Best of 18 dog-friendly restaurants in Oakland
Dog-friendly restaurants in Oakland are a treat for both pets and their owners. These establishments cater to canine companions, providing outdoor seating areas and even special menu items for dogs. It's a great way to enjoy a meal while spending quality time with your furry friend. From upscale eateries to casual cafes, Oakland has a variety of dog-friendly dining options to explore.
- 1. NIDO's BackYard
- 2. Brotzeit Lokal
- 3. Drake's Dealership
- 4. Xochi the Dog, Cafe
- 5. Grand Lake Kitchen - Lake Merritt
- 6. Sideshow Kitchen
- 7. Seawolf Public House
- 8. Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine
- 9. The Cook and Her Farmer
- 10. Portal
- 11. Homeroom
- 12. Forge Pizza
- 13. Paulista Café
- 14. Sláinte Irish Pub Oakland
- 15. Philomena
- 16. Grand Lake Kitchen - Dimond
- 17. 10th & Wood
- 18. Top Dog
1. NIDO's BackYard
Offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for dogs and their owners

NIDO's BackYard is a restaurant located at Jack London Square focused on seasonal Mexican cuisine. It features an outdoor oasis, known as the Bay Area's first margarita garden, which is adorned with a rainbow serape. The establishment is welcoming to well-behaved dogs on leashes and people of all ages.
The BackYard offers a menu of shareable Mexican dishes made with fresh ingredients and an agave-based cocktail menu. It is an ideal place to unwind, socialize with friends, and take advantage of Oakland's pleasant weather. The restaurant's welcoming atmosphere extends to well-behaved dogs on leashes and people of all ages, making it a great spot for everyone to enjoy.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Mid-Range
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2. Brotzeit Lokal
Riverside location with beautiful views

The location of this place is ideal, especially for dog owners. The outdoor deck is a highlight, offering stunning views and a welcoming atmosphere for pets. The staff is especially friendly and approachable, making it a great spot for dog lovers.
Beyond the dog-friendly features, the views from this location are simply gorgeous. The food and beer are also noteworthy, adding to the overall enjoyment of the venue. Whether you're looking for a place to grab a bite or just enjoy the scenery, this establishment is a great choice. And of course, the fact that you can bring your furry friend along makes it all the more enjoyable.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Waterfront
- Cheap Eats
- Dinner
3. Drake's Dealership
Bike-friendly atmosphere with on-site bike shop

The outdoor seating area at this establishment is both beautiful and spacious, offering year-round dog-friendly seating with heaters and firepits to keep guests warm. The establishment boasts an impressive selection of beers and wines, as well as a variety of food and delicious wood-fired pizza.
Dog owners will be delighted to know that the outdoor beer garden is always open to canine companions. Here, guests can enjoy a freshly brewed beer from the East Bay while savoring a wood-fired pizza in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
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4. Xochi the Dog, Cafe
Offers dog birthday parties and canine-centric events

Xochi the Dog Cafe is a delightful neighborhood cafe in Oakland that provides a cozy and dog-friendly atmosphere for its customers. The cafe offers a variety of delicious food and beverages, including sandwiches, handcrafted coffee, and tasty bites such as empanadas, with both meat and vegetarian options.
During my visit, I was particularly impressed by their grilled cheese sandwich. It was incredibly cheesy and satisfying, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a comforting meal. My son also enjoyed their iced coffee, which was well-made and refreshing. Overall, Xochi the Dog Cafe is a great spot for both dog lovers and foodies alike.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Downtown Spots
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5. Grand Lake Kitchen - Lake Merritt
Community-oriented atmosphere, locally sourced ingredients, great for families and groups

This place has a wonderful outdoor seating area that is dog-friendly, making it a great spot for dog owners. The staff goes above and beyond to accommodate four-legged guests by providing water for them. It's the perfect place to enjoy brunch with your furry friend.
The dog-friendly patio is a standout feature of this establishment. They understand that pets are important members of the family and deserve to be included in social outings. Providing water for dogs shows that they care about their furry customers' well-being, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
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6. Sideshow Kitchen
Offers regular themed nights and live music events

This establishment is a great place to spend time with friends and family, offering a casual atmosphere for all to enjoy. Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the patio area, making it a perfect spot for dog owners to bring their furry friends. The staff is known for being friendly and accommodating, even going so far as to provide a water bowl for visiting pups.
As for the food, it is excellent and highly recommended. The outdoor seating provides a wonderful ambiance for dining, especially when accompanied by a well-behaved dog. With such a welcoming environment and top-notch cuisine, this location is a must-visit for anyone in the area.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Happy Hours
- Dinner
7. Seawolf Public House
Sustainable seafood, Craft beers, Californian cuisine

