Whether or not their dog can enter a restaurant has become a serious consideration for new patrons when choosing a restaurant to dine in. It is a rising trend amongst restaurants to accommodate our furry friends joining us at the table, so here’s a guide to help recognise what to look out for when looking for a dog-friendly restaurant, basic etiquette expected of guests and a few locations worth checking out on your walk through the city.
Things to Check Out For
So what makes a dog-friendly restaurant worth a visit? Well, there are a few criteria to take into account when shopping around.
For starters, an ideal dog-friendly restaurant provides a welcoming atmosphere and practical amenities for both dogs and their owners. It acknowledges the dog’s presence, perhaps offering treats or water bowls, and ensures a positive experience for all patrons through clear rules and responsible behaviour management. Places where dogs are expected to occasionally be by both the staff and other patrons cater to this atmosphere and ensure comfort for all involved.
Another key thing is space – a good dog-friendly spot provides ample space for dogs to relax, easy access to outdoor areas, and a calm, inviting environment. High standards of cleanliness should be a major consideration when choosing where to dine. Before sitting in with your dog, it helps to have a casual understanding of health codes. Though dogs can sometimes enhance a dining experience, their hair does not.
Dog Etiquette
While the comfort of you and your furry friend is important, it helps to reciprocate good service with good behaviour. Here are a few doggy etiquette tips:
Keep Them Close! – Dogs are allowed in the restaurant, but not at every table. Keep them close to your seating area, preferably on a leash. Make sure no loose paws or tails are tucked away safely, and not in the path of busy walkways.
Manners maketh Mutt – Just like children, dogs need to be socialised and trained to be comfortable and well behaved in busy social environments.
Grounded – in most establishments, it’s wise for dogs to be kept off the furniture. It’s improper for them to be seated at the table in a chair, and it helps avoid mishaps with neighbouring guests in the restaurant or cafe.
There’s a place for everyone – Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and while most dog-friendly places are happy to accommodate, it’s important for owners to understand where their dog will sit during the meal. Large dogs are normally allocated to outdoor seating, while smaller dogs join their owners at the table
Drury Buildings
Being a former warehouse, Drury Buildings takes advantage of its space. Fittingly located on Dry Street, you can enjoy your meal in a varied selection of settings and environments across four floors. Looking for a seat in the thick of it, where you and your dog can socialise? Take a seat on the terrace.
Want some peace and quiet in the heart of the city? Recline and relax with a local brew from Smithfield Brewing in their garden. Quality and comfort take precedence in Drury Buildings for all types of guests, so dogs are welcomed warmly inside and bowls are available throughout.
Zozimus
Ever want to take your dog for a pint? In Zozimus, you certainly can. Zozimus is tucked away just off of South Anne Street. Enjoy an aperitif with your pooch under a canopy of parasols adjacent to the commercial district of the city.
Zozimus’ cocktail bar is renowned for its variety and quality, with its bartenders taking immense pride in catering for their guests’ desires. Accompanying their drinks menu is a menu of selection platters, stacked with delicious morsels that pair well with their drinks. With Saturdays hosting bottomless brunches, Zozimus is a must-stop for your day in the city.
Laine, My Love
Located directly across the street from Connelly Station, Laine, My Love offers patrons a serene, minimalist venue with a delightful selection of pastries and coffee to enjoy. Supplied by Irish roastery company Roasted Brown, rest assured, their coffee is a must-have. Laine, My Love sits as a gateway to Dublin’s City centre from a key transport hub, serving as the perfect first stop on your day trip with your dog.
The Black Sheep
Located at the top of Capal Street, The Black Sheep is stylised to resemble a rustic country pub in the heart of Dublin City. Mixed and matched furniture fit out a spacious venue that hosts all manner of social events, so tails are safe from missteps in crowded walkways. Whether it be a night of board games or live music, there are tons of reasons to stop into the Black Sheep.
Their menu consists of an incredible range of craft beers on tap, paired with some of the finest pub grub in the north Inner City. Unsure of what to get? The Black Sheep has you covered – sample platters of drinks are a popular option among patrons, and hit just right on a warm afternoon. With ample seating outdoors and big dog-friendly attitudes inside too, the Black Sheep is more than happy to accommodate any visitor.
First Chapter
First Chapter is a quaint cafe stylised to look like it came straight out of a sketch book. It is located on Fade Street and is a quiet corner in the city centre that offers some respite from the noise of the surrounding streets.
And it is immediately eye-catching – its clean white surfaces accented with dark outlines and texturing details lend themselves to a truly animated setting full of character.
Blending Style and Service, First Chapter aims to serve all who walk through their door. While there, dogs are warmly welcomed inside, provided they follow the expected etiquette. First Chapter offers appetising hors d’oeuvres alongside gourmet pastries, with a tight range of both hot and cold drinks. For a fun brunch in a unique, stylised location, add the first chapter to your list.
Electric Circus
The Electric Circus is an eclectic local in the middle of Talbot Street. As per its namesake, Electric Circus boasts an ornate interior, with bright colours and exciting lights. The entire restaurant is a cavalcade of sight and sound, its interior design meant to maximise both conversation and comfort.
Live music is a regular feature at Electric Circus, with performances scheduled from Thursday to Sunday every week. Its menu matches its exciting aesthetic – their Texas Rodeo burger, served on a black bun with a bourbon and maple infusion.
Despite the intended noise of the interior, it is anything but overwhelming for dogs accompanying their owners for a day in the city. Their sheltered terrace, airy in summer and heated in the winter, is a comfy spot to park yourself and watch the world go by.
Coppinger
One of the newest and trendiest venues in Dublin, Coppinger is eager to serve you the finest dining experience. Since its facelift in 2024, patrons have been able to dine in style, surrounded by a bespoke new space equipped for any occasion. Coppinger dishes out excellent Mediterranean cuisine, made with locally sourced ingredients, in a warm, comfortable setting.
Sitting comfortably at the forefront of Dublin’s gastronomic scene, Coppinger excels at seafood – their nduja mussels and garlic and chilli gambas have been a staple on their lunch menus for years, and for good reason. Though guests visiting with dogs are required to use their outdoor seating, dog bowls are provided to all who ask.
