We live in a very pet-friendly area with many restaurants that allow customers to dine with their dogs … or cats. When I first got my dog a little more than a year ago, she was an 8-week-old rescue puppy with a boxer face and blue heeler paws, and I never wanted to leave her home alone. So she went everywhere with me.
Looking back, this probably wasn’t the best idea, because now every time she hears my keys she bolts for the door and gets so excited. That being said, I really appreciated all the places that let her sit with me at the table when she was just 8 pounds, and I really appreciate them now that she’s 55 pounds and full of energy.
Although under Oregon law restaurants cannot allow pets in an indoor dining area unless they are service dogs, most of those with outdoor seating welcome animals as long as they’re leashed and well behaved. Most provide water bowls, and some even have dog treats. Here are some of my favorites:
Cornbread Cafe
At Cornbread Cafe, “pets are encouraged,” says Eric Dezin, who works for the café. Not only are dogs allowed in their outdoor seating area, but cats are as well. Dezin comments that they had a customer bring a cat in on a leash not too long ago. “Animals mean different things to different people, and it’s nice to be able to have breakfast with them,” Dezin says. “It’s part of the Eugene culture.”
beergarden.
beergarden. on West 6th Avenue has a separate side entrance for customers to bring their dogs into the patio area. “We have water bowls,” bartender Kyle Everett says, “and one of our other bartenders, Christine, loves giving out treats.” Not too many restaurants have treats for their animal guests, but according to Everett, beergarden. wants to make sure everyone has a good time, including pets. “We wanted to create a welcoming atmosphere for everyone,” Everett says. “We didn’t want the, ‘Aw, we can’t go to beergarden. because we have pets.’”
Hideaway Bakery
Hideaway Bakery is exactly what the name implies. I drove by it a couple times before I found the correct driveway. It’s a tiny spot tucked behind Mazzi’s Italian Restaurant with a cute covered patio. Bev Forster and her husband say they usually walk to Hideaway Bakery with their dog, Chai. “I love the coffee, and it’s within walking distance,” Forster says. “I bring Chai often, and what’s nice is they usually have a watering bowl for pets, so he gets to have a drink while he’s here too.” She says, “It’s a nice spot to come and have a rest.”
Sizzle Pie & Off the Waffle
If you’re looking for a downtown place to hang out with your furry companion, Sizzle Pie and Off the Waffle have a smattering of outdoor seating where you can dine with you pet. They provide water bowls, and the location is great for enjoying the downtown atmosphere.
Sweet Life Petite & Prince Pückler’s
With the opening of Sweet Life Petite a couple doors down from Prince Pückler’s off 19th and Agate, this corner by the UO campus is perfect for a little treat. Both places provide water bowls, and you can buy fancy dog biscuits for $1 from Sweet Life. I love taking my pup here and getting her a treat while enjoying something sweet.
For more pet-friendly culinary adventures, here is a non-comprehensive list of food establishments that allow you to dine with your pet:
Cornbread Cafe
541-505-9175
1290 W. 7th Ave.
Agate Alley Bistro
541-485-8887
1461 E. 19th Ave.
Papa’s Soul Food Kitchen
541-341-7500
400 Blair Blvd.
Sizzle Pie
541-683-7437
910 Willamette St.
Cafe 440
541-505-8493
440 Coburg Rd.
Toshi’s Ramen
541-683-7833
1520 Pearl St.
Off the Waffle
541-632-4316
2540 Willamette St.
Newman’s Fish Co.
541-344-2371
1545 Willamette St.
Vero Espresso
541-654-0504
205 E. 14th Ave.
Hideaway Bakery
541-868-1982
3377 E. Amazon Dr.
Morning Glory Café
541-687-0709
450 Willamette St.
Prince Pückler’s
541-344-4418
1605 E. 19th Ave.
Sweet Life Petite
541-683-5676
1609 E. 19th Ave.
Sabai Cafe & Bar
541-654-5424
27 Oakway Center
Plank Town Brewing Co.
541-746-1890
346 Main St., Springfield
beergarden.
541-505-9432
777 W. 6th Ave.
Noisette Pastry Kitchen
541-654-5257
200 W. Broadway
The Pump Café
541-726-0622
710 Main St., Springfield
Cornucopia Restaurant
541-485-2300
295 W. 17th Ave.
Taste of India
541-485-9560
2495 Hilyard St.