Patios and dogs: name a more iconic duo. We can’t think of one either! Here are 10 of our favorite Chicago dog-friendly patios to kick back with your bestie.
1. Sportman’s Club
Sportsman’s Club is an obvious choice for all the pups and people out there who identify as cocktail enthusiasts. Enjoy gazing at your pal draped in the glow of the back patio’s dreamy globe lights as you knock back one (or all?) of their four rotating daily cocktail offerings. Dogs are welcome inside too, probably so hunting breeds can enjoy the bar’s expansive taxidermy spread. The fine folks here are happy to grab your dog a water, and your dog will be even happier when you sneak her some of your plate at one of Sportsman’s famed backyard barbecue series takeovers.
2. Big Star
There is one thing we know for sure: dogs effing love tacos. Furtunately, the main patio and the walk-up patio at Big Star are both dog friendly (which’ll sure come in handy on those days the line is down the block). There are plenty of heaters to keep you both toasty when the sun goes down, and this iconic spot is nestled between not one, not two, but *three* of our favorite dog activities in all the land: Wicker Park Dog Park, Churchill Field Dog Friendly Area, and the 606. As if we needed additional reasons to knock back an extra marg.
3. Parson’s Chicken and Fish
Parson’s loves dogs almost as much as we love its crushable boozy slushies. Plenty of water bowls and yummy treats await your best bud in its epic backyard where (s)he’ll probably meet lots of new friends and convince you to share just a tiiiny bite of fried chicken or fish. And loads of picnic tables and umbrellas mean your pup can enjoy both sun and shade. Walk off all that Purple Drank on the 606 or meander through Palmer Park after your patio hangs.
4. Bang Bang Pie and Biscuits
Who said patio life is just for boozin’? Brunch picnic vibes at Bang Bang Pie and Biscuits are just what the dogtor ordered for woofers who need a little more space. Spread out in the huge backyard where your anxious pup can enjoy your company and a couple-two-three slices of pie without all the overwhelm. Seriously, grab an Adirondack chair and hang a while without all the pressure of constant pets and too-close doggy neighbors (we get it, pup—it’s tough to be famous). Follow it with a long walk through Humboldt Park and we reckon you’ve got a heckin’ ideal Sunday Funday.
5. Sleeping Village
Sleeping Village serves up coffee during the day, but honestly, it’s the beer list that makes us weak in the knees. Its got lotsa picnic tables in its killer yard, and even welcomes your pup inside until around 7 p.m. In the neighborhood? Walk down Milwaukee to dog-friendly Record Breakers.
6. Bucktown Pub
Bucktown Pub‘s tucked-away back patio is truly drool-worthy. One reviewer said the place is so well-loved by her daughter’s two English Bulldogs that they now know (and respond excitedly to!) the word “pub.” And not sure if anyone else ranks bars according to their popcorn, but this place is tops in our eyes.
7. Fatso’s Last Stand
With dedicated dog parking outside, Fatso’s is a standout for patio dining with the woofers. It’s open late, and has arguably the best veggie dog in the city (homemade!) in addition to its stacked menu of chardogs, fried shrimp, and milkshakes. Hot dogs come with free fries, so your pup won’t even feel guilty after she successfully begs for 20.
8. Small Cheval
For the pup who knows what she wants (a great burger), look no further than Small Cheval, Au Cheval’s stripped-down retro burger joint. This place boasts an intimate patio that might be a good fit for the pup that needs a little less action. Pups’ll love walking it off on the 606 or takin’ in a post-dinner romp at Churchill Field Dog Park afterwards.
9. Roots Pizza
Popular Quad Cities pizza joint Roots welcomes you and your pup on its patio. The menu includes specialty pizzas, sandwiches, and a build-your-own salad, and people never stop talking about its mammoth mozzarella sticks.
10. The Moonlighter
Cozy and welcoming, The Moonlighter wasted no time in establishing itself as a Logan favorite–and for good reason. The family-room-with-toasty-fireplaces vibe extends to its dog-friendly patio, where you’ll enjoy a list of 20 craft beers, world-class cocktails, and a dedicated veg menu with Beyond Meat sausages. But if you leave without ordering the beer, shot, and taco combo (aptly titled the “Taco Party,” also available vegan), we can’t be friends anymore.
Where are pup’s fave Chicago dog-friendly patios? Bork at us in the comments.
Featured photo: KME Photography
Sidewalk Dog’s mission is to help dog parents spend more time with their puppers by discovering and sharing activities they can do and places they can go—together! Sniff out our award-winning newsletter and Instagram, and join our Dog-Friendly Chicago Facebook Group.
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