drinks, Oddish Wine brings vibrant minimal-intervention pours made with 100 percent San Diego County grapes and Pizza Cassette feeds everyone with wood-fired pies. Build your own progressive tasting: a pint here, a glass of naturally sparkling wine there and a sopressata pie with spiced honey to seal the deal. Live music runs weekly with open mic Wednesdays at 6 p.m., bands Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sunday sets at 5:30 p.m. Leash up your co-pilot and find a table near the stage.
The Gärten
5322 Banks St
San Diego, CA 92110
@thegartenbaypark
M–Th, 3–9 p.m.; F–Sa, noon–9 p.m.; Su, noon–8 p.m. (hours vary by vendor)
Cardiff-by-the-Sea
19. Cheese Boards for Your Pup, Cocktails for You
The Waverly brings boho-chic design to a dog-friendly Cardiff setting. Pups even get their own menu, with treats like Cheddar Bacon Bite Biscuits and a Cheese Board. Think original artwork by Australian artist Jai Vasicek, open-air seating and progressive American dishes with a European influence that run from a Caesar salad topped with grilled shrimp to duck meatballs over grits. The specialty cocktail list earns its own attention, and the patio is the kind of Instagram moment that looks effortless. Bring your pup, bring your camera, bring your appetite and make sure Fido is on their best behavior. This place is too pretty for leash drama.
The Waverly
2005 San Elijo Ave
Cardiff, CA 92007
760.230.1682
M, 5–9:30 p.m.; T–Th, 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m.; F, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sa, 9 a.m.–10 p.m.; Su, 9 a.m.–9:30 p.m. (bar open until midnight daily)
Carlsbad
20. BBQ, Beers and Rooftop Views in the Village
Park 101 offers a two-level, dog-friendly venue one block from the beach in Carlsbad Village. The kitchen leans into smoked meats and shareable game-day eats, from a Smoked Tri-Tip Philly to Surf & Turf Fries loaded with smoked meat, ancho shrimp and bacon. The bar pours local craft beers on draft alongside signature cocktails and frozen margaritas, and happy hour runs weekdays from 3 to 6 p.m. The rooftop deck has views worth lingering over, and the open-air courtyard anchors a massive LED wall for game day. Weekend brunch, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., brings smoked tri-tip chilaquiles and Rodeo Tower mimosas. Live music runs weekly, and families, dogs, Padres fans and Bills fans all find their table here. This is North County done right.
Park 101
3040 Carlsbad Blvd
Carlsbad, CA 92008
858.408.6948
M–Th, 3–9 p.m.; F, 11 a.m.–midnight; Sa, 10 a.m.–midnight; Su, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
Oceanside
21. A Latte and a Patio at Tremont Collective
Tremont Collective is Oceanside’s creative campus, a former auto-repair lot where retail, coffee and craft beverages share a 3,400-square-foot courtyard. Start with a lavender honey latte at Communal Coffee, where the outdoor seating stays dog-friendly from the first espresso shot to the last espresso martini, with seasonal toasts and fresh flowers on the side. On the first Friday of each month, the courtyard fills with live music, art, food and drinks. Come for the coffee, stay for the people-watching and let your pup claim a patch of shade.
Communal Coffee
602 S Tremont St, Ste 100
Oceanside, CA 92054
@communalcoffee
Su–Th, 6:30 a.m.–5 p.m.; F–Sa, 6:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
22. Poke, Fish Tacos and a Pet-Friendly Patio
A few steps over from Communal, Shoots (originally Shootz Fish x Beer) has grown from a corner counter inside Tremont Collective’s old Bottlecraft space into the brand’s original location, with a sibling spot in Carlsbad Village. It now runs its own bottle shop, with beers on tap and wine to go. The Maui-meets-Baja menu rotates around the fresh catch, with daily market specials, but expect Hawaiian-style poke, grilled fish tacos, sashimi and musubi, plus the fish wings reviewers can’t stop talking about. The beer list on tap includes its own Shoots Japanese Lager. The outdoor patio is pet-friendly, so your dog can hang out while you work through the Pescaderos tacos and a cold pour. Founded by pro surfer Cheyne Magnuson and chef Davin Waite, it’s equal parts surf-shop energy and seafood counter, and it’s the kind of Oceanside stop that turns into a two-hour hang.
Shoots
602 S Tremont St, Unit 101
Oceanside, CA 92054
760.795.9172
Su–Th, 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m.; F–Sa, 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m.
North Park
23. 24 Taps, Butter Cake and a Dog Menu Too
Holding down the corner of University Avenue and 30th Street since 2016, Encontro North Park is a neighborhood gastropub with a dog-friendly patio and a menu just for your pup. The kitchen centers on grilled burgers, house-made sausages, salads and fresh sides, and regulars swear by the warm Brussels sprout salad, poke tacos and truffle mac. A lamb burger and fried chicken sliders round out the savory side, while 24 taps of craft beer and handmade milkshakes cover the drinks. Save room for dessert, because the butter cake and churro ice cream sandwich are reason enough to linger. Happy hour runs weekdays from 2:30 to 5 p.m., with a lineup that changes daily and can include tacos, short rib sliders, oysters and shishito peppers. Grab a patio table, order off both menus and settle in for one of North Park’s most neighborly afternoons.
