There’s something special about owning a dog. Of course, our four-legged friends are adorable and are the perfect cuddle companion. But did you know that when a dog becomes part of the family, it can improve the quality of life of its owners?
Harvard Medical School shared data from 2022 that showed dogs improve owners’ mental well being and provide physical health benefits (including lower heart rate and improved blood pressure). The physical improvements likely came from the increased activity from dog walks. From an emotional perspective, dogs can also reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation thanks to social interactions from dog walks and simply spending time with your four-legged friend.
Beyond routine dog walks in your neighborhood or local parks, there are many places around Chicago and the North Shore area where you can take your dog to enjoy a day out. A wide range of eateries now welcome dogs to their restaurants or patios.
So grab the leash, order a cocktail, and soak up some long-awaited sunshine.
Off Color Brewing
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Off Color Brewing’s Taproom, the Mousetrap, has an outdoor patio that welcomes dogs daily. With 16 Off Color brews on draft plus numerous can and bottle options, you will find the perfect cold beverage to keep you cool this summer. Customers can bring food to enjoy along with their drink—just be sure to bring cutlery and napkins!
1460 N. Kingsbury, Chicago
The Spoke & Bird
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The Spoke & Bird offers a local farm-to-table cafe and beer garden environment. Its menu features seasonal items sourced from local farms, a coffee and tea menu, a bar, and breakfast and lunch/dinner offerings, including omelets, Challah French toast, pastries, salads, burgers, soup, and more.
Your furry friends are welcome on the outdoor patio, with water bowls and dog biscotti!
South Loop location: 205 E. 18th Street, Chicago (more locations opening soon!)
Waterfront Cafe
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Open seven days a week, Waterfront Cafe has some of the best views in the heart of Berger Park. Whether you’re craving a summer salad, seafood, sausages, nachos, or something to drink, bring your pooch to the patio for savory eats and satisfying sips! Live music acts hit the stage multiple times throughout the week, and different genres are on the lineup, including jazz, classics, soul, R&B, Brazillian, and more.
6219 North Sheridan Road, Chicago
Convito Cafe & Market
This quick, casual Italian eatery is a staple in Wilmette — and a multi-year Best Of Winner. But, many have no idea that this market and restaurant welcomes four-legged dates on the patio, too. Convito makes fresh Italian food tasty and affordable, with most entrees around $20 or less. Convito also caters to those on the North Shore who have gluten sensitivities. And bring the dog around closing to enjoy chocolate fondant — for you, not your pooch — it is so worth it.
1515 Sheridan Road, Wilmette
Firehouse Grill
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This beloved Evanston spot is a favorite not just among locals who love the char-grilled burgers and cold brews or their kids who get a kick out of eating in a decommissioned fire station, but it’s a tail-wagging outing for Fido, too. The spacious outdoor seating area is the perfect place to kick back and enjoy pan pizzas, the Big As Your Head Grilled Cheese, or the Firehouse Burger while your pup lounges alongside you. Remember, with their limited patio seating, it’s best to call ahead to secure your spot.
750 Chicago Ave., Evanston
Big Star
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This summer, Big Star — a Wicker Park classic — is about to get a whole lot fuzzier! Stop in with your pup to enjoy some delicious Mexican cuisine, an assortment of tasty beverages, and that sweet-sweet summertime sunshine on their patio. Visit one of their two locations, including one in Wrigleyville.
1531 N. Damen Ave. or 3640 N. Clark St., Chicago
Roots Pizza
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Pizza and pups! Is there a better combo out there? Roots Pizza patio has summer seating available Wednesday through Sunday. They serve malted crust pies with enough cheese to pull across the table, their famous mozzarella sticks, custom-made salads, and a full drink menu to find the ideal pairing with your meal.
West Town: 1924 W Chicago Ave, Chicago; The South Loop: 744 S. Dearborn St., Chicago
The Moonlighter
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Nestled between Logan Square and Humboldt Park is the friendly neighborhood bar, The Moonlighter. With its laundry list of craft brews and booze, you simply can’t go wrong. And with its proximity to The 606 Trail, it might be the perfect stop after a hot day on your barking feet. However, you’re going to want to make a reservation first. Enjoy!
3204 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago
Murphy’s Bleachers
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Well-loved by Chicagoans and Cubbies alike, Murphy’s Bleachers is a go-to place for anyone seeking the intersection of good beer, familiar faces, and a spot for their four-legged friend to enjoy themselves. Whether you’re bringing the party or just looking for a casual bite to eat — like a classic Chicago Italian Beef sandwich — this Wrigleyville staple has what you need. Word to the wise: if you plan on enjoying Murphy’s on game day, just be sure to leave your furry friend at home.
