Many dog owners love to bring their dogs everywhere they go. After all, they are family! While we can roam trails and wander the streets with our pups leashed up, finding a place to grab a bite to eat or a brew to drink with our four-legged friend in tow can be quite tricky. Lucky for us, there are a handful of restaurants and pubs around Tacoma that not only serve great food and incredible drinks, but they also allow you to bring your dog.
As always, call and verify before you go to one of these places with your pups, as policies change at restaurants from time to time