If you’re not yet familiar with the concept of yappy hour–it’s happy hour, but on an outdoor patio with your favorite four-legged friend in tow–you’re missing out. Staking out a breezy spot with an ice-cold Pacifico and people-watching with your dog is one of those simple pleasures that you can (and should) enjoy just about anywhere. Ready to partake? You’re in luck: Cities across the country are rolling out the welcome mat for pups and their people, so it’s easier than ever to settle in, savor a Pacifico, and make memories with your furry BFF. Read on for more on seven U.S. cities with dog-friendly bar and restaurant scenes that you’ll want to explore now.
San Francisco
As recently as 2023, San Francisco was home to more dogs than children, so to say that four-legged friends are welcome here is an understatement. The city’s west side is ideal for hanging out with your pup, thanks to its proximity to the dog-friendly Golden Gate Park and neighborhoods like Outer Sunset and Outer Richmond, which are peppered with dog-friendly bars. After you’ve checked out the park, head to Baker Beach for some off-leash runs along the ocean before scoping out a pup-friendly patio to cool off with a cold Pacifico.
For more of an urban adventure, start out at Crissy Field—a popular spot for dog owners, with amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge—before exploring Lombard Street and Van Ness Avenue from Pacific Heights to the Mission District. Make your way to Mission Dolores Park, which offers an expansive off-leash dog area as well as dog-friendly events and meetups. It’s also surrounded by some of the city’s most popular bars and restaurants that will welcome your pup with open arms (and a chilled Pacifico for you).
A trip to San Fran wouldn’t be complete without spending some time on the Bay. Luckily, the city’s east side is also a great spot to hit up happy hour with your best bud. From Rincon Hill to Mission Bay, you’ll find plenty of dog-friendly bars and restaurants, as well as the Ferry Building’s welcoming shops and outdoor areas.
Sacramento
With more than 270 days of sunshine annually and ample dog-friendly restaurants and bars, Sacramento is arguably one of the best places to sip a chilled Pacifico with your four-legged friend. You’ll find many great spots clustered around downtown Sacramento, in a roughly square-shaped area bordered by 3rd Street on the west, W Street on the south, and 29th Street on the east.
The Midtown district is another safe bet for grabbing a table and enjoying a Pacifico while Fido naps at your feet. The area is full of dog-friendly cafes, bars, and restaurants with patios or outdoor seating.
Before you head to a yappy hour spot, however, take advantage of Sacramento’s expansive dog-friendly parks. We like McKinley Park in East Sacramento; William Land Park, which is just south of downtown and home to the Sacramento Zoo; and Sutter’s Landing Park. The latter is one of the most popular spots for dog owners in the city; it flanks the American River and boasts a dedicated off-leash dog park with separate play areas for small and large dogs.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is synonymous with bright lights and a buzzy, vibrant atmosphere—not exactly what many dog owners look for in a place to hang out with their pups. But believe it or not, Sin City is actually a welcoming haven for dogs and their people.
You’ll find clusters of dog-friendly bars and restaurants sprinkled around the city, but a surefire bet for a pup-friendly outing is to cruise along Las Vegas Boulevard, spanning from the Cultural Corridor through downtown Las Vegas to the Arts District. Keep an eye out for shaded patio seating so you can cool down with a Pacifico while your pup gets hydrated against the desert heat. If you’re up for a drive, the District at Green Valley Ranch is a shopping and dining destination in the suburb of Henderson, and it’s extremely dog-friendly. Expect plenty of stores and restaurants that offer outdoor seating and a welcoming vibe for your pup.
If you want a true taste of Las Vegas and you want your furry friend to enjoy it, too, you’ll be happy to know that the Las Vegas Strip is quite accommodating to dog owners. (Chalk that up to the fact that many hotels on the Strip are dog-friendly, even offering special amenities for pets.) Sadly, you can’t bring Fido into the casinos, but there’s still plenty of room to roam among pet-friendly outdoor spaces.
And naturally, we’ve got picks for dog parks in Las Vegas, in case you want to burn off some energy before taking your pooch to yappy hour for that frosty glass of Pacifico. On the west side of Las Vegas, check out Barkin’ Basin Park, Woofter Family Park, and Desert Breeze for ample off-leash areas. Head south to check out Sunset Dog Park, one of the city’s biggest areas where your pup can roam free.
Portland
Nestled against Mount Hood and rich with nature, rivers, and lush green spaces, Portland is an adventurous dog lover’s dream. On the north side of the city, you’ll find scores of restaurants and bars with both front and back patios that welcome dogs; explore the area between Interstate Avenue and Vancouver Avenue before heading up to catch North Lombard Avenue towards Northeast Portland, where you’ll find more great spots to enjoy some people-watching with a cold Pacifico in hand and your best friend by your side.
Pop down to the Pearl District—arguably the most dog-friendly ‘hood for exploring, with many pet-friendly cafes, shops, bars, and restaurants. You’ll find plenty of dog-friendly patios, as well as walking paths and parks, like The Fields Park, which has a dedicated off-leash area for dogs. You can also head across the river to East Portland and explore the welcoming establishments along Burnside and Belmont streets. Or head south to Sellwood-Moreland, where you’ll get the best of both worlds: riverfront parks, islands to explore, and top-notch bars serving your favorite Pacifico (including at least one that has dog-walking services on the menu).