3655 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago
PB&J
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PB&J — standing for Pizza, Beer & Jukebox — is an up-and-coming spot that promises a lot of fun and variety in the heart of the West Loop. As if you needed any more reasons to bring your furry friend out on the town, on Wednesdays, bring in your pooch for “Doggie Date Night,” where each dog gets a pup-which — a bone-shaped peanut butter sammie — while their owners enjoy discounts on beer and wine. Their outdoor space is also equipped with built-in shade, so even the hottest days shouldn’t be a deterrent from the fun.
205 N. Peoria St., Chicago
The SoFo Tap
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Enjoy a brew with your pooch (water for the pups, of course) every Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. at The Sofo Tap’s Doggy Days. Drafts are half-price, and all dogs get free treats.
Andersonville – 4923 N. Clark St., Chicago
LG’s Bar & Kitchen
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A bit of Irish sewn into the streets of Old Town, that’s what you can find at LG’s Bar & Kitchen. With a hearty list of whiskeys and other spirits and a yummy line-up of bar food, this slice of the city is sure to appease almost anyone looking for an easy-going evening or a quick sip on a sunny afternoon with their little friend.
1525 N. Wells St., Chicago
Farm Bar
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With an array of delicacies, such as fried fish and chips or jalapeño cheddar corn muffins, Farm Bar’s local, sustainable menu makes it the spot to hit up this summer! Wedged into Lakeview, this place has what you need for up-scale cravings—as well as an outdoor patio and garden space serene enough for you and your pup!
1300 W. Wellington Ave., Chicago
FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar
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If you’re looking for something to sip or munch on following a day on your paws, look no further than the FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar, conveniently located in the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel — which is even more conveniently equipped with a pooch-friendly patio.
221 N. Columbus Dr., Chicago
Taureaux Tavern
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Peel off from the hustle and bustle of the South Loop and head to Taureaux Tavern, which offers French American fare and a full-service veranda. Enjoy dishes such as lobster thermidor bites or grilled steak sandwiches while you make a selection from their extensive bar. And since your pup also deserves to enjoy a day on the town, bring them along for the experience.
155 W .Van Buren St.
Lottie’s Pub
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Sometimes, there’s nothing better than stopping off at a local watering hole on a sunny day. That’s part of the vision over at Lottie’s Pub in Bucktown, which features a patio open to all travelers and their dogs. Since 1934, they’ve been serving bar food favorites like burgers, sandwiches, pizza, and tacos — the delicious list continues. Want to enjoy some sun with your furry friend while grabbing a can’t-go-wrong meal? Lottie’s has what you need.
1925 W. Cortland St.
Gemini
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Needled into the heart of Lincoln Park is the up-scale-casual eatery Gemini. While you can expect classics like craft cocktails and bottomless brunches, don’t overlook their nuances, like southern fried chicken Sundays and a patio open to dogs! Walk-ins are welcome, so don’t be afraid to wander in next time you’re in their neck of the woods.
2075 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
The Smith
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Oysters for $4, Friday-Sunday brunch, martini hour — this polished haunt seems to have something for everyone. Located over by Navy Pier, The Smith is just right for tourists spending the day in the city or locals looking to head downtown. Bring your four-legged friends, too, since they are always welcome!
400 N. Clark St., Chicago
Nonnina
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While this true-to-origin Italian restaurant in River North might have a stellar menu for its human customers, it is equally rivaled by the menu reserved for doggie diners. Several proteins, rice, and even sweet treats are available for your little friend. But be sure to tuck into their happy hour or other goodies, all locally sourced and inspired by classic Italian family dinners. Either way, you’ll be barking to come back.
340 N. Clark St., Chicago
Ina Mae Tavern
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Lucky for Chicagoans, the flair and flavor of New Orleans cuisine is alive and well in Wicker Park. At Ina Mae Tavern, indulge in Louisiana classics like shrimp & grits, po’ boys, various seafood options, and more with your furry friend right by your side on their charming sidewalk patio. For an additional treat, stop by their Sno-Ball to-go window, the perfect way to top off a summer day — and can be enjoyed boozy or spirit-free.
1415 N. Wood St.
How to Help:
Support PAWS
PAWS (Pets are Worth Saving) is Chicagoland’s largest no-kill shelter. Since its founding in 1997, it has reduced the number of homeless pets killed in the city by more than 91%. Donate to support their mission:
Learn Pet First Aid From The Red Cross
Learn the basics of first aid care for your cat or dog to ensure you have the skills to keep your pet healthy and safe. This 35-minute online course from the Red Cross teaches you how to understand your pet’s vital signs, breathing and cardiac emergencies, wounds and bleeding, seizures, and preventative care for cats and dogs.
More from Better:
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Margaret Smith is a Chicago-based writer and editor with a passion for socio-political storytelling about their community. They are a graduate of Columbia College Chicago.
