My Favorite Dog-Friendly Restaurants in San Diego

Head’s Up: You’re reading an archived post. This means we are not actively updating this article, but we still think it has value. See our Archive Policy for more info.

Dog-friendly restaurants in San Diego are on the rise, and they’re an excellent addition to a day of beach sunsets, surfing, and endless sunshine.

As a local and a dog owner, I’m here to share my insider knowledge on all the pup-approved restaurant patios across the city. Oh, and if you need a hotel, I’ve also got a guide to the best dog-friendly hotels in San Diego!

21 Best San Diego Dog-Friendly Restaurants

Chandler’s Oceanfront Dining

🍽️ Coastal | $$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +1 760 683 5500

Chandler’s Oceanfront Dining is a part of the Cape Rey Hotel, right next to the South Carlsbad State Beach, one of the best things to do in Carlsbad. They offer a classy happy hour on their oceanfront patio with oysters, wings, and other light bites. 

They also have a secret doggie menu with beef bourguignon and roasted veggies that honestly looks too good to be just for our dogs.

👉 Don’t Miss: Chandler’s is within walking distance to the dog-friendly Camp Store, a live music hot spot!

Dini’s Bistro

🍽️ American | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +1 760 434 6000

When I’m out with the pup, one of my favorite places next to Carlsbad Beach and Boardwalk is Dini’s Bistro.

Locals love to meet here for drinks – the ambiance of the mini outdoor seating mixed with the killer oceanfront sunset is unmatched. Plus, if you’re nice to the wait staff, they’ll offer fresh bacon. 

When staying in Carlsbad, Dini’s has an extensive drinks menu plus great happy hour dishes like nachos and wings. If you’re looking for a more romantic sit-down dinner, I recommend booking a reservation for their larger outdoor patio. 

👉 Don’t Miss: Dini’s is across the street from one of the best beaches in San Diego.

Better Buzz

🍽️ Cafe | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +1 760 487 5562

Better Buzz has multiple locations in San Diego, although Encinitas is the most desirable. While it already made my list of the best things to do in Encinitas, it deserves a spot here too because it’s one of the most dog-friendly cafes in San Diego. 

My pup loves their free puppuchinos that come with a treat on top. For humans, the delicious food here is underrated, especially the various avocado toasts, sandwiches, and fruit bowls. 

👉 Don’t Miss: At Better Buzz’s Encinitas location, check out the Encinitas Dog Park, Puppy Picnic Co, and Pet Power for more doggie adventures. 

High/Low

🍽️ American Fusion | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +1 760 512 3329

Believe me, I am the first to be hesitant about dining at hotels, but even as a local, I love going to High/Low when spending time in Oceanside. 

High/Low is the restaurant on the bottom floor of the Mission Pacific Hotel in downtown Oceanside, one of the best hotels in Oceanside. Their green juices, seafood salad with homemade Louie dressing, courteous dog bowls, and incredible views are just a few reasons my pup and I keep coming back.

Pipes Cafe

🍽️ Cafe | $ | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +1 760 632 0056

Pipes Cafe is located in Surfers’ Paradise, where blocks of Cardiff Beach and downtown Encinitas meet. Pipes is known for a rather large breakfast plate full of scrambled eggs and grilled sausages. Not to mention, it’s an easy meal to share with a dog outside a no-frills eatery. 

Monarch Ocean Pub

🍽️ American Hawaiian Fusion | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +1 858 925 6047

Monarch Ocean Pub is located on the top level of the Del Mar Plaza and is very versatile for families, couples, and lounging with the pup. I love their Ube donuts, tuna poke, and grapefruit frosé drink. 

The Monarch Ocean Pub has incredible indoor ocean views, although only service dogs are allowed in that area. However, there’s an additional outdoor seating area adjacent to the restaurant.

This grassy patio serves up happy hour and live music and is connected to the rest of the rooftop with ample lounge chairs and a local coffee shop. Monarch Ocean Pub is a top choice if you’re staying in Del Mar. 

👉 Pro Tip: If you’re headed to Del Mar Dog Beach, a great place for a post-beach self-wash bath is Dirty Dogs and Mr. Bodhi’s Grub & Scrub, both less than a 20-minute walk from the beach.

Barbarella Restaurant & Bar

🍽️ European | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +1 858 454 7373

Barbarella offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner only 3 blocks from La Jolla Beach. Dog owners will enjoy the Ruffarella menu featuring inexpensive beef, eggs, chicken, bacon, and ice cream to pamper the pooch. 

Hand-crafted cocktails, coastal outdoor seating options, pasta dishes, and other comfort food items on the dinner menu make Barbarella one of my go-to spots.

👉 Don’t Miss: Head to nearby Decker’s Dog & Cat for unique dog treats and apparel, it’s my favorite pet store in San Diego. Then, keep exploring all the things to do in La Jolla!

Bull’s Smokin’ BBQ

🍽️ Barbecue | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +1 619 276 2855

Bull’s Smokin BBQ is one of the more pet-friendly places in San Diego. It is a saloon-style restaurant near Mission Bay and Fiesta Island Dog Park that serves mouth-watering BBQ meats. 

They have homestyle side dishes like mac and cheese, beans, coleslaw, and unique beers to try. All are welcome on their dog-friendly patio, just follow the decorated paw prints on the ground. 

👉 Pro Tip: Work up an appetite with some nearby watersports like SUP Pups and Fiesta Island.

Baja Beach Cafe

🍽️ Mexican | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (858) 230-6315

Baja Beach Cafe is a quirky coastal Mexican spot right on the boardwalk in Pacific Beach, a 13-minute drive north of Ocean Beach. Grab your sunnies, sandals, and furry friends to enjoy an ocean view with your toes in the sand. Baja Beach has killer margaritas and nachos to share with the group.

