Dog-friendly restaurants in San Diego are on the rise, and they’re an excellent addition to a day of beach sunsets, surfing, and endless sunshine.
As a San Diego local and dog owner, I’ve been noticing the increase in dog-friendly spots in every San Diego beach town and suburb.
Using my insider knowledge, I’m here to share all the pup-approved restaurant patios across San Diego and all the best brews inviting you to sit and stay awhile. Oh, and if you need a hotel, I’ve also got a guide to the best dog-friendly hotels in San Diego!
Notification: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. See our Advertising Policy for further explanation. Thank you!
26 Best San Diego Dog-Friendly Restaurants
The Compass
🍽️ Bar & Grill | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +1 760 434 1900
The Compass is located on the top floor of the Village Faire Center in Carlsbad Village, and a 35-minute drive from downtown San Diego. It’s one of my favorite Carlsbad restaurants for brunch, because both my furry friend and I can enjoy the menu.
The Compass makes unique brunch cocktails like the corndog bloody mary (for humans) as well as salmon, peas, and white rice – specially made for the pups.
👉 Pro Tip: Order two doggie salmon entrees for takeout and picnic at the beach. While it’s not on the human menu, it’s way cheaper and tastes like a 4-star fillet.
Chandler’s Oceanfront Dining
🍽️ Coastal | $$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +1 760 683 5500
Chandler’s Oceanfront Dining is a part of the Cape Rey Hotel, right next to the South Carlsbad State Beach, one of the best things to do in Carlsbad. They offer a classy happy hour on their oceanfront patio with oysters, wings, and other light bites.
They also have a secret doggie menu with beef bourguignon and roasted veggies that honestly looks too good to be just for our dogs.
👉 Don’t Miss: Chandler’s is within walking distance to the dog-friendly Camp Store, a live music hot spot!
The Dog Society
🍽️ Bar Food | $ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +1 619 780 0235
The Dog Society is where pets bring their human guests! This is the ultimate San Diego dog restaurant that’s part bar, dog park, game room, fast food restaurant, and amusement center all in one.
The Dog Society is a great place for birthday parties, watching a sports game, and bringing your own meal while your dog hangs on one of the many sofas.
With canine broth tastings, pup cups, wine, beer, and cheesy Belgian-style soft pretzels, The Dog Society wins for all the tasty fun for both dog and dog owners alike.
👉 Don’t Miss: The Dog Society is close to Balboa Park with ample walking trails and other things to do in San Diego.
Dini’s Bistro
🍽️ American | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +1 760 434 6000
When I’m out with the pup, one of my favorite places next to Carlsbad Beach and Boardwalk is Dini’s Bistro.
Locals love to meet here for drinks – the ambiance of the mini outdoor seating mixed with the killer oceanfront sunset is unmatched. Plus, if you’re nice to the wait staff, they’ll offer fresh bacon.
When staying in Carlsbad, Dini’s has an extensive drinks menu plus great happy hour dishes like nachos and wings. If you’re looking for a more romantic sit-down dinner, I recommend booking a reservation for their larger outdoor patio.
👉 Don’t Miss: Dini’s is across the street from one of the best beaches in San Diego.
Better Buzz
🍽️ Cafe | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +1 760 487 5562
Better Buzz has multiple locations in San Diego, although Encinitas is the most desirable. While it already made my list of the best things to do in Encinitas, it deserves a spot here too because it’s one of the most dog-friendly cafes in San Diego.
My pup loves their free puppuchinos that come with a treat on top. For humans, the delicious food here is underrated, especially the various avocado toasts, sandwiches, and fruit bowls.
👉 Don’t Miss: At Better Buzz’s Encinitas location, check out the Encinitas Dog Park, Puppy Picnic Co, and Pet Power for more doggie adventures.
High/Low
🍽️ American Fusion | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +1 760 512 3329
Believe me, I am the first to be hesitant about dining at hotels, but even as a local, I love going to High/Low when spending time in Oceanside.
High/Low is the restaurant on the bottom floor of the Mission Pacific Hotel in downtown Oceanside, one of the best hotels in Oceanside. Their green juices, seafood salad with homemade Louie dressing, courteous dog bowls, and incredible views are just a few reasons my pup and I keep coming back.
Pipes Cafe
🍽️ Cafe | $ | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +1 760 632 0056
Pipes Cafe is located in Surfers’ Paradise, where blocks of Cardiff Beach and downtown Encinitas meet. Pipes is known for a rather large breakfast plate full of scrambled eggs and grilled sausages. Not to mention, it’s an easy meal to share with a dog outside a no-frills eatery.
Monarch Ocean Pub
🍽️ American Hawaiian Fusion | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +1 858 925 6047
Monarch Ocean Pub is located on the top level of the Del Mar Plaza and is very versatile for families, couples, and lounging with the pup. I love their Ube donuts, tuna poke, and grapefruit frosé drink.
The Monarch Ocean Pub has incredible indoor ocean views, although only service dogs are allowed in that area. However, there’s an additional outdoor seating area adjacent to the restaurant.
