Want to go out to eat but don’t want to leave your pup at home? Now you don’t have to compromise! In the Tampa Bay area, there are plenty of dog-friendly venues where you can bring your pet along.
Here are the top 10 dog-friendly restaurants in Tampa Bay for whatever cuisine and style of food you’re craving.
- GrillSmith Carrollwood
GrillSmith Restaurant located in Carrollwood, has a large outdoor patio that’s perfect for dining with your pooch. A menu of bespoke cocktails and fun eats beckons your belly. Your dog will surely appreciate the sights and sounds as you dig into the signature Thai shrimp. Don’t miss the BBQ pork pulled flatbread either. And be sure to save room for dessert as the made-from-scratch key lime pie is worth it!
Mad Dogs & Englishmen presents a proper English pub experience for you and your dog. The menu naturally features the classic pub fare items you love, like fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and bangers and mash. But it goes beyond too with hummus and toasted naan for an appetizer, tasty pizzas, steaks, and chops. Pull up a chair for you and let your dog unwind too as you sip in the delight of a pint of Guinness from the vantage point of those charming sidewalk tables.
- Ulele
Ulele is known for its Native- Inspired foods and spirits After taking your four-legged friend for a long walk down the Riverwalk, you both will deserve a rest . Ulele, which sits at the far end of the Riverwalk in Tampa Heights, offers a beautiful outdoor patio seating with premium views of the water. Be sure you and your pup grab the Alligator Hush Puppies for an appetizer!
Located in Tampa, Gaspar’s Grotto is the place where you can bring the entire family, including furry family members. This unique spot has entertainment dialed right in with some rather unusual entertainers that include stilt walkers, magicians, mimes, contortionists, and others too. Sink your teeth into the delightful Cuban and American offerings, including an authentic Cuban sandwich that’s too good to miss. The outdoor patio area features all you need for plenty of fun for lunch and dinner.
- Kona Grill
At Kona Grill, the contemporary American delights served here are sure to impress. This dog-friendly dining destination is an upscale and upbeat scratch kitchen that combines award-winning sushi options with comfort foods like lobster mac and cheese to truly satisfy your soul. Lunch, dinner, and happy hour are great times to get jazzed up and come out with your pup to dine at the lovely outdoor seating area.
- AQUA
You’ll find AQUA in the resplendent Westin Tampa Bay. Right there on the water, you’ll have plenty of surf and turf options at this dog-friendly waterside restaurant. There are traditional favorites like the Maine lobster bisque. Or choose something a bit different with creole calamari. Prefer meats? Pulled short rib flatbread is a favorite for a reason. There are so many culinary delights here, it will be hard to decide but your dog surely won’t mind if you keep coming back again and again.
- Ellas Americana Folk Art Cafe
Located in the heart of Seminole Heights, Ellas Folk Art Café is a very unique space that focuses on music, food, art, and a dog-friendly atmosphere. With a great location just minutes from Downtown Tampa, you can make a night of it if you want. The fun menu features everything from burgers and fries to jerk chicken wings and pizza. Kids options abound too, so come for lunch and grab an outdoor table to enjoy this vibrant scene.
- Jasmine Thai
Jasmine Thai is a legendary restaurant in the Carrollwood area, serving locals and visitors for over 30 years with absolutely authentic Thai delights. The impeccable menu offers favorites like volcano shrimp, duck ginger, pad Thai, and plenty of curries that can be customized to your ideal level of spice. The outdoor tables are where you’ll find dog-friendly seating. Enjoy the spice and the phenomenal aromas that waft out of the kitchen at this truly spectacular Thai restaurant.
At the Ballyhoo Grill, you’ll get live music on weekends and plentiful outdoor seating where your dog is welcome to join you. The menu boasts brilliant crab cakes, a house-made smoked fish spread that is renowned in the area, grouper nuggets, and plenty more. If you’re not into seafood, you’ll find plenty of pasta, steak, and chicken dishes to satisfy your hearty appetite. This place evokes a relaxed feeling that will have you and your pup ready to linger and enjoy your dining experience.
- Columbia Cafe
Columbia Cafe is perhaps one of Tampa’s best treasures. A slice of history on your plate, feast your eyes on the cuisine here from the outdoor terrace that you and your dog can enjoy together. The Original 1905 Salad is a layered tribute of flavors to this historic city, perfect to make a meal from, though the Cuban sandwich is made so extraordinarily well, you may want to share that salad to save some room or get the smaller version. The white chocolate bread pudding shouldn’t be missed under any circumstances. Plus, the stellar service even caters to your dog with a nice bowl of cold water to bring comfort on those hot Tampa days.
From exotic to every day, these wonderful dog-friendly places are waiting for you. No need to dine alone anymore when your dog is fully welcome!