Round of a-paws, please. From dog-friendly treats at the farmer’s market to spoiling your pup with royal treatments at the Westin, it makes sense that Austin ranks in BringFido’s list of Most Pet-Friendly Cities in the US.
Whether you’re in need of a drinking paw-tner at a local brewery, hitting the market, or just dining out, well bone appétit. Get ready to dig into this guide for dog-friendly spots around the 512.
Pro tip: You can use BringFido to find more dog-friendly restaurants, pet-friendly hotels and events, too.
Breweries
Bouldin Acres, 2027 S. Lamar Blvd. | From a playground to a dog park and lawn games, there’s something for everybody in your group to do at this bar and food truck park. Pro tip: If you missed our roundup of pickleball spots in Austin, add Bouldin Acres to your list of places to get in a quick game before happy hour.
The Long Play Lounge, 704 W. St. Johns Ave. | Peruse through more than 400 vinyl records inside this bar and brewery — their outdoor patio is a hot spot for dog owners.
Jester King Brewery, 13187 Fitzhugh Rd. | Set on a 165-acre ranch, Jester King features drinks, pizza, beautiful grounds — oh, and a herd of Nigerian dwarf goats.
Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden, 79 Rainey St. | This Rainey Street spot is famous for its sausages, but its Sunday brunches are also delicious and include vegetarian options. Pro tip: There are several other dog-friendly patios on Rainey Street, so make a day of it and hit up other spots while you’re there.
Vista Brewing, 13551 FM 150 W., Driftwood | Take in the views at this 21-acre brewery with a cheese board and Texas-based draft beer.
The Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co., 1305 W. Oltorf St. | Kick it back on this south Austin hot spot’s partially shaded patio.
Restaurants
Upstairs at Caroline, 621 Congress Ave., #201 | The only thing better than having your dog with you at a bar is getting to play giant Jenga while you do it. Upstairs at Caroline is styled after a backyard party, with foosball, corn hole, and other games.
The VORTEX, 2307 Manor Rd. | You’re likely to catch a live show, trivia night, or even a fitness class at this outdoor patio. Grab a cocktail from The Butterfly Bar or some pasta from Patrizi’s (we recommend the Karah’s Diavolo with honey).
Grizzelda’s, 105 Tillery St. | Cute pups on the patio add to the already aesthetically pleasing atmosphere at Grizzelda’s. This eastside spot is known for its weekend brunch, which includes Tex-Mex staples and a substantial drinks menu.
Loro, 2115 S. Lamar Blvd. | Loro’s food, a result of Aaron Franklin’s barbecue skills + Tyson Cole’s Asian food expertise, is the perfect Saturday afternoon feast — and the beautiful, tree-covered patio doesn’t hurt.
Café No Sé, 1603 S. Congress Ave. | The chefs at this spot inside the South Congress Hotel have a list of accolades almost as long as the menu. Take in the sights from the patio as you munch on dishes ranging from crispy mushrooms to chicken milanese.
Black’s Barbecue, 3110 Guadalupe St. | The Black family has been serving up barbecue in Central Texas since 1932. Stop by for a plate of mouth-watering brisket, spare ribs, or turkey breast on the outdoor patio — we bet your pup wouldn’t mind a bite, either.
Dog-friendly Yard Bar is a popular pup spot.
Photo by @rogers_world_
Yard Bar, 6700 Burnet Rd. | Sip cocktails in the sun with your furry friend by your side.
TRACE, 200 Lavaca St. | For a slightly more upscale meal out with your dog, head to TRACE in the W Hotel for food cooked with ingredients sourced from local farms — pets are welcome on the patio.
Sawyer & Co., 4827 E. Cesar Chavez St. | This retro, diner-inspired spot doesn’t just have a picturesque, pet-friendly patio — it also has mouthwatering Southern food, from crawfish etouffee to Creole shrimp and grits.
MUTTS Canine Cantina, 9825 N. Lake Creek Pkwy. | The new pet-friendly bar and grill contains two off-leash dog parks and hosts a slew of themed events, including dog-training workshops, “yappy” hours, and adoption events.
Hotels
South Congress Hotel, 1603 S. Congress Ave. | This swanky hotel, on one of Austin’s busiest shopping streets, welcomes pups at no extra charge.
The LINE Austin, 111 E. Cesar Chavez St. | Cats can also stay at this downtown hotel, which doesn’t have any weight limits or fees.
Austin Motel, 1220 S. Congress Ave. | This iconic motel on South Congress allows two dogs for a fee of $20 per pet, per night.
Hotel Ella, 1900 Rio Grande St. | This regal hotel near the UT campus allows two dogs of any size, and offers a pet relief area on the property.
The Westin Austin, 310 E. 5th St. | Treat your pup to a four-star experience at this hotel — but make sure to not to leave them in the room unattended.
Hotel Van Zandt, 605 Davis St. | Have we mentioned how many dog-friendly spots there are on Rainey Street? Get direct access to them all at this Downtown hotel, which has no weight limits, breed restrictions, or fees.
Shopping
Texas Farmers’ Market at Mueller, 2006 Philomena St. | Shop for produce and artisan goods — including doggy treats — at this weekly market.
The Domain, 1140 Century Oaks Terrace | Most retailers in this North Austin shopping center allow pups in-store.
Pecan Street Festival, Downtown Austin | The twice-yearly festival is one of many dog-friendly outdoor markets in Austin — stay tuned for the spring fest, which takes place from Saturday, May 4-Sunday, May 5.
Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd., Bee Cave | The expansive outdoor shopping center offers a range of retail and dining. Don’t forget to check the calendar, as the Bee Cave frequently hosts free live music, festivals, and other community events.
Parks
Auditorium Shores, 920 W. Riverside Dr. | Dogs can play off-leash at this lakeside dog park.
Red Bud Isle, 3401 Redbud Trail | These 13 acres of lakefront property make a veritable “Isle of Dogs.”
Dogs love socializing at Zilker Park.
Photo by @penny.freckles
Zilker Metropolitan Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd. | If you haven’t yet taken your dog to Austin’s signature park, now is the time. Expect plenty of pups off-leash, skyline views, and space for picnics.
Emma Long Metropolitan Park, 1600 City Park Rd. | Bring your pup for camping, swimming, or picnicking at this park open year-round. Pro tip: Take your pup on the Turkey Creek trail for almost three miles of off-leash fun.
Pease Park, 1100 Kingsbury St. | This park has access to the Shoal Creek Greenbelt.
Onion Creek Metropolitan Park, 8652 Nuckols Crossing Rd. | Explore 517 acres of trails, pavilions, and play fields at this southeast Austin green space that also contains an off-leash dog park.
Trails
Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, Multiple access points | Walk as many miles as you want along Lady Bird Lake and the Austin skyline.
Barton Creek Greenbelt, Multiple access points | This natural area runs through southwest Austin. Pro tip: On a hot day, head to the Greenbelt’s Sculpture Falls for a refreshing dip.
It’s almost bluebonnet season, a.k.a. the perfect time to take your pup on a Central Texas trail.
Photo by @giffordthegreat
Sunset Valley Nature Area, 3205 Jones Rd. | Wander through this network of trails, which weave around Williamson Creek in South Austin.
Violet Crown Trail, Multiple access points | This 13-mile trail stretches from Zilker Park to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Walnut Creek Trail, Multiple access points | This trail crosses through both Balcones District Park and Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park.
Mueller Lake and Southeast Greenway, 4550 Mueller Blvd. | Treat your pet to a (leashed) walk along the water. Pro tip: This trail borders a food truck park and several Mueller restaurants and coffee shops, making it home to several picnic-perfect spots.