Make the most of your time in Portland—and get some exercise, too—by taking advantage of the city’s spectacular parks with your dog. Try Mt. Tabor Park, with trails, paved paths, a reservoir, and forested areas; or Sellwood Riverfront Park, located along the Willamette River, which has an off-leash dog area where pups can run in the grass or cool off in the river. There’s also Forest Park—one of the largest urban forests in the country—with over 80 miles of trails for leashed dogs. And finally, Cathedral Park is worth a visit: Located beneath the iconic St. Johns Bridge, it offers scenic views of the Willamette River and lush green spaces for on-leash walks with your pup.
Seattle
The gem of the Pacific Northwest, Seattle combines mountains, evergreen forests, and thousands of miles of coastline—and it happens to be an incredibly dog-friendly city, to boot, with close to 100 bars and pubs that’ll welcome your pup at an outdoor table.
Check out Uptown Seattle and South Lake Union for bars and restaurants that are an easy walk to waterfront views. Denny Park is nearby if your pup needs to run around for a bit; Discovery Park is a short drive away and comprises Seattle’s largest green space, offering 534 acres of trails, forests, and beaches. Belltown’s ample supply of pup-friendly patios will bring you within a stone’s throw of the iconic Pike Place Market and the Seattle Waterfront—a lively spot with piers, parks, shops, and outdoor cafes where dogs are allowed. The Capitol Hill neighborhood will give you a taste of iconic Seattle and plenty of spots to enjoy the refreshing taste of a Pacifico after a long romp at the dog park.
Head south to Beacon Hill, where you’ll find bars and pubs that roll out the welcome mat for your pup, as well as Genesee Park; near Lake Washington, it offers large, open fields for dogs to run and play. It’s a quieter option compared to some of Seattle’s larger dog parks, making it perfect for dogs that prefer less-crowded environments. Then make your way over the West Seattle Bridge to explore West Seattle, particularly the inviting bars and restaurants that run along California Avenue from Admiral to Morgan Junction. You’ll find Westcrest Park here, too, with a large off-leash area with separate sections for large and small dogs, as well as Lincoln Park, where the location along Puget Sound offers beautiful water views and a chance for dogs to dip their paws in the ocean.
Salt Lake City
As of this summer, Salt Lake City offers more than 40 bars and restaurants that allow dogs on their patios. It’s also relatively easy to find your choice of pup-friendly establishment, considering the majority of bars and restaurants that welcome four-legged friends are scattered along State Street, Main Street, and 300 W in the rectangular stretch between downtown and South Salt Lake.
The neighborhoods of Sugar House and Highland Park offer an array of dog-friendly patios and welcoming neighborhood vibes, plus easy access to Sugar House Park. This large, centrally located park has walking paths, grassy fields, and a pond, and while your pup will have to stay leashed, it’s a great spot for a leisurely walk or picnic. The park is especially beautiful in the fall, with colorful trees and plenty of open space.
In terms of parks where your dog can romp before you settle on a patio with a chilled Pacifico, Salt Lake City has plenty. We like Mill Creek Canyon for its miles of hiking trails, creeks, and great views. One of the largest parks in Salt Lake City, Liberty Park has a dedicated off-leash dog area, as well as walking paths, grassy fields, picnic areas, and a pond where on-leash dogs are welcome. If your pup loves the water, head to Tanner Park or Parley’s Historic Nature Park for trails that lead to creeks where dogs can swim and splash around.
Aspen
Beyond its reputation for world-class skiing and snowsports, Aspen is also a legendary destination for dog-friendly adventures. Restaurants, bars, and pubs with outdoor patios are abundant, and there are even dog-friendly resorts where pups get the royal treatment. In Aspen proper, take Fido to check out the bars and restaurants along East Hopkins and East Durant avenues, as well as the pups-welcome places near Wagner Park (a great spot for leashed walks if your dog needs some playtime before yappy hour).
Head north from downtown Aspen to Hunter Creek Trail Head, a dog-friendly trail that offers beautiful scenery, including aspen groves, waterfalls, and bridges over the creek. It’s a moderate hike, and the perfect way to get some endorphins pumping before you and your furry BFF kick back on a patio with a frosty Pacifico. Another option for nature-immersed doggy fun is Rio Grande Park, which offers a river for cooling off.
Just outside of Aspen, you’ll find Snowmass Village, which boasts several dog-friendly hiking trails and a dog park with off-leash areas for pups to run and play. The Rim Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Snowmass, offering beautiful views of the valley. And as a final bucket-list adventure to have with your faithful friend, don’t miss the Maroon Bells. A short drive from Aspen and one of the most iconic spots in Colorado, it’s dog-friendly, with leashed dogs allowed on many hiking trails. The area’s stunning alpine scenery, including Maroon Lake and the famous twin peaks, makes it a beautiful spot to explore with your dog. After a day of mountain adventure, you can look forward to unwinding in this iconic ski town with a delicious Pacifico in hand and your pup relaxing at your feet.
