10 of the Best Dog-Friendly Restaurant Chains in the US

Let’s get this straight – the US is huge. There are over a million companies registered as restaurants within the country. Plus, there are thousands of pubs, bakeries with outdoor patios, pizzerias, bistros, burger places, etc. So, you’ll never have a problem finding a place with great food.

If you want to take your dog and head off to grab a bite, your restaurant choice will be, of course, limited, as not all restaurants are dog-friendly. The best part of choosing a dog-friendly restaurant chain is that you have already tasted the food, and you know for a fact that you can take your pup when dining.

Therefore, we have assembled a list of the best dog-friendly restaurant chains in the US. On our list, you’ll find chains with restaurants in various states and in multiple places within one state. 

We hope our article will help you find the most suitable restaurant for you and your dog when you travel across the country or move to a new place.

Before we begin, we believe it is important to mention that we have included additional information about the restaurant in a table below each chain. 

In the tables, you’ll find at least three different restaurant locations, directions, phone numbers, and ratings accumulated from customer reviews.

Of course, you should keep in mind that we aren’t able to include all locations of each restaurant. So, if you don’t find your current locations in the tables, visit the restaurant’s official website to see if you’ll find a diner near you.

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar

You can find Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar in over 50 cities in eight states, including California, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, Colorado, Texas, Virginia, and Florida. You should also know that the company announced five new locations expected to open during 2023.

Food and stuff

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar has an excellent and welcoming atmosphere in its locations. Between the casual interior and outdoor seating and the fantastic comfort food that’s served, we believe you’ll want to visit each Lazy Dog in the country.

The restaurant has an extended menu that includes various starters, small-plate items, salads, soups, burgers, sandwiches, noodles, fish, mains, and delicious desserts.

However, did you know you won’t have to worry about feeding your dog before going out? That’s right – Lazy Dog has a Pup menu! You can order a grilled hamburger or grilled chicken breasts for your furry friend. Both dishes come with brown rice and veggies.

Although all Lazy Dog’s restaurants include outdoor patios where dogs are welcomed, we recommend you call the restaurant in advance in case the rule has changed at that particular location. Also, we kindly remind you to read the patio rules regarding customers who bring their pets.

Additional information

States	Locations	Contact	Rating
Georgia	Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar	+1 770 759 0141	4.7*
Illinois	Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar	+1 630 481 7301	4.5*
Nevada	Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar	+1 702 941 1920	4.6*
Texas	Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar	+1 713 597 5347	4.5*
Virginia	Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar	+1 571 616 9093	4.5*

O.H.S.O Brewery & Distillery

O.H.S.O is an Arizona-based restaurant chain with locations in Gilbert, Scottsdale, and two restaurants in Phoenix.

Food and stuff

O.H.S.O stands for Outrageous Homebrewer’s Social Outpost, and it is a mini complex of a restaurant, nano-brewery, distillery, and a dog-friendly socializing place. The restaurant has a casual interior, a fantastic ambience, and friendly and attentive staff.

When it comes to food, O.H.S.O won’t disappoint you. There are various menus for starters, lunch and dinner, and brunch. You can have a delicious artichoke dip, buffalo chicken dip, or a cheese board and then continue with short ribs, chili pork, tacos, a burger, or a sandwich.

We shouldn’t forget that the restaurant organizes a very interesting event that includes a guided tour of the distillery, as well as four spirit samples and one bottle of choice. The tour costs $35 for two people.

Additional information

States	Locations	Contact	Rating
Gilbert, Arizona	O.H.S.O. Brewery- Gilbert	+1 602 900 9004	4.4*
Phoenix, Arizona	O.H.S.O. Eatery & nano-Brewery	+1 602 955 0358	4.6*
Scottsdale, Arizona	O.H.S.O. Brewery + Distillery	+1 480 948 3159	4.5*

Friendly’s

Friendly’s is an informal chain restaurant that you can find in 30 locations in five states in the eastern US.

Food and stuff

Ice cream is the signature food of this chain restaurant. Opened about 90 years ago, Friendly’s was an ice cream shop in Springfield. Today, the casual-style chain, with a cozy interior, has an expanded menu that includes various food items and its signature delicious ice cream.

You’ll find starters and soups on the menu, such as cheese bites, fried pickle chips, quesadillas, waffle fries, mozzarella sticks, and chicken noodle soups. The burgers are fantastic! You can have a Doritos cheeseburger, bacon cheeseburger, or a classic BBQ burger.

However, if you don’t like eating a burger, we recommend ordering a beef brisket (oven-roasted), fry chicken, or a homestyle turkey dinner.

