On a summer day in Vancouver there’s no better place to be than on a sunny patio, soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying a cold beer.
But dog owners know leaving your pet at home cooped up inside on a nice day can leave a pang of guilt, and the patio experience is just that much better with the company of your four-legged friend.
While Vancouver doesn’t allow canines on any patio where food is served, many bars and restaurants are still very pet-friendly, and allow tie-up areas for dogs. It means you and your dog don’t have to be separated. Some especially accommodating spots offer treats, shade, cool water and maybe even a pat on the head for well-behaved pets.
Here’s a look at some of the best dog-friendly patios in the city, in no particular order:
The Mill Marine Bistro
Patio regulars like Blue, Pickles, and Bear – and their masters – can be found taking in the sights from this Coal Harbour mainstay. Just a stone’s throw from Harbour Green Park, you can literally play fetch with one hand while hanging onto a craft beer in the other. Bonus: The heated patio is enclosed in fall/winter, but it’s still counted as outdoor space, so you and your dog can pop in out of the rain for a boozy hot chocolate.
Address: 1199 West Cordova Street (at Bute)
Website: www.millbistro.ca
Twitter: @millbistro
Phone: 604-687-MILL (6455)
Havana
A great spot for people-watching, this curb-side Commercial Drive haunt does its best to provide shade and water for its “canine guests.” The restaurant encourages patrons to tie their dogs on the outside of the exterior railing so they can be in close range while you sip their delicious champagne sangria.
Address: 1212 Commercial Drive
Phone Number: 604-253-9119
Twitter: @HavanaVancouver
Central Bistro
Great for brunches, the Denman St. restaurant and bar has a wraparound patio that pokes onto Comox St. so your dog doesn’t get in the way of the throngs of tourists headed to English Bay. Water dishes are provided and good dogs are often welcomed with treats. The restaurant also tries to accommodate pet owners who want to drop in for a quick snack before getting back to enjoying the West End neighbourhood with their canine companion.
Address: 1072 Denman St Vancouver
Phone: (604) 689-4527
Twitter: @CentralBistro
Provence Marinaside
Provence provides multiple water dishes and a place to leash dogs outside the railing while pet lovers enjoy a meal on the patio. Staff often know the names of the dogs – and their humans – that drop by regularly.
Address: 1177 Marinaside Crescent, Vancouver,
Phone: (604) 681-4144
Twitter: @ProvenceVancity
Lift
Known for its sweeping vistas of the North Shore, this Coal Harbour gem invites dog owners to leave their pooches by the water bowl at the front entrance, near the watchful eyes of the on-duty valets. Rumour has it Jake often has treats in his pocket.
Address: 333 Menchions Mews
Website: www.liftbarandgrill.com
Twitter: @liftbarandgrill
Phone: 604-689-5438
Wicklow Pub
Smack dab on the False Creek seawall, guests can enjoy the upper-floor patio while their four-legged pals bask on the adjacent extended patio, which has a water bowl and umbrellas to keep the little guys dry on rainy days. Owner Marnie Campbell often has her pooch at work. “The owners can see their dogs and patrons seem to love meeting all the visiting dogs,” she says.
Address: 610 Stamps Landing, Vancouver, BC V5Z 3Z1
Phone:(604) 879-0821
Twitter: @TheWicklowPub
Burgoo on Main
The Burgoo location in Mount Pleasant features numerous tables along the railing of their ample patio dog buddies need to cool down.
Address: 3096 Main Street Vancouver
Phone: 604-873-1441
Tap and Barrel
The Olympic Village beer and wine-on-tap haven has a designated space adjacent to the main (and massive) patio for dogs to chill while their owners enjoy a beverage or two. Water bowls and dog treats are plentiful. It’s also just across the street from the Bone & Bowl, one of the most stylist pet stores in town.
Address: 1 Athletes Way, Vancouver
Phone: 604-685-2223
Update: @CTVMorningLive did a segment on the best patios to dine with your dog. Watch it here
Do you know of any other great dog-friendly patios in the city? Post it in the comments section below!
Feature image: gunstreet.girl
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