Hi, I’m Anna Wayne—a writer, a hopeless foodie, and a proud human to a 45-pound fluffball who thinks every patio chair was made for him. If you’re searching for dog-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles, I know what you’re really looking for: places where your pup isn’t just tolerated… they’re welcomed. Bowls of water arrive without asking. Treats magically appear. Servers lean down to say hello to your dog first (and you don’t mind one bit).
This guide is my love letter to LA’s outdoor dining scene—and to all of you who plan weekends around the question, “Where can I eat with my dog?” You’ll find neighborhoods to target, house rules to know, a curated list of the best dog-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles, plus honest tips from the heart. I’ve also woven in competitor insights and public data (think: city guidelines and trusted roundups) so you get the most accurate, current picture of what works right now in LA.
Why LA Is a Dream for Dog Parents (and How to Make the Most of It)
As a city of sunshine, vast patios, and a culture of outdoor dining, it is quite possible that Los Angeles invented the al fresco selfie. And the finest news? Finding dog-friendly Los Angeles restaurants is now more manageable than ever- with one caveat: stick to patios and parklets. County planning enables restaurants to decide whether or not they would like to accept pet dogs on their outdoor seating, provided that health regulations are adhered to, and therefore water bowls with little signs saying, dog are welcome on the patio are everywhere. Remember that they can only accept or decline and indoor dining is another matter, as it has health codes.
Quick etiquette (so you and your pup get invited back):
Keep your dog leashed and close to your chair.
Avoid chairs/benches and keep paws off the table.
Bring a mat if they’re a floor-flopper, and pack poop bags.
If your dog is reactive or barky, choose quieter times or a corner table.
These little courtesies are the secret sauce that keeps dog-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles truly welcoming.
My Favorite Dog-Loving Spots (with Real Perks for Pups)
Below are standouts that consistently make local best-of lists and pass my personal vibe check. I’ll note when there’s a special dog menu or above-and-beyond hospitality. (Always peek at current hours and patio policies before you go.)
1) The Morrison (Atwater Village) — “#1 Dog Friendly Patio in USA!” Energy
This neighborhood pub is legendary among dog-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles thanks to an honest-to-goodness Dog Menu (think chopped hamburger with rice or chicken and rice), and servers who treat pups like VIPs—some plates even arrive on silver trays. Their patio is lively, and the staff are quick with water bowls. It’s the spot where your dog is the star, and you’re happily their handler/photographer.
2) Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar (LA Live, DTLA) — On-Theme and On-Point
If you love a place that leans into the theme, Lazy Dog is, well… on brand. There’s patio seating, pup water bowls, and a dog menu featuring a grilled chicken breast or hamburger patty with brown rice. You’ll find locations across SoCal, but the LA Live outpost is conveniently central if you’re catching a game or concert. Among dog-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles, this is one of the most reliably pup-positive chains.
3) Blue Dog Beer Tavern (Sherman Oaks) — Neighborhood Classic with a Patio
True to its name, Blue Dog keeps things casual and very dog-friendly on the patio—perfect for burger nights, chill afternoons, and post-walk hangouts in the Valley. It’s a simple formula: shade, cold drinks, hearty food, and a patio where dogs settle in like locals. A trusty pick on any list of dog-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles (especially if you live over the hill).
4) Alcove (Los Feliz) — Garden-Style Patio, All-Day Menu
Alcove’s sprawling patio feels like a little park with umbrellas, water bowls, and plenty of space to keep your buddy comfortable while you crush pancakes at 9 am or a burger after sunset. It remains one of the most beloved dog-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles for all-day hangs.
5) Manuela (Arts District) — Gallery Courtyard Vibes
Tucked inside the Hauser & Wirth complex, Manuela offers a gorgeous, expansive courtyard where dogs get quick water service and you get Southern-leaning plates and cocktails. It’s a stunner—especially for a weekend lunch where you can stroll the gallery after. Among dog-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles, this is your “make it special” patio.
6) The Terrace at the Maybourne (Beverly Hills) — Luxe, But Pup-Kind
If you’re celebrating, this is the splurge-y side of dog-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles. Think manicured lawn views and a staff that may even offer your pup a cushy bed while you twirl fresh pasta. A sophisticated treat when you want to play dress-up without leaving the dog behind.
7) Hermanito (Sawtelle) — Clever Space, Great Energy
Hermanito converted side areas and a rear lot into dog-friendly patios, leaving plenty of space between tables (and yes, there are “perro”-proof touches like doggy doors). It’s one of Sawtelle’s best bets if you’re hunting dog-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles on the Westside.
8) Great White (Venice) — Beachy Brunch With Your Bestie
Banana bread with whipped honeycomb butter for you, shaded parklet for the pup. Venice can be hectic, but Great White handles the crowds with ease and still makes room for dogs—perfect before or after a boardwalk stroll. A Westside essential in the world of dog-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles.
Heads up about closures: The once-popular Fat Dog in North Hollywood appears to be permanently closed—proof that even long-running spots can change quickly. Always double-check a place before you drive.
Neighborhood Cheat Sheet: Where Dog Parents Dine Happy
Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Echo Park: Big patio culture, coffee-to-cocktail transitions, and some of the most photogenic dog-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles. (Think Alcove, Lady Byrd.)
