Not only is Denver home to some amazing hikes and outdoor activities, but Denver also boasts a large variety of dishes and flavors unique to Colorado. From Colorado-style green chili to rocky mountain oysters — you are guaranteed a mouthwatering feast. It’s the perfect place for foodies and dog owners alike.
Yes, you heard that right! While visiting this city, you don’t have to leave your pup at home to enjoy a great meal or Denver happy hour. We will help you find some of the best dog-friendly restaurants Denver offers.
While Denver has some of the best relaxing patios and low-key restaurants to choose from, naturally not all of them allow pets. So, bring your good boy or girl along, and let’s explore some of the top dog-friendly options below.
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Table of Contents
Dog-Friendly Denver Restaurants Map
The Top Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Denver
You can ditch the guilt and the doggy daycare while you indulge in some delicacies by having your furry friend with you at the table. Here are the top picks for dog-friendly Denver restaurants.
Illegal Burger
Illegal Burger is one of the best burger joints in Denver. The restaurant serves up fresh organic burgers with fries, milkshakes, fried onion rings, and more — an excellent choice if you’re craving some quick, casual food.
Illegal Burger knows how to take its burgers and fries to the next level, with mouthwatering meals satisfying many customers. Give the “off the record avocado” with truffle fries a go, and you’ll see why this burger is a crowd favorite.
And if you bring your pup, the extensive outside seating area is just right, with ample space for larger dogs.
Washington Park Grille
Specializing in Italian-style cooking, Washington Park Grille is “an Italian grill with a twist.” What sets this restaurant apart from others is that you can have delicious meals while the live music and a warm atmosphere keeps you entertained and cozy.
And, of course, the whole family can join including your furry members too. Come dressed in classy attire and enjoy the fantastic outdoor area with your doggos. You’ll have access to a full bar which we suggest you visit during happy hour for fantastic specials.
We recommend go-to dishes like the lobster club sandwich, Italian eggs benedict, and the seared ahi tuna, which you’ll hopefully enjoy as well.
Sunny’s
Sunny’s is the ideal place to grab a bite while you’re on the go with your dog. Their locally roasted organic coffee can kickstart your day with a bang. This restaurant strives for sustainable practices, which is why they source local, organic ingredients.
Some of their most famous dishes are the green chili and the big breakfast, all made from scratch. Sunny’s is good for breakfast and brunch and offers ample outdoor seating space for larger groups and people with dogs.
The restaurant is also highly recommended by health-conscious eaters and people with vegetarian diets. Their healthier options include the acai bowl and the veggie sausage that will give you all the nutrition you need for the day.
Forest Room 5
Forest Room 5 offers a magical dining experience amongst the trees and under the stars. The restaurant has a tapas bar and lounges, which are fantastic for late-night conversations by a fire pit. This is an ideal place for groups of friends, families with children, and pets.
One look through the menu will have your mouth watering — with the herbed, truffled french fries as a top contender. Other excellent meals to consider are the crispy calamari, filet de brie, and the lovely cheese plate to pair with a glass of wine and good company.
Forest Room 5 is excellent for late-night dinners, groups, and larger dogs, as it provides ample outdoor space. You’ll also find various vegan and vegetarian options, a full bar, and a wonderful hipster-like atmosphere. Try to come on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday for the best nights of the week– this is when you’ll have a larger crowd and more pups for your dog to mingle with.
Keep Reading:: ULTIMATE Dog-friendly Colorado Road Trip!
Dog-Friendly Patios Denver
With so many things to do in Denver (even free!), you’ll have to catch your breath. How about a lovely patio lunch or dinner with plenty of fresh air to keep you going? Here are some fantastic dog-friendly restaurants with outdoor patios available to you in the Denver area.
Kaos Pizzeria
Voted as “the best patio in Denver,” Kaos Pizzeria boasts award-winning food and ambiance. Their traditional, hand-made, wood-fired pizzas are undoubtedly impressive. This restaurant is an excellent option for its farm-to-plate philosophy and its extensive patio perfect for your doggo to stretch their paws on.
The smokestack, veggie, and wild mushroom pizzas are among the popular choices. The restaurant is also a fantastic venue for hosting banquets, weddings, birthday parties, and other celebrations. Kaos Pizzeria is an excellent place for families with pets as they do well at creating a family-oriented atmosphere with a warm and cozy interior.
