10 great Vancouver dog-friendly patios

Dec 19 2017, 6:27 pm

Vancouver has hundreds of amazing patios to take advantage of in the spring and summer. If you play your cards right you might even get a mountain, seawall or water view – or all three!

Thankfully, there are loads of great establishments across our fair city that are dog-friendly, meaning you don’t need to leave your furry friend at home.  And with recent concerns over dognappings in Vancouver, rest assured: all of these places let you have your dog tied up right beside you, so they’ll never be out of sight.

City bylaws prohibit dogs from being on a patio where food is being served, however, many spots provide a tie-up space just outside the fence. Some go far above and beyond providing water dishes and treats… one of this year’s winners is even building raised dog beds on its patio space. (And off the record: some of these places will let you have your dog under the table)

After last year’s wildly successful post on Vancouver’s best dog-friendly patios, I wanted to introduce y’all to 10 super spots where Fido is welcome:

Score on Davie Street

The Score on Davie patio is seen in a Vancity Buzz image.

The Score on Davie patio is seen in a Vancity Buzz image.

Score’s street-side patio is perfect for West Enders to bring their pooches and tie them up to the fence while they eat in the sun.  Ice water is provided specially for each dog and owners are very accommodating to “our four-legged buddies.”  Bonus points: As Vancity Buzz has reported this is THE SPOT to get the best Caesar in town. Who needs more motivation than that?  Hint: Go on Saturday to enjoy its Hip Hop Brunch, with breakfast meals starting at $6.50 – what a steal!

Peckinpah – Gastown

The smells of Peckinpah’s locally sourced Carolina-style BBQ are enough alone to make someone drool, let alone a dog.  Peckinpah’s owners welcome dogs to be tied up on its street-side patio, and you’ll see lots of neighbourhood customers digging into a plate of ribs with their dogs beside them in the summer time.  Make sure to ask for the jalapeño mayo or honey bourbon sauce for dipping!

Chill Winston – Gastown

Chill Winston has one of the biggest and best patios in Gastown, perfect for people watching on a sunny day. Management always provides fresh water for dogs and there’s a tie-up friendly railing on the exterior of the patio.  Guests just need to request to be seated on the edge to keep their dogs close.  Bonus: Chill’s menu is packed with organic produce and local, sustainable meat. It’s just rolled out a wallet-friendly “12 for $12” lunch menu which includes a killer mac n’ cheese with house-made bacon and salt-baked Ocean Wise prawns served atop a pineapple steak.

Good Wolfe – Yaletown

This Yaletown haunt isn’t just racking up praise for its delicious dishes.  To Die For Fine Foods owner and food reporter Erin Ireland recommends this patio if you want a great dog-friendly experience. She was welcomed with a water dish and a smile after tying her dog Effie up at a table on its semi-enclosed patio.  And no concrete nap for pooches who find themselves at Good Wolfe: The owners, who have a crazy Jack Russell Terrier at home, are planning on constructing dog beds and platforms so dogs can snooze tableside.

JJ Bean – Yaletown

If you’re feeling in the mood for a caffeinated pick me up, JJ Bean in Yaletown has a big coffee patio in the heart of the neighbourhood frequently haunted by dog lovers.  Foodie Erin Ireland cites this as one of her favourite neighbourhood hangouts, and says there are always multiple pooches tied to the gate.  You can feel good about the food you get at JJ Bean: Meat used in its wraps and sandwiches is locally sourced from Two Rivers Specialty Meats. It also has a great selection of gluten-free and vegan muffins, all of which are gigantic.

Provence Marinaside – Yaletown

A perennial favourite for Yaletowners, Provence has a sun drenched patio just steps away from the seawall, and serves up a mean sophisticated brunch until 3 p.m. on the weekends (think saffron-hinted risotto balls and elegantly presented seafood salads).

The Rush host Fiona Forbes is a frequent guest with her dog Chewy, and she cites the “great food, great service and lots of sunshine” for being a return guest.

Burrard Bridge Marine Bar and Grill (aka. The Pirate Pub)

The sun-drenched patio at The Pirate Pub

The sun-drenched patio at The Pirate Pub

Another one of Forbes’ favourite dog-friendly patios is The Pirate Pub, snugly tucked away just east of the Burrard Bridge. “Who doesn’t like to talk like a pirate? Chewy says ARRRGGHHHH!” says Forbes.

This spot ranks highest on my personal list, with plenty of space for your dog to be tied up, and the servers (and service) are fantastic. It isn’t just dogs that have graced this patio: it’s also had parrots, cats in purses, ferrets around necks and even bunnies.

While you’re basking in the sun enjoying their coconut red curry mussels or fully-loaded nachos – with a craft beer of course – staff will cater to your dog with individual water dishes and doggy treats. They’ll also bring you a bowl of dog food free of charge if your happy hour extends into dinner time.

Hurricane Grill – Yaletown and North Vancouver locations

Both of Hurricane Grill’s locations are very doggy-friendly, and are situated in great locations. Management only asks that people have their dogs tied to the exterior railing which, fortunately, is where all the best tables are.  Either in North

Vancouver or beautiful False Creek these are truly two of the most beautiful patios
in the area.  Bonus points: The Yaletown location is literally a stone’s throw away from the Seawall, making this the perfect end to a leisurely cruise around False Creek, or the nearby Coopers’ off-leash dog park.

Calhoun’s Cafe – Kitsilano

If you’re a UBC student or grad it’s likely you’ve frequented this cafe, bakery and study hub on West Broadway. Its cozy atmosphere and dog-friendly sidewalk patio make it the perfect hangout, but not everyone knows the owners are happy for diners to have their dogs tied on the railing in the patio. That means your four-legged friend can stick close by while you get your fill of fresh muffins, homemade cakes (try the chocolate ganache!) and fruit cheesecakes.  Bonus: This patio is licensed, meaning you can sub in a local beer or wine for a smoothie during your next study session.

Suburban shout out: Wendel’s Cafe – Fort Langley

Sammy, a regular at Wendel's in Fort Langley.

Sammy, a regular at Wendel’s in Fort Langley.

A stone’s throw from the riverside trails and parks in this lovely village, Wendel’s has long championed the pet parent. In addition to treats and water, support beams running down the length of the patio allow dog owners to have their companion close by, no matter what table they’re at.  Bonus: the well-known “Fort-to-Fort Trail” links up with Derby Reach Park, which includes an off leash dog park.

Do you have a favourite dog-friendly patio in the city that isn’t on the list?  Leave a comment below and it may be featured in an upcoming article. 

DH Vancouver StaffDH Vancouver Staff

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