Seawolf Public House is an Oakland-based restaurant that offers a wonderful experience for dog owners. The outdoor seating area is ideal for pets, and the welcoming atmosphere makes it a great place to relax with your furry friend. The staff at Seawolf are particularly friendly to dogs, making it one of the best dog-friendly restaurants in the area.
The spacious patio at Seawolf Public House is perfect for pet owners who want to enjoy a meal or drink with their dog. The restaurant is known for its hospitality towards dogs, and the staff go out of their way to make sure both owners and their pets feel welcome. With its dog-friendly attitude and great food, Seawolf Public House is a popular choice for dog owners in Oakland.
TOPICS
- Corporate Events
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
8. Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine
Riverside location, cozy atmosphere, extensive Thai menu

The patio area of the establishment allows dogs, which was a welcome feature for us as we could bring our pet along. The staff went out of their way to provide a water bowl for our dog, showing that they are truly dog-friendly.
The dog-friendly patio offers a great view of the marina, making it a pleasant experience for both humans and their furry friends. Our dog was warmly welcomed, and to top it all off, the food served was excellent.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
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9. The Cook and Her Farmer
Local sourcing, rotating menus, urban farm setting

The Cook and Her Farmer offers outdoor seating that is ideal for customers who want to bring their dogs along. The staff is known to be accommodating towards pets, making it a great place for pet owners to enjoy a meal. With a pet-friendly outdoor seating area, customers can enjoy their meal in a welcoming atmosphere alongside their furry friends.
The restaurant's pet-friendly policy and accommodating staff make it an excellent choice for people who want to enjoy a meal with their dogs. The outdoor seating area is perfect for pet owners, allowing them to dine in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere while spending time with their beloved furry companions.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Hidden Gems
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10. Portal
Live music on weekends, happy hour specials, and trivia nights

Portal is a restaurant with a great location, offering a superb dining experience. It is situated next to a lake, offering an outdoor patio area with picturesque views. The food served is delicious, with a bar-esque menu that includes tasty and unique dishes. The beer selection is also impressive, making it a perfect spot for beer enthusiasts.
In addition to the excellent location and food, the service at Portal is fantastic. The staff is friendly, attentive, and provides great attention to detail. They even have a back patio that faces the lake, making it an ideal spot to enjoy a meal while taking in the beautiful views. The restaurant is also pet-friendly, so customers can bring their furry friends along. With such a wonderful dining experience, it's no wonder that customers like myself are eager to return.
TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- Italian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Hidden Gems
11. Homeroom
Locally sourced ingredients, Craft beers, Wine on tap, Weekend brunch

Homeroom is a pet-friendly restaurant that offers outdoor seating and is happy to accommodate furry friends, providing them with comfort and biscuits. In 2012, it won the Oakland Magazine’s Best of category for Best Dog-Friendly Restaurant (Local) and has received praise in the press for its mac and cheese dishes. Customers and their canine companions can enjoy their meals while seated at the outdoor tables, taking in the sights of 40th street.
The welcoming and friendly staff at Homeroom ensure that both humans and their pets have a pleasant dining experience. The restaurant is known for its excellent mac and cheese dishes, which have earned it recognition in the Best of 2012 category by Oakland Magazine for Best Dog-Friendly Restaurant (Local). While savoring their meals, customers can share biscuits and water with their four-legged companions and enjoy the atmosphere of the outdoor seating area.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Affordable Nightlife
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12. Forge Pizza
Cozy ambiance, wood-fired pizzas, unique craft beers

The first location is known for being extremely dog-friendly. They welcome canine companions with enthusiasm, and it is clear that they genuinely enjoy their presence. The staff is top-notch, providing excellent service to customers and their furry friends. This place is known for serving great food and drinks, making it a perfect spot for both human and dog customers.
This location has earned the reputation of being the best due to its exceptional dog-friendly atmosphere, high-quality food and beverages, and outstanding staff. Customers can enjoy their time there, knowing that their dogs are not only tolerated but also loved and well-cared for. The welcoming environment and attention to detail in providing for both human and canine needs make this place a standout favorite among its patrons.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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13. Paulista Café
Brazilian coffee and food with a calm and friendly atmosphere