👉 Don’t Miss: Can’t get enough Baja? Head to Baja Betty’s between North Park and Hillcrest for a drag show and lively Mexican. 

Belching Beaver Brewery Tavern and Grill

🍽️ Bar & Grill | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +1 760 295 8599

There are a few Belching Beavers in San Diego, but the Tavern in downtown Vista Village across from Main Street can’t be beaten. This dog-friendly eatery has a huge camping-themed backyard with Adirondack chairs circled around firepits in the dirt. The ambiance is unmatched. 

Whether you try their fried foods or healthy salmon salads, their consistent quality of food is impressive. They have a huge menu of in-house crafted beers on tap and my favorite peanut butter stout.

The Besta Wan Pizza House

🍽️ Pizza Mexican Fusion | $ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +1 760 753 6707

Another delicious meal in Cardiff-by-the-sea that allows leashed dogs is The Besta Wan Pizza House. This funky little house-turned-restaurant serves both pizza and Mexican all under one roof. 

If you have a bunch of picky eaters in your group, this spot caters to everyone. They have pretty large portions for a good price too. I highly recommend staying in and exploring Cardiff/Encinitas because of how dog-friendly the town is.    

Queenstown Public House

🍽️ New Zealand | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +1 619 546 0444

Queenstown Public House brings New Zealand infused cuisine to a bustling corner of Little Italy. Queenstown is also a 10-minute drive from the Coronado Bay Bridge. 

This charming indoor restaurant feels like a cozy house with an extended parklet for dog-friendly outdoor seating. Their drinks are unique and their comfort foods will leave you feeling quite satisfied. The salads are just as filling and flavorful as the cast iron skillet hash and gourmet chicken and waffles. 

Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens

🍽️ American | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +1 760 294 7866

Stone Brewing is one of San Diego’s best breweries located in Escondido and home to the best beer garden in town. The grounds are breathtaking with plenty of space to roam. Those who enjoy beer tasting find Stone to be one of the more popular places to visit in the San Marcos area.    

They have over 30 beers on tap and a killer pretzel bun burger. They also offer brewery tours but make sure to sign up beforehand as they often sell out.

Sally’s Fish House & Bar

🍽️ Seafood | $$$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +1 619 358 6740

Couples and seafood lovers will love the romantic Sally’s Fish House & Bar right in the heart of the San Diego Harbor. Their seafood towers and lobster rolls are delightful. 

Sally’s location is key. It’s right next to the waterfront park that hosts the annual Barks & Brews Dog Festival and Mission Bay where your dog can learn to stand up paddleboard with you. 

After dinner at Sally’s Fish House, I highly recommend staying to pedal with your pup on the San Diego Harbor.

Lazy Dog Restaurant

🍽️ American | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +1 619 481 6191

One of the best pup-friendly eateries in San Diego is Lazy Dog Restaurant, located between University Heights and North Park. They have a separate dog menu that features a nice piece of grilled chicken breast. 

For humans, the fried chicken dish here is top-notch. With a range of entrees, Lazy Dog offers a little bit of everything. I love how spacious the indoor and outdoor patios are, perfect for outings with your pet. 

Breakfast Republic

🍽️ American | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +1 619 642 0299

Breakfast Republic is a local breakfast chain in San Diego, and the top 3 locations include Hillcrest, Point Loma near Mission Bay, and Liberty Station. 

Brunch can get crowded on the weekends so small dogs are best. Don’t miss their breakfast mimosas and Oreo pancakes for a champion morning.

Station Tavern

🍽️ Bar & Grill | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +1 619 255 0657

For a great burger and a rotating selection of local beer, Station Tavern & Burgers located in the center of South Park is a fantastic choice. Station Tavern has a big backyard which is especially great for dogs and families. Hipsters will enjoy Station’s vibe and award-winning architecture. 

Fig Tree Cafe

🍽️ Californian | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +1 858 274 2233

Head to Fig Tree Cafe for quintessential California cuisine. They do have a few locations in San Diego, however, the cutest is definitely in Pacific Beach with lots of plant decor. They have good food and they welcome pets – what more can you ask for?

 Fig Tree Cafe’s lunch is tasty, but I definitely recommend coming for brunch benedicts and pancakes with a side of bacon for the pup.

Regal Beagle

🍽️ Bar & Grill | $ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +1 619 297 2337

Regal Beagle is more of a dive bar than some of the other places on my list. Regal Beagle is in Mission Hills, a 5-minute drive to downtown San Diego. If you and your pups like craft beer and artisanal sausage, this is the perfect afternoon spot. 

Check their website for trivia nights, happy hour specials, and game nights. 

Daybreak Island Grill

🍽️ Hawaiian | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +1 619 222 0406

Grab a mimosa tasting flight and great food right in downtown Ocean Beach at Daybreak Island Grill. If you’re open to an authentic Hawaiian breakfast, definitely try the loco moco. 

They also have a dog meal that is highly nutritious and made out of bacon, eggs, potato, carrot, and spinach.

Viewpoint Brewing Company

🍽️ Gastropub | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 +1 858 356 9346

Viewpoint Brewing Company is a bit hidden from the main street, and it feels like being transported miles away from Del Mar. I love going here for the outdoor seating overlooking the San Dieguito Lagoon. Viewpoint is known for over 18 types of craft beer. The schnitzel, fish tacos, and most of their sharable tapas pair nicely with a tasting flight. 

Vistapoint Brewing’s location is ideal, only a 15-minute walk from Del Mar Dog Beach and some of the best hikes in San Diego.

***

Thanks for reading my guide! Up next, check out our article on the best things to do in San Diego to find some fun outing ideas for you and your pup. Adventure awaits!