Additional information

States	Locations	Contact	Rating
Maryland	Friendly’s	+1 410 256 2120	4*
Pennsylvania	Friendly’s	+1 843 916 8636	4*
Delaware	Friendly’s	+1 302 834 8450	4.1*
New Jersey	Friendly’s	+1 856 589 2488	4*

Chili’s

There are more than 1,610 Chili’s locations in the US. You can find a Chili’s Grill & Bar in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, meaning if you are a traveler, there’s a good chance you’ll come across this restaurant.

Food and stuff

Chili’s Grill & Bar is a casual, family-friendly chain with relaxing indoor and outdoor seating. Because of the food, patio, and nice employees, this eatery is one of the best dog-friendly restaurants in the US.

The comprehensive menu includes dishes you probably won’t resist. For instance, the Appetizer menu includes ten different items, so everyone can find something according to their taste. 

Besides the appetizers, Chili’s also has fantastic burgers, ribs, steaks, fajitas, salads, seafood, chicken, sandwiches, tacos, quesadillas, and other lunch specials.

Additionally, you should know that Chili’s has Happy Hours, but they vary depending on the location.

Additional Info

States	Locations	Contact	Rating
Texas	Chili’s Grill & Bar	+1 512 420 8353	4*
California	Chili’s Grill & Bar	+1 916 905 2480	4*
Florida	Chili’s Grill & Bar	+1 813 875 2314	4.2*
Georgia	Chili’s Grill & Bar	+1 770 602 1301	4*
Texas	Chili’s Grill & Bar	+1 281 596 0268	3.8*

Outback Steakhouse

There are almost 1,000 Outback locations globally, and nearly 700 of them are in the US. You can find an Outback Steakhouse in almost all of the US states.

Food and stuff

Outback Steakhouse is a Florida-based restaurant inspired by Australian flair and cuisine. All of the restaurants in the chain have something between a modern and casual design and spacious outdoor seating. 

You should call the restaurant you want to visit to confirm whether the patio is dog-friendly, as not all Outback locations allow dogs.

Outback Steakhouse has a great menu with dishes that can satisfy everyone’s taste. You can have Aussie cheese fries, Sydney mushrooms, grilled shrimp as an appetizer, or have a salad or soup.

However, the restaurant is the most famous for its steak because you can try it cooked in numerous ways, including slowly roasted, seasoned, seared, or grilled.

Of course, the restaurant offers various other main courses that don’t include steak. You can order and try the fried chicken, ribs, chicken tenders, pork chops, or a seafood dish with salmon, shrimp, or lobster.

Additional information

States	Locations	Contact	Rating
North Carolina	Outback Steakhouse	+1 336 282 6283	4.2*
Florida	Outback Steakhouse	+1 850 784 9649	4.2*
New York	Outback Steakhouse	+1 212 989 3122	4.2*
Texas	Outback Steakhouse	+1 512 343 6333	4.1*
Nevada	Outback Steakhouse	+1 702 451 7808	4.4*

Shake Shack

There are around 260 Shake Shack locations in the US and 140 locations globally. In the US, 33 states have at least one Shake Shack. New York, California, and Texas are leading states by the number of locations, with 38, 26, and 19 Shake Shack restaurants, respectively.

Food and stuff

Shake Shack is a hamburger restaurant where you can dine with your dog on the outdoor patio. Of course, the main food on the menu is burgers, which you can have with cheese, crisp-fried mushrooms, eggs, onions, or any other topping of your preference.

Besides the delicious burgers, the restaurant also offers hot dogs, cheese fries as sides, and chicken. Additionally, Shake Shack has milkshakes in numerous tasty flavors.

Additional information

States	Locations	Contact	Rating
Arizona	Shake Shack Uptown Plaza – Camelback & Central	+1 602 903 3240	4.2*
California	Shake Shack Downtown Los Angeles	+1 213 213 5307	4.4*
Nevada	Shake Shack Las Vegas – NYNY	+1 725 222 6730	4.4*

Baja Fresh

Baja Fresh has 162 locations within the US. You can find restaurants in California, Arizona, Georgia, Virginia, Colorado, Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, Texas, Tennessee, Oregon, and many other states.

Food and stuff

Baja Fresh is one of the bestdog-friendly restaurant chains in the US for those who enjoy Mexican cuisine. The restaurants are recognizable by their simple yet homey interior and comfortable outdoor patios where guests can dine with their furry friends.

We highly recommend you try burritos and tacos. You can order a classic Mexican burrito or get a nacho burrito. As for the tacos, you can try Americano taco, a taco with grilled shrimp, or small fire-grilled chicken taquitos.

Baja Fresh also serves fajitas, quesadillas, nachos, and fantastic Baja bowls, which will make you fall in love with Mexican food again.

