Are you a dog owner planning a trip to Houston soon? Your dog is a huge part of your family, and it's hard to go out when you know you can't take Fido with you. Don't just assume that every place is a no paw zone. Some department stores like Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's are dog-friendly as well as Home Depot, Lowe's and many restaurants that have outdoor patios. A lot of places are on a case-by-case basis, so it's best to check their pet policy first. Here are some of our favorites.
Best Places to Go in Houston With Your Dog
1. Discovery Green
Discovery Green is a 12-acre public urban park in the center of Downtown Houston. Opened in 2008, the park is designed as a place for people of all ages to enjoy as well as their furry friends. Dogs are welcome around the entire park on-leash, and there are also special dog runs providing places for your dog to roam off-leash. There are two separate dog runs, the Kinder Large Dog Run and the Harriet and Joe Foster Small Dog Run, that accommodate dogs of all sizes. The areas feature crushed gravel, fountains and seating areas.
2. Minute Maid Park
One day each fall, Minute Maid Park hosts a Dog Day where Astros fans can bring their pooch to enjoy a baseball game. There's even a Pooch Parade to kick off the game and dog sitters to watch your dog while you grab food in areas that aren't included in the specified dog zone! This year, Dog Day will be on August 28, 2016. The Astros will play the Tampa Bay Rays, and the game starts at 1:10pm.
3. Boheme
The indoor part of Boheme on the smaller side, but that's not really our concern because the outdoor patio is 6,000 square feet and dogs are welcome throughout. The eclectic cozy vibe and spacious patio garden provide your dog with plenty of room to stretch out and sleep under the table while you eat and drink the night away. Chef Rishi Singh is constantly adding new, delicious options to the menu and the talented bar staff are mixing up unique cocktails all the time. Every Thursday, the restaurant features a ‘Cultured Cocktails’ event. Water and bowls are available for your four-legged friends too.
4. Good Dog Houston
Good Dog Houston refers to two kinds of dogs. This brick and mortar restaurant based off the successful hotdog food truck has everyone embracing the notion of eating 'dogs with your dogs. There's outdoor seating in the front and back for you and your furry friend. The food is cheap, but it may be too delicious to share with your pet. Plus, Good Dog has a great selection of beer and wine to wash down your dog. Hot dog, that is.
5. Barnaby's Cafe
Barnaby's is named for the owner's childhood sheepdog, so naturally, pets are welcome at all of Barnaby's six locations. Full of great food, friendly faces, and a casual atmosphere, dogs and their owners will love dining on a giant salad, tasty burger, or Huevos Rancheros. Barnaby's had been allowing pets on their patio long before they were actually allowed by city ordinance. For a while, Barnaby's had to ban dogs until Paws and Patios permits made it A-OK again. If you're not sold yet, all the meat is humanely raised, and your dog will get his own water bowl.
6. Backstreet Cafe
The Southern hospitality at Backstreet Cafe extends to you and your four-legged friend on the front patio and spacious New Orleans-style courtyard in back. In fact, the outdoor patio is so lovely that it makes a great dining spot whether you're with your dog or not. It features large trees to shade you and your pooch from the summer sun and outdoor heaters to keep you both warm during those cooler months.
7. J. Black's
If you and your four-legged friend like to get fancy, J. Black's is the perfect spot for you. The food here is a bit pricier than some of the other places on our list, but the delicious food and swanky patio are more than worth it. Our dogs deserve nothing but the best, right? Try the lamb chops or one of the artisan pizzas. J. Black's also features a great cocktail program, making it an ideal place to start your night before trying some of the other nearby dog-friendly bars on the Washington Corridor.
This article was written by Lauren Gaw.