This is Wallace. He is ready to ride and dine.
As far as dinner companions go, the well-behaved dog is hard to beat. Who can match the unconditional love of man’s best friend, or the eagerness with which a pup helps to clean fallen food from the ground? Who can act as both icebreaker and litmus test on a date better than a loyal pooch? Much to the excitement of San Antonio dog owners (and to the chagrin of those with allergies), the number of canine-friendly establishments has exploded in recent years. The Current takes a look at the top ten places to dine with your dog – and reminds you to always clean up after it.
1. Beto’s
8142 Broadway, (210) 930-9393
The shaded back patio of Beto’s provides a casual and relaxed environment for you to bond with your mutt over Tex-Mex and margaritas. Just south of 410 on Broadway, Beto’s is dog-friendly – as long as the dog is friendly.
Wallace at Halcyon
2. Tong’s Thai
1146 Austin Hwy, (210) 829-7345
Tongs Thai welcomes you to bring your preferred pooch to the breezy outdoor deck. Between tasty Thai favorites and the welcoming staff, mammals of several kinds are sure to enjoy their visit.
3011 N St Mary's St, (210) 738-0099
Candlelight Café wine bar and coffeehouse, a progenitor of the increasingly popular multi-focus restaurant movement, serves brunch, lunch, and dinner. Bring your dog and relax in the large and lush back garden with a glass of wine, an Italian soda, or a caffeinated beverage.
200 E Grayson St, (210) 223-3900
Think that fine dining means Fido has to stay at home? Think again. Pups are welcome on the shady patio of Il Sogno Osteria in the Pearl. Delight in an exquisite meal, fine wine, and the company of your favorite four-legged friend before taking a walk along the Museum Reach of the river.
Wallace at Blue Star
5. The Cove
606 W Cypress St, (210) 227-2683
The Cove is truly a family-friendly establishment, welcoming adult humans, children, and animals. With vast options for outdoor seating, healthy and delicious food, a newly expanded bar, live music, and a playground for the kiddos, there’s something for everyone.
6. Ocho
1015 Navarro St, (210) 222-2008
One of the classiest places for a meal and cocktail in the company of your dog is the patio of Ocho at the Havana Hotel. The most cultured of canines will also appreciate views of the rising Tobin Center for the Performing Arts just outside the doors.
Wallace at Madhatters Teahouse & Café
320 Beauregard St, (210) 212-4832
For the pooch and owner with whimsical sensibilities and a taste for tea, Madhatters Teahouse & Café is the place to be. Doggies are welcome in the seating area out front, as well as in the atrium located just inside the main door.
609 S Alamo St
Brought to us by the same folks behind the Friendly Spot, Alamo Street Eat Bar draws a dog-loving crowd six days a week. With plentiful food truck fare and beer options, the Eat Bar’s self-serve water cooler keeps canines and Homo sapiens alike hydrated.
Wallace at Stella Public House
9. Blue Star
1414 S Alamo St
(210) 212-550
(210) 277-7045
(210) 277-7047
For several dog-friendly options in one location, head to Blue Star. Servers at the Blue Star Brewing Co. happily bring water to both pups and people on the large outdoor deck, while water bowls scattered across the small patio of Halcyon reveal the canine-loving nature of the multi-focus restaurant/coffeehouse/bar. On the other side of the building, dog-owners can enjoy tasty pizza and brews on Stella’s patio. After eating, burn some calories walking on the Mission Reach of the river or rent a B-cycle and pedal down to Roosevelt Park with your pooch running alongside.
Wallace at La Tuna Grill
10. La Tuna Grill
100 Probandt St, (210) 212-5727
This much loved neighborhood icehouse and restaurant is dog-friendly and conveniently located just across Probandt from Blue Star. Catch the Spurs game with Rover in tow while drinking a cold one or chowing down on a burger.