Kathryn DeGroot
My dogs are the true definition of a ride or die. They go with me everywhere – on vacation, to Home Depot, and even out to eat. The grid is full of great places to take your pooch with you on your next dining adventure. Here are some of my favorite places to take my boys, Brix and Mason.
Rio City Café
Sacramento summers are perfect for patio dining and Rio City Café probably has the best view out of any place on the grid. With an unobstructed view of the Tower Bridge and the river, my fiancée and I headed out with our pug, Brix to enjoy some drinks and appetizers. It was the perfect summer evening! If brunch is more your style, I’ve got a secret for you – they serve bottomless mimosas (can you say Sunday Funday?!)
If you want to continue the fun while in Old Sac, swing by Graciano’s to grab a beer and a slice of deep-dish pizza with your furry friend.
Capitol Garage
One of my go-to brunch spots and arguably one of the best bloody Mary’s in town, Capitol Garage is an uber pet friendly joint with lots of good people watching. I come for the drinks and stay for the drinks! When I’ve got my dogs with me, I like walking to surrounding places that welcome my four-legged friends with open arms. I mean, I’ve gotta get my boys a little exercise while filling my belly with libations. Some other places close by that I stop at: de Vere’s Irish Pub, Firestone Public House, 3 Fires Lounge, Ma Jong, plus many more.
Iron Horse Tavern
One of the newest and trendiest places on the grid, Iron Horse Tavern is one of my favorite places to grab some grub. I embarked on a Sunday Funday adventure with my golden retriever, Mason, and one of my oldest friends. This joint is so pet friendly that they bring a water bowl out when you sit down to eat (how awesome!) I sipped on a refreshing Morning Glory while noshing on an egg white frittata. Mason agreed, the food was to die for. I’m a bad dog mom, table scraps happen in our house. Next time you visit the up and coming R Street corridor, consider these other places for dog fr
iendly dining: Burgers & Brew and Shady Lady.
Not everyone’s pups are made for sitting through a meal so here are some helpful tips before you dine out with your dog.
- Make sure to feed your dog before you head out on the town – they may fall into a food-induced sleep or they’ll be less likely to beg for your food
- Take them on a nice long walk before you grab a bite to eat so that they use up some of their energy. You’ll be glad you did along with everyone else eating at the restaurant.
- Bring some H20! Not everyone provides a water bowl upon being seated. I’d be hot too if I wore a fur coat in the middle of a Sacramento summer. So do your dog a favor and hydrate them.
Next time you are making plans with your pals to grab a bite to eat, don’t forget your faithful furry friend! After all a dog is a (wo)man’s best friend and doesn’t like to get left behind. Share your dining adventure with your dog on social media by using #downtownsac and #dinewithdogs.