Many people enjoy visiting this establishment for its great beer selection and decent food. If they have an outdoor area, it is often small but appreciated. The place is particularly popular among dog owners, as they provide a fenced-in seating area outside where dogs are welcome. Reviews consistently highlight the excellent beer options and good food as reasons to visit, with some even rating it highly because of these features.
This establishment is a perfect spot for a post-activity beer and bite. Its outdoor seating area is a great feature, particularly for those with dogs, as it provides a fenced-in space for them to enjoy the fresh air. The food and beer selection are highly regarded, making it a popular destination among locals and visitors alike. Overall, the establishment offers a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere, with excellent food and drink options for all to enjoy.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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14. Sláinte Irish Pub Oakland
Authentic Irish pub atmosphere with a warm and friendly staff

Scotch eggs are a standout menu item at Sláinte Oakland, a dog-friendly traditional Irish pub in Oakland, California. The warm and welcoming staff greets all customers, including Gilligan, a visiting wolfhound. In addition to their tasty food, Sláinte Oakland also offers Guinness on draft, adding to the authentic Irish pub experience.
Sláinte Oakland's outdoor seating area welcomes dogs, specifically at sidewalk-facing tables outside the entrance. The pub's atmosphere is inviting, and guests can enjoy the delicious scotch eggs and a pint of Guinness while their furry friends join them in the Oakland sun. The traditional Irish pub takes pride in providing excellent service to both two-legged and four-legged patrons.
TOPICS
- Happy Hours
- Gluten-Free
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
15. Philomena
Features local and seasonal ingredients, craft cocktails, and vegan options

Philomena is a popular spot in Oakland for friends and families to gather and enjoy food and drinks. It is welcoming to dogs at its outdoor tables, making it a great option for pet owners. The restaurant has a cozy pub atmosphere that makes it an appealing place to relax and socialize.
Philomena offers a variety of options on its menu, including a great selection of tap and canned beers and delicious pizzas. It is a family-friendly establishment, with offerings to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Whether you are looking for a place to catch up with friends or grab a bite to eat with your family, Philomena is an excellent choice.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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16. Grand Lake Kitchen - Dimond
Community-focused kitchen supporting local farmers and businesses

GLK Dimond is a versatile all-day cafe, specializing in brunch and dinner services. The establishment can accommodate large groups with a maximum party size of 10 for regular reservations. GLK Dimond features a spacious dining room, a full bar, and two outdoor patios that welcome dogs. In addition, there's a private dining room for more intimate gatherings, a take-out counter for quick meals, and a retail wine and gift store for unique shopping experiences.
At GLK Dimond, customers can enjoy a variety of dining and entertainment options. The spacious dining room provides ample seating for dine-in customers, and the full bar serves a wide range of beverages. Outdoor patios, which are dog-friendly, offer a chance to dine in the fresh air. Private dining rooms are perfect for business meetings, parties, or family gatherings. Customers can also take advantage of the take-out counter for quick and convenient meals or visit the retail wine and gift store for special souvenirs.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Social Gatherings
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17. 10th & Wood
Features local artists' work and hosts community events.

10th & Wood is a cozy and welcoming establishment located in the often overlooked West Oakland area. Despite the scarcity of food options in the neighborhood, this restaurant provides a great place for both people and their furry friends to enjoy a meal. One of the highlights of this restaurant is their dog-friendly outdoor seating area, making it a perfect spot for dog owners looking for a place to dine with their pets.
The spacious outdoor seating area at 10th & Wood is a great feature of the restaurant. It creates an inviting atmosphere where dog lovers can gather and socialize while enjoying a delicious meal. Here, dog owners can relax and dine with their pets by their side, without having to worry about leaving them at home or tied up outside. Whether it's for brunch, lunch, or dinner, 10th & Wood is an ideal spot for dog owners looking for a friendly and welcoming dining experience.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Lunch
18. Top Dog
Colorful murals and local art decorate the patio
Top Dog, a popular spot in Alameda, is known for its specialty sodas and hot dogs. On this particular visit, two customers entered the restaurant with their dog, adding a bit of unexpected charm to the atmosphere. The sodas were the highlight of the visit, impressing the two customers despite not being regular soda drinkers.
The hot dogs at Top Dog were also a hit, offering great value for the reasonable price. The customers were delighted with their meal, satisfied by the delicious flavors and the unique experience of sharing the space with a well-behaved dog. They were happy to have discovered this local gem and look forward to their next visit.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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