Arts District & DTLA: Courtyards, breweries, and destination patios (Manuela, plus breweries that welcome leashed dogs).
Venice & the Westside: Parklets and beach-adjacent brunch—Great White and more.
San Fernando Valley: Easy parking, laid-back pub energy (Blue Dog Beer Tavern), and a strong local scene of dog-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles north of the hill.
How to Choose the Right Spot (Based on Your Dog’s Personality)
Every dog is their own little person—quirks, preferences, and all. Here’s how I match my plans to my pup:
For anxious pups: Pick dog-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles with large patios and spaced-out seating (Manuela, Hermanito). Request an edge or corner table. Bring a lick mat or long-lasting chew for calming and focus.
For social butterflies: Morrison’s vibe (plus the dog menu) makes it feel like a dog party; Alcove’s patio is bustling and friendly.
For beach babies: Westside parklets or Venice patios (Great White) are perfect—tack on a mellow beach walk before or after to take the edge off.
For heat-sensitive dogs: Look for umbrellas, misters, and shade (Alcove, Manuela). Summer afternoons can be hot, so aim for brunch or dinner.
Budgeting Your Pup-Date: What a Dog Date Really Costs
At most dog-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles, you’ll pay typical LA prices for your meal, and sometimes $5–$10 extra if you order from a dog menu (Morrison/Lazy Dog offer simple, protein-plus-rice options). Tip your server for the extra water runs and fan-waving—they truly earn it when there’s a four-legged guest at the table.
Frequently Asked Questions (From My DMs, Basically)
Q1: Can dogs go inside restaurants in LA?
Generally no, unless the dog is a service animal. LA County allows restaurants to let pet dogs in outdoor areas if they choose and if health rules are followed. That’s why smart planning around patios is essential for anyone seeking dog-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles.
Q2: Do places really have dog menus?
Yes! Morrison and Lazy Dog are famous for it, serving simple dog-safe plates (like chicken or beef with rice). It’s a small thing that makes dog-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles feel like they were designed with our pups in mind.
Q3: What about busy or reactive dogs?
Go early or late, pick a corner table, bring a cooling mat or chew, and keep sessions short. You’ll still get to enjoy dog-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles without stressing your pup—or your neighbors.
Q4: Any quick-close cautionary tales?
Absolutely. Restaurants come and go (RIP, Fat Dog NoHo), so always call ahead or check socials before heading out. Even the best dog-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles can change policies, hours, or ownership.
Q5: Are breweries a good option?
Many LA breweries are famously dog-welcoming on patios and in expansive indoor-outdoor spaces. If you love casual vibes, breweries can be an easy entry point into dog-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles-adjacent experiences (often with food trucks).
A Little Love Story (Because You Know I’m Sappy)
Here’s my truth: the most memorable nights aren’t always Michelin. Sometimes it’s a warm evening, a string-lit patio, and my dog settling into a perfect loaf at my feet. A server sets down a water bowl with a smile. The table next to me asks for my pup’s name, and suddenly we’re all laughing—strangers sharing fries and favorite hikes. That’s the spirit of dog-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles. It’s not just food; it’s belonging.
Build Your Perfect Dog Day in LA (Sample Itineraries)
The Arts District Easy-Breezy
Morning walk along the river path
Coffee stop (to-go)
Lunch at Manuela (courtyard, art-adjacent)
Gallery stroll and a nap at home—with leftovers
This is my “pretend I live in a magazine spread” take on dog-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles.
The Valley Classic
Long amble through a shady neighborhood
Blue Dog Beer Tavern burgers on the patio
Sunset drive on Mulholland
No fuss, no pressure—just the relaxed soul of dog-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles north of the hill.
DTLA Night Out
Quick pre-event walk
Lazy Dog (LA Live) patio, pup bowl + simple dog entrée
Sneak a selfie with your dog and the skyline
That’s city sparkle, dog-approved.
The Eastside All-Day
Morning hike at Griffith
Brunch at Alcove under umbrellas
Afternoon nap for the pup, ice cream for you
The quintessential slow day at dog-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles.
Also Read: 10 Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in California
How I Keep This List Honest (and Up-to-Date)
I cross-check restaurant status through official sites, trusted local guides, and city resources. I adore community tips, but when it comes to dog-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles, I look for three things: (1) patio policy clarity, (2) recent confirmations from reputable outlets, (3) consistent guest reports. That’s how a place earns a spot here—and stays here.
Final Word from Anna (and a Tail Thump from My Co-Author)
You and your dog deserve joy—real, lived-in joy. The kind you taste in a perfectly crisp fry and feel in the soft weight of a head in your lap. That’s why dog-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles matter. They give us a thousand tiny moments of “this is exactly where we’re meant to be.”
If this guide helped you find a new favorite patio, I’d love to hear about it. Tell me where you went, what you ordered, how your pup behaved (be honest!), and what other dog-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles I should try next. Your stories keep this community strong—and they help other dog parents say yes to dining out together.
Pingback: Best Dog Parks in Los Angeles, San Diego & San Francisco - The Dogs USA