You’re on your way out the door to meet friends for dinner, only to hear a little whimper, followed by a mournful bark, with a pair of sad puppy eyes questioning, Why can’t I come? The cuteness is hard to resist. While there are plenty of places not suited for pets, dining out in a Dallas restaurant doesn’t have to be one of them. As the state’s third most populous city, Dallas is teeming with dog-friendly hangouts, including a long list of eateries and bars that welcome canine companions.
From buzzy breweries to lakeside restaurants, consider this guide of 15 spots around the Metroplex where four-legged guests are lovingly hosted.
Loro Addison
Born from the partnership of two beloved Texas restaurants, Uchi and Franklin Barbecue, Loro is an Asian smokehouse known for its savory meats, small plates, and relaxed patio that happens to be dog-friendly. Order at the counter, and while away a couple of hours sharing smoked shishito queso ($9.50), rice bowls, and crispy Thai pork ribs with friends. 14999 Montfort Dr., Dallas, loroeats.com
Truck Yard
Call Truck Yard to ask about the pet policy and receive a “Dogs are our favorite customers” auto-reply text back. Lively and kitschy with neon signs and vintage cars as décor, Truck Yard is a great place to visit with a group of friends, and pets, for live music, rotating food trucks, and locally brewed craft beer. As a bonus, the bar frequently hosts canine-centric events, including a Halloween costume contest for dogs and a free treat giveaway on National Pet Day. 5959 Grove Ln., The Colony, truckyard.com
Mexican Sugar
When you’re craving nothing more than an ice-cold margarita and your dog at your feet, the Plano outpost of this beloved Mexican restaurant is sure to hit the spot. Take your pup for a stroll around the Shops at Legacy North before settling onto the hacienda-inspired patio. Start with lobster fundito ($20), made with two kinds of Mexican cheese and accompanied by handmade hibiscus corn tortillas, and then enjoy any of a wide selection of tacos, enchiladas, and fajitas. 7501 Lone Star Dr., Plano, mexicansugarcocina.com/locations/plano
The Fifth
On cooler nights at this New American gem in Richardson, crackling sounds emerge from the fireplace on the stylish patio. On hot days, stone half-walls, fans, and a slatted ceiling provide relief for diners and dogs alike. Beyond being an elegant destination for you and your pup, the Fifth is worth a visit for dishes like blue cheese fondue ($13) with focaccia and the bone-in Berkshire pork chop ($38) with poblano cheddar grits. 2701 Custer Pkwy., Ste 700, Richardson, thefifthtx.com
Bambu
This family-run restaurant specializes in food from the Isan region of Thailand, where the cuisine includes spicy, cured, and fermented dishes. Bambu’s owner sources from her own herb garden to season the food and cocktails. Enjoy larbs, curries, and noodle dishes, alongside more unique offerings listed daily on the blackboard beside the bar. As if it isn’t appealing enough, Bambu welcomes dogs on its front patio. 1930 North Coit Ste. 100, Richardson, bambuasiancuisine.com
Katy Trail Ice House
In 2011, this restaurant on the Katy Trail opened its doors and almost instantly became a meet-up for people who don’t leave home without their pups. The patio is illuminated by string lights wound around tree branches and has a slew of beer garden-style picnic tables. The menu centers around barbecue, but offers all stripes of pub grub and beer-garden fare, including brats, burgers, and sandwiches. 3127 Routh St., Dallas, katyicehouse.com
HG Sply CO
Macro-counters, carnivores, and Paleo dieters rejoice — every item on the menu at HG Sply Co is identified not only by name and description, but by protein, fat, carb, and calorie content. Diners who love their protein will relish dishes like breadcrumb-free bison meatballs ($18) and wild-caught yellowfin tuna ($27), and for those who don’t care about counting can enjoy the two dog-friendly patios and beautiful dog-friendly rooftop. 2008 Greenville Ave., Dallas, hgsplyco.com
3 Nations Brewing