This grassy patio serves up happy hour and live music and is connected to the rest of the rooftop with ample lounge chairs and a local coffee shop. Monarch Ocean Pub is a top choice if you’re staying in Del Mar.
👉 Pro Tip: If you’re headed to Del Mar Dog Beach, a great place for a post-beach self-wash bath is Dirty Dogs and Mr. Bodhi’s Grub & Scrub, both less than a 20-minute walk from the beach.
Barbarella Restaurant & Bar
🍽️ European | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +1 858 454 7373
Barbarella offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner only 3 blocks from La Jolla Beach. Dog owners will enjoy the Ruffarella menu featuring inexpensive beef, eggs, chicken, bacon, and ice cream to pamper the pooch.
Hand-crafted cocktails, coastal outdoor seating options, pasta dishes, and other comfort food items on the dinner menu make Barbarella one of my go-to spots.
👉 Don’t Miss: Head to nearby Decker’s Dog & Cat for unique dog treats and apparel, it’s my favorite pet store in San Diego. Then, keep exploring all the things to do in La Jolla!
Bull’s Smokin’ BBQ
🍽️ Barbecue | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +1 619 276 2855
Bull’s Smokin BBQ is one of the more pet-friendly places in San Diego. It is a saloon-style restaurant near Mission Bay and Fiesta Island Dog Park that serves mouth-watering BBQ meats.
They have homestyle side dishes like mac and cheese, beans, coleslaw, and unique beers to try. All are welcome on their dog-friendly patio, just follow the decorated paw prints on the ground.
👉 Pro Tip: Work up an appetite with some nearby watersports like SUP Pups and Fiesta Island.
My Yard Live Beer Co.
🍽️ Brewpub | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +1 760 798 0779
There’s nothing better than grabbing some early lunch in San Marcos at My Yard Live Beer Co. in between San Marcos activities. They have a comfy dog-friendly astroturf patio. It feels like I’m hanging out in my own yard, which is the owner’s vision of this place.
My Yard Live is all about good food, good live music, good company, and it’s a great place for kids too. They have a large parking lot so it’s an easy spot to gather large groups. I love their hummus and veggie platter, along with their fruity seasonal cocktails.
Baja Beach Cafe
🍽️ Mexican | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (858) 230-6315
Baja Beach Cafe is a quirky coastal Mexican spot right on the boardwalk in Pacific Beach, a 13-minute drive north of Ocean Beach. Grab your sunnies, sandals, and furry friends to enjoy an ocean view with your toes in the sand. Baja Beach has killer margaritas and nachos to share with the group.
👉 Don’t Miss: Can’t get enough Baja? Head to Baja Betty’s between North Park and Hillcrest for a drag show and lively Mexican.
Belching Beaver Brewery Tavern and Grill
🍽️ Bar & Grill | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +1 760 295 8599
There are a few Belching Beavers in San Diego, but the Tavern in downtown Vista Village across from Main Street can’t be beaten. This dog-friendly eatery has a huge camping-themed backyard with Adirondack chairs circled around firepits in the dirt. The ambiance is unmatched.
Whether you try their fried foods or healthy salmon salads, their consistent quality of food is impressive. They have a huge menu of in-house crafted beers on tap and my favorite peanut butter stout.
The Besta Wan Pizza House
🍽️ Pizza Mexican Fusion | $ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +1 760 753 6707
Another delicious meal in Cardiff-by-the-sea that allows leashed dogs is The Besta Wan Pizza House. This funky little house-turned-restaurant serves both pizza and Mexican all under one roof.
If you have a bunch of picky eaters in your group, this spot caters to everyone. They have pretty large portions for a good price too. I highly recommend staying in and exploring Cardiff/Encinitas because of how dog-friendly the town is.
Queenstown Public House
🍽️ New Zealand | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +1 619 546 0444
Queenstown Public House brings New Zealand infused cuisine to a bustling corner of Little Italy. Queenstown is also a 10-minute drive from the Coronado Bay Bridge.
This charming indoor restaurant feels like a cozy house with an extended parklet for dog-friendly outdoor seating. Their drinks are unique and their comfort foods will leave you feeling quite satisfied. The salads are just as filling and flavorful as the cast iron skillet hash and gourmet chicken and waffles.
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens
🍽️ American | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +1 760 294 7866
Stone Brewing is one of San Diego’s best breweries located in Escondido and home to the best beer garden in town. The grounds are breathtaking with plenty of space to roam. Those who enjoy beer tasting find Stone to be one of the more popular places to visit in the San Marcos area.
They have over 30 beers on tap and a killer pretzel bun burger. They also offer brewery tours but make sure to sign up beforehand as they often sell out.
The Dog
🍽️ Craft Beer | $ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +1 858 581 0149
Pacific Beach is a great San Diego beach town and The Dog is a poolhouse that fits right in. This spot is pretty centrally located as it’s only a 20-minute drive from San Diego CA.
While The Dog is super dog friendly to play some billiards and hang with your furry friends, unfortunately, they only serve beer and wine so you’ll want to eat before or bring your own snacks.