Additional information

States	Locations	Contact	Rating
Georgia	Baja Fresh	+1 404 681 2252	3.9*
Tennessee	Baja Fresh	+1 615 936 4529	3.9*
District of Columbia	Baja Fresh	+1 202 525 2967	4.2*
Virginia	Baja Fresh	+1 703 352 1792	4.3*

Joe’s Crab Shack

You can find a Joe’s Crab Shack in 16 US states, including but not limited to Virginia, Utah, Texas, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, New Jersey, Missouri, and Louisiana.

Food and stuff

Joe’s Crab Shack is a seafood restaurant. This informal chain serves thousands of seafood enthusiasts thanks to its relaxing atmosphere, helpful staff, and delicious recipes.

The menus are simply fantastic. You can have a taco with blackened shrimp as a starter or directly jump to the fantastic lobster tails or salmon. Furthermore, we recommend you try the broiled seafood platter that includes lobster tail, crab, bacon-wrapped shrimp, and seasonal vegetables.

If someone in your party isn’t fond of seafood, Joe’s Crab Shack won’t disappoint them. Besides the top-notch sea and shore dishes, the restaurant also makes delicious chicken tenders, pasta, grilled chicken, salads, and even soups.

We believe you should know that Joe’s Crab Shack has a comprehensive menu of alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails. The best part is that you can choose a shack favorite and take the glass home as a souvenir.

Additionally, we would like to mention that this restaurant has Happy Hours, which usually are Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 PM. Of course, we highly recommend you check with the restaurant near you regarding the Happy Hours, as the period may vary depending on the location.

Additional information

States	Locations	Contact	Rating
California	Joe’s Crab Shack	+1 916 553 4249	4*
Arizona	Joe’s Crab Shack	+1 480 345 0972	4*
Florida	Joe’s Crab Shack	+1 386 238 4050	4.1*
Tennessee	Joe’s Crab Shack	+1 901 384 7478	4.1*

Olive Garden

Olive Garden can be found at over 900 locations globally. You can find an Olive Garden restaurant in the US in every state. 

Food and stuff

This nice, family-friendly restaurant offers a comfortable interior, attentive staff, and delicious food inspired by Italian cuisine. If you want to take your dog, Olive Garden’s restaurants have comfy patios where dogs are allowed.

The food is simply fantastic! For starters, you can have fried mozzarella or stuffed ziti frittata as an appetizer. The Entrees’ menu includes Italian classics, such as chicken Alfredo, chicken and shrimp carbonara, chicken parmigiana, ravioli carbonara, lasagna classico, chicken tortelloni, and scampi.

Of course, you can have a nice salad or soup with tasty homemade breadsticks. However, the best part is that you can create your own pasta by adding some of the offered toppings.

We highly recommend you finish the course with a dessert. You can have a tiramisu, strawberry cream cake, brownie lasagna, Sicilian cheesecake, or warm Italian doughnuts at Olive Garden. Yummy!

Additional information

States	Locations	Contact	Rating
Illinois	Olive Garden Italian Restaurant	+1 217 793 0318	4.3*
Georgia	Olive Garden Italian Restaurant	+1 770 933 8971	4.1*
Alabama	Olive Garden Italian Restaurant	+1 256 831 4911	4.4*
Tennessee	Olive Garden Italian Restaurant	+1 423 877 7704	4.3*

Applebee’s Grill & Bar

If you want to take your pup and visit one of Applebee’s Grill & Bar restaurants, you can do so in all of the US states.

Food and stuff

Applebee’s Grill & Bar is one of the best dog friendly restaurants in the US, with over 40 years of experience. Although each location carries its own signature, all Applebee’s eateries are recognizable for their comfortable interior where guests feel relaxed, like visiting a small neighborhood restaurant.

The interior and the welcoming atmosphere surely add much to the chain’s popularity. However, the thing that attracts visitors the most is, of course, the food.

You’ll find various starters, main courses, sliders, and desserts on the extended list of fantastic food. You can order and try the boneless wings, spinach, and artichoke dip as an appetizer.

We recommend you get a steak or order a dish of the famous ribs for the entree. The chicken dishes are also very popular. You can have chicken tenders, bourbon-street chicken and shrimp, or fiesta lime chicken.

Applebee has several tasty offers for those who like pasta, including three-cheese chicken pasta, blackened shrimp Alfredo, and broccoli chicken Alfredo.

Of course, if you want to eat something simple, you can also have one of the restaurant’s sandwiches, burgers, or fajitas.

Additional information

States	Locations	Contact	Rating
Maryland	Applebee’s Grill + Bar	+1 410 358 4468	3.7*
Delaware	Applebee’s Grill + Bar	+1 302 836 8700	4.2*
Texas	Applebee’s Grill + Bar	+1 903 663 1267	4.1*
Oregon	Applebee’s Grill + Bar	+1 503 408 8088	4*