Stella’s Coffee House
Stella’s Coffee House is a cute, rustic cafe with a lovely, dog-friendly patio in Denver. The coffee house specializes in coffees and teas but also serves other treats and beverages, such as an array of pastries.
While the cafe can get crowded, it’s the perfect place in Denver for a coffee date with a friend (both human and furry). The cozy seating, patio area, and friendly baristas also create an excellent environment to catch up with some work or a few chapters from your current book.
Little Man Ice Cream
This downtown ice cream shop scoops up a delicious variety of ice creams and frozen yogurt. The best part is that your four-legged companion does not have to miss out. The Little Man Ice Cream shop has an outdoor seating area for pups to lick away and don’t worry — they serve pet-friendly ice cream too!
Little Man changes their ice cream flavors daily, so you’ll never get bored. The most amazing flavors are the salted Oreo, purple cow, space junkie, and espresso ice cream – we urge you to try one of these.
You can also choose from various desserts, including waffle cones, sorbets, banana splits, sundaes, malts, and vegan ice cream. The ice cream shop is wheelchair friendly, fantastic for kids, and offers dairy-free options. What a fantastic doggy-date idea to soak up some sun and enjoy ice cream, right?
City O’ City
City O’ City is a well-known restaurant for vegetarians and a great option if you’re looking for traditional American food. They offer specialty coffees and meals for any time of the day. This is an ideal location for dog owners as it has a dog-friendly patio.
The cozy, rustic interior, local beers, and comfort food have drawn many guests. We suggest trying the seitan wings, breakfast burritos, fried ravioli, and many other delicious meals. The outdoor seating is fit for groups and families with children and dogs.
You can enjoy meat-free options for the whole family on the vast patio while savoring the sunset with a cocktail from the full bar. If you’re looking for a space to enjoy with your pooch while getting some work done, their Wi-fi and specialty coffees have you covered.
Lucile’s Creole Cafe
Here’s your chance to indulge in traditional Creole-influenced dishes in Denver. The Cajun-Creole Cafe specializes in breakfast, brunch, coffee, and tea. Some popular meals are the beignets, eggs New Orleans, and the eggs benedict.
Visitors can come in classy or casual attire, and it’s an excellent setup for groups, date nights, families with kids, and dogs. The cafe is wheelchair friendly and has tasty vegan options and cozy heated outdoor seating. Unfortunately, they have no happy hour, but the full bar makes up for it.
Dog-Friendly Bars Denver
Whether you’re looking for Denver’s top bottomless mimosas or craft beer, here are some excellent dog-friendly bars to consider.
Hopdoddy Burger Bar
Get ready for the unique Hopdoddy experience, fresh burgers, and a happy pup. The Hopdoddy Burger Bar is an American-style gastropub that specializes in fresh, hand-made food. The restaurant’s ample open space makes it an excellent option for groups and families with kids and dogs.
Their unique variety of burgers consists of verified, all-natural beef that contains no hormones, steroids, or antibiotics – which is a safer option for meat consumption. Besides serving all-natural meats, you can also opt for gluten-free buns and vegetarian options. The el diablo and bacon jam double are two popular choices that we suggest you try out.
Blue Moon Brewing Company
The Blue Moon Brewing Company is a creative space fueled by an innovative brewery and a globally inspired menu. Their locally sourced menu includes vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes. The brewery serves mouthwatering nachos, tacos, flatbread, salads, and burgers to give you a taste of what’s on offer.
Join the Blue Moon during happy hour to enjoy their famous locally brewed craft beer on tap. You’ll also find some of Little Man’s ice cream here if you haven’t had a chance to visit. The open and spacious layout is ideal for groups, families, and dog owners, which is what you would expect from a beer house. It’s a great option if you’re looking for craft beer and a “dog bar” in Denver.
Keep Reading: One Weekend in Denver, CO
Final Thoughts on Denver’s Dog-Friendly Restaurants
There you have it — excellent options for any time of day or mood. Stay on your dog’s good side with these wonderful dog-friendly restaurants to complete your stay in Denver. Remember to call ahead to check that your pooch is still welcome and be sure to stick to dining etiquette when enjoying these spaces.
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