👉 Pro Tip: Take a 5-minute walk to Noah’s Natural Pet Market for some rawhide bones.
Sally’s Fish House & Bar
🍽️ Seafood | $$$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +1 619 358 6740
Couples and seafood lovers will love the romantic Sally’s Fish House & Bar right in the heart of the San Diego Harbor. Their seafood towers and lobster rolls are delightful.
Sally’s location is key. It’s right next to the waterfront park that hosts the annual Barks & Brews Dog Festival and Mission Bay where your dog can learn to stand up paddleboard with you.
After dinner at Sally’s Fish House, I highly recommend staying to pedal with your pup on the San Diego Harbor by booking an eco pedal boat night glow rental.
Lazy Dog Restaurant
🍽️ American | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +1 619 481 6191
One of the best pup-friendly eateries in San Diego is Lazy Dog Restaurant, located between University Heights and North Park. They have a separate dog menu that features a nice piece of grilled chicken breast.
For humans, the fried chicken dish here is top-notch. With a range of entrees, Lazy Dog offers a little bit of everything. I love how spacious the indoor and outdoor patios are, perfect for outings with your pet.
Breakfast Republic
🍽️ American | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +1 619 642 0299
Breakfast Republic is a local breakfast chain in San Diego, and the top 3 locations include Hillcrest, Point Loma near Mission Bay, and Liberty Station.
Brunch can get crowded on the weekends so small dogs are best. Don’t miss their breakfast mimosas and Oreo pancakes for a champion morning.
Casa de Freds, Tacos y Tequila
🍽️ Mexican | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +1 619 858 8226
Exploring Old Town San Diego is a very cultural thing to do in San Diego and Casa de Freds, Tacos y Tequila is Old Town’s only dog-friendly restaurant. They have a doggie menu featuring sliced carne asada that my canine goes crazy for.
Anyone on a budget will appreciate their $4-7 Taco Tuesdays and $7 fiesta hour daily. For the humans, I recommend the adorable rubber ducky margaritas and the flaming hot fajitas.
Station Tavern
🍽️ Bar & Grill | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +1 619 255 0657
For a great burger and a rotating selection of local beer, Station Tavern & Burgers located in the center of South Park is a fantastic choice. Station Tavern has a big backyard which is especially great for dogs and families. Hipsters will enjoy Station’s vibe and award-winning architecture.
Fig Tree Cafe
🍽️ Californian | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +1 858 274 2233
Head to Fig Tree Cafe for quintessential California cuisine. They do have a few locations in San Diego, however, the cutest is definitely in Pacific Beach with lots of plant decor. They have good food and they welcome pets – what more can you ask for?
Fig Tree Cafe’s lunch is tasty, but I definitely recommend coming for brunch benedicts and pancakes with a side of bacon for the pup.
Regal Beagle
🍽️ Bar & Grill | $ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +1 619 297 2337
Regal Beagle is more of a dive bar than some of the other places on my list. Regal Beagle is in Mission Hills, a 5-minute drive to downtown San Diego. If you and your pups like craft beer and artisanal sausage, this is the perfect afternoon spot.
Check their website for trivia nights, happy hour specials, and game nights.
Daybreak Island Grill
🍽️ Hawaiian | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +1 619 222 0406
Grab a mimosa tasting flight and great food right in downtown Ocean Beach at Daybreak Island Grill. If you’re open to an authentic Hawaiian breakfast, definitely try the loco moco.
They also have a dog meal that is highly nutritious and made out of bacon, eggs, potato, carrot, and spinach.
Viewpoint Brewing Company
🍽️ Gastropub | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +1 858 356 9346
Viewpoint Brewing Company is a bit hidden from the main street, and it feels like being transported miles away from Del Mar. I love going here for the outdoor seating overlooking the San Dieguito Lagoon. Viewpoint is known for over 18 types of craft beer. The schnitzel, fish tacos, and most of their sharable tapas pair nicely with a tasting flight.
Vistapoint Brewing’s location is ideal, only a 15-minute walk from Del Mar Dog Beach and some of the best hikes in San Diego.
FAQs About Dog-Friendly Restaurants in San Diego
What are the best dog-friendly restaurants in San Diego?
The best San Diego dog-friendly restaurants are The Dog Society,Better Buzz,The Compass,Barbarella, and Bull’s Smokin’ BBQ.
Is San Diego a dog-friendly city?
San Diego is one of the most dog-friendly cities in Southern California with plenty of places to dine, live, and play with your pup.
Can you bring a dog into a restaurant in California?
You can bring your dog into a restaurant in California if it is a service animal. They are not allowed to ask you for proof. However, many California restaurants offer ample outdoor dog-friendly seating.
Are dogs allowed on restaurant patios in San Diego?
There are a ton of restaurants in San Diego that allow dogs on patios.
***
Thanks for reading my guide on the most dog-friendly restaurants in San Diego. Up next, check out our article on the best restaurants in La Jolla. Adventure awaits!
