I have four friends with pets living in NYC. And I have to state it’s hard to spend a great time with a pet while enjoying a meal at a restaurant.
Luckily, New York City has many pet-friendly restaurants.
I continued my research and visited 9 pet-friendly spots in New York City.
But I will talk about just five of them. Each one of them is full of tasty food and pet-friendly amenities and I liked them most of all.
But first, let me explain how I chose the restaurants.
Factors I’ve Considered When Making This Short List
When picking a pet-friendly restaurant, I value a few key factors. They ensure a good time for both you and your furry friend.
- Outdoor Seating – Look for restaurants with outdoor seating. It’s more comfy and spacious for your pet. Plus, it allows them to move around while you enjoy your meal.
- Pet-Friendly Amenities – Check if the restaurant provides amenities. These include water bowls, doggie treats, and even a pet menu. Eventually, they ensure your pet feels welcome and pampered.
- Ambiance – Consider the overall ambiance of the restaurant. Choose places with a relaxed, pet-friendly atmosphere. Your pet won’t feel overwhelmed by noise or crowds.
The mentioned pet-friendly restaurants have the three factors above.
See the list below.
You may also like: 5 Best Seafood Restaurants in NYC
Top 5 Pet-Friendly Restaurants in NYC
1. Avoca
Avoca is the top restaurant that met my expectations.
As for the menu, it has many options. Pollito Con Papas (chicken breast with potatoes and roasted carrots), El Vegetariano (rice, quinoa, carrots, and sweet potatoes), etc.
Also, they have bacon-flavored doggie ice cream, and freeze-dried salmon and beef liver treats, all made with human-grade ingredients and gluten-free.
So the restaurant ensures that dogs feel comfortable while their owners enjoy the place.
Overall, the café has two sections. One is for humans and the other for dogs. This setup ensures a safe and comfy dining experience for both.
The dog section has a separate entrance, so you don’t have to worry about your pet running out. Avoca truly goes far beyond.
2. The Spotted Dog
The Spotted Dog is in the heart of Chelsea. It’s one of the best pet-inclusive restaurants and is famous for its warm atmosphere.
It’s a perfect spot to enjoy a meal with your dog.
The staff at The Spotted Dog are very accommodating. They provide water bowls and treats for your pets.
All in all, the menu offers many tasty options for humans.
3. Barking Dog Luncheonette
Barking Dog Luncheonette is a pet-welcoming restaurant. It has a cozy and nostalgic ambiance.
With a location on the Upper East Side, this pet-inclusive spot welcomes pets with open arms.
The outdoor seating area has colorful umbrellas. It offers a relaxing environment for everyone.
Plus, there was a water bowl so they treat animals pretty well.
4. The Wilson
“The Wilson” is set in the heart of Midtown Manhattan.
This restaurant is one of the top spots you should go with your pet. It has a warm atmosphere for a special occasion or a casual meal.
Also, the staff is famous for their attentive and caring treatment of pets. They provide water bowls and ensure your pet feels like a VIP guest.
If you’re looking for a memorable restaurant in the city center, The Wilson is the place to be.
5. La Bonbonniere
La Bonbonniere is in the West Village. It’s a warm neighborhood that offers indoor and outdoor spaces.
The staff at La Bonbonniere is also friendly. They ensure your pet is well taken care of with water bowls and treats. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a hearty meal while basking in the vibrant atmosphere of the West Village.
3 Helpful FAQs for Pet Owners in New York City 🙂
Question 1. Are dogs allowed in NYC restaurants?
Overall, dogs can’t go inside restaurants. They can go inside if they are service animals. This is for food safety.
Question 2. Can dogs enter Starbucks NYC? (one of the top questions people ask me)
Have you heard of pup cups?
In general, you can’t always bring your dog inside Starbucks. But the staff can make a pup cup (whipped cream) for your dog.
Question 3. Is NYC Subway dog-friendly?
Yes, the NYC Subway is dog-friendly! But your dog is in a pet carrier or bag. MTA states it as “enclosed in a container and carried in a manner which would not annoy other passengers.”
You may also like: 13 Best Steakhouses in NYC
Conclusion
During recent years, the number of pet owners in NYC is growing.
The demand for pet-friendly restaurants has grown a bit during the last few years. Now, NYC has many options.
I hope the covered restaurants will help you spend a great time with your pet.
Enjoy!!