Breweries are famously dog-loving, and 3 Nations in Carrollton hosts pets in both the Biergarten and Beer Hall. Here, the beers are crisp, the ambiance is mellow, and the fun never stops. Check the schedule for Bingo and trivia nights, and enjoy live music Friday and Saturday nights beginning at 7 p.m. Small-batch introductions happen on Fridays, too. Pair a flight with burgers, street tacos, or fried pickles with homemade Ranch ($9). 1033 E. Vandergriff Dr., Carrolton, 3nationsbrewing.com/carrollton
The Yard
Like its name suggests, frequenting this 2,500 square-foot Mckinney venue is more like hanging out in a friend’s backyard than dining in a restaurant. Famous for its family-friendly vibe, thanks to a towering tree house and yard games like ping-pong and corn hole, the Yard is just as amenable to dogs. The menu is basic, with a menu of wings, burgers, tacos, and salads, but the experience is pure fun. 107 S. Church St., McKinney, yardtx.com
Paradiso
Inspired by the coastal regions of southern Europe, the seasonal menu at this Bishop Arts restaurant centers around mezze, fresh pastas, flat breads, and wood-fired pizzas. The dog-friendly patio is pretty, anchored by a tile fountain and surrounded with pink umbrellas and ample greenery. Dogs aren’t allowed inside, but do take a peek. The bright interior décor boasts flowers, dramatic chandeliers, velvet booths, and oversized plants. Even the restroom is worth a gander. 308 N. Bishop Ave., Dallas, paradisodallas.com
Quince Riverside
The original outpost of Quince, meaning 15 in Spanish, sits on a rooftop in dreamy San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, but an outpost opened in Fort Worth in 2023. Area residents, and their dogs, can enjoy this chic spot where the dining room opens up to an outdoor seating area abutting the Trinity River. Sushi dominates the menu, but diners can also choose among sandwiches and small plates, like lamb barbacoa dumplings ($20), ahi tuna tacos ($20), and charred octopus ($26). Enjoy the plush patio furniture, river views, and specialty cocktails. 1701 River Run St. 181, Fort Worth, quincesma.com/fw
Smoky Rose
It’s always a party at Smoky Rose. The sprawling patio is among the most iconic in Dallas and a go-to spot for drinking a local craft beer before heading across the street to the Arboretum. Although the Arboretum allows only service pets, Smoky Rose is a paradise for dogs hoping to snap up barbecue scraps that might fall from the table. Enjoy brisket street tacos ($14), pork belly burnt ends ($15), and a slice of homemade peach cobbler ($18). 8602 Garland Rd., Dallas, smokyrose.com
Garden Café
Garden Café is a favorite among East Dallas brunch-lovers. True to its name, the restaurant has an impressive on-site garden abutting the patio, with lush, leafy archways adorning the stone walking path. The menu shifts around, based on what’s growing, but you’ll always see fresh vegetables on your plate and fresh herbs in your cocktails. Try the grilled artichokes with parmesan aioli ($12) or the brined roasted chicken ($24) with a molasses demiglace. Let your dog laze at your feet amid the greenery. 5310 Junius Ave., Dallas, gardencafe.net
Le Passage
If your pup likes a little swank with his water, this fine-dining establishment in the Terminal at Katy Trail boasts one of the city’s most gorgeous covered patios. Designed by Michael Hsu, the firm that designed Uchi, the airy outdoor space has pink-and-green tile flooring, lantern chandeliers, and live plants dangling overhead. The menu is an homage to the Orient Express, with the chef preparing Asian dishes using French techniques. This is one of those restaurants where you can’t order the wrong thing, but the braised tofu ($29) garnished with bamboo shoots, wild mushrooms, and snap peas, should not be missed. 4205 Buena Vista St. Ste. 130, Dallas, lepassagedallas.com
Kelly’s Craft Tavern
The primary reason locals love this neighborhood gem is its beer list. Unlike other bars that carry only the usual suspects, Kelly’s serves 48 brews on tap and 15 more in bottles. The second reason locals love it is its covered, dog-friendly patio equipped with picnic tables and screens. Standard sports-bar fare, including sliders and wings, meets heartier dishes like chicken fried steak with gravy ($16) and top sirloin ($22). 3191 Preston Rd., Frisco, kellyscrafttavern.com