Encontro North Park
3001 University Ave
San Diego, CA 92104
619.291.1220
M–Th, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; F, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sa, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; Su, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
24. Two Patios, a Puppy Chow Menu and Monday Wing Night
Working Class is the kind of no-frills North Park hangout that makes you want to become a regular. The diner-inspired menu runs breakfast through dinner every day, backed by 30 taps of rotating craft beer, wine, coffee and kombucha. Two separate patios, one facing 30th Street and one tucked in back, are both dog-friendly, and the Puppy Chow menu serves pups their own patties and chicken breasts with rice. Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. with $5 beer, $6 wine and $2 off appetizers. Monday night brings Wing Night, Wednesdays bring trivia from 7 to 9 p.m., and the back patio is where kids and dogs both end up, shade, fans and heaters included. It’s casual, it’s affordable and your dog is as welcome as you are.
Working Class
4095 30th St
San Diego, CA 92104
619.642.0114
M–Sa, 9 a.m.–10 p.m.; Su, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
Mission Valley
25. The Lodge Where Dogs Eat Like Champions
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar features warm, rustic lodge vibes and a menu that spans from wok-fired bowls to handcrafted burgers. The dog menu offers your pup a grilled hamburger patty or chicken breast with brown rice and veggies, served in its own bowl, plus a complimentary bowl of water. The Mission Valley location has a dog-friendly patio perfect for lingering, and the bar pours house craft beers and seasonally inspired cocktails. The Ankle Buster Blonde is clean, refreshing and 4.8% ABV, a solid patio companion.
Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. and Sunday through Thursday from 9 p.m. to midnight. Weekend brunch runs Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Just keep your pup leashed and on the ground, since the patio rules ask that dogs stay off chairs and laps. It’s reliably good, unfailingly welcoming and the right call after a long walk.
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
1202 Camino Del Rio N
San Diego, CA 92108
619.481.6191
M–F, 11 a.m.–midnight; Sa–Su, 10 a.m.–midnight
Point Loma
26. Harbor Views, Cold Lagers and a Waterfront Biergarten
Outdoor seating is the whole point at Eppig Brewing’s Waterfront Biergarten, tucked dockside at Shelter Island Marina. Think sweeping views across America’s Cup Harbor, traditional lagers and inventive ales from a brand whose brewing history dates to 1866, and a laid-back coastal vibe that makes two hours feel like 20 minutes. Dogs are welcome on the patio, where they can lounge in the sun while seals bob in the water nearby. A rotation of food trucks and pop-ups serves everything from pastrami sandwiches to comfort food throughout the week, so check Instagram before you go to see who’s serving. Weekly Run Club meetups and an annual Oktoberfest keep the calendar full. There’s no on-site parking, but the public lot at the corner of Shelter Island Drive and Anchorage Lane is a short walk away, with metered spots (quarters only, up to three hours) and free parking in the back.
Eppig Brewing Waterfront Biergarten
2817 Dickens St
San Diego, CA 92106
619.756.6825
M–F, noon–9 p.m.; Sa–Su, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are there dog-friendly restaurants in San Diego that also have a dog menu?
A: Yes. Several spots have dedicated dog menus. Lazy Dog serves a grilled burger patty or chicken breast bowl with brown rice and veggies, Sally’s Waterfront Dining offers pupcakes, salmon and chicken and rice, Working Class has its own Puppy Chow menu and The Waverly treats pups to Cheddar Bacon Bite Biscuits and a Cheese Board. Encontro North Park and Union Kitchen & Tap in the Gaslamp also keep dog menus on hand for patio diners.
Q: Can I bring my dog to a restaurant patio in San Diego?
A: Yes, at many of them. California law lets restaurant owners decide whether to welcome dogs on their outdoor patios, as long as pups are leashed, well behaved, kept off the chairs and enter through an outdoor entrance rather than through the dining room.
Q: What are the best dog-friendly brunch spots in San Diego?
A: Top picks include Molly’s in Mission Beach, The Duck Dive in Pacific Beach (bottomless mimosas, patio steps from the ocean), Farmer’s Bottega in Mission Hills (a greenhouse-like back patio packed with pups), Queenstown Public House in Little Italy (dog-friendly patios and blood orange mimosas) and Cody’s La Jolla (Crab Cake Benedict with a cove view).
Q: What are the best dog-friendly breweries and beer gardens in San Diego?
A: Great options include Eppig Brewing’s Waterfront Biergarten on Shelter Island (harbor views, all outdoor seating), The Gärten in Bay Park (four concepts sharing one communal patio), Shoots in Oceanside (a pet-friendly patio with poke and fish tacos alongside beers on tap, including its own Shoots Japanese Lager) and PB AleHouse in Pacific Beach (house-brewed beers, fire pits and a rooftop Sky Deck).
Q: Are there dog-friendly patios near the beach in San Diego?
A: Yes. Mavericks Beach Club and PB AleHouse both sit blocks from the sand in Pacific Beach, Bahia Resort Hotel’s Dockside 1953 and Catamaran Resort’s Oceana Coastal Kitchen overlook Mission Bay, and The Shores Restaurant at La Jolla Shores Hotel puts you on an open-air patio just steps from the water. Just note that dogs aren’t allowed on most city beaches or boardwalks between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. from November through March, or until 6 p.m. from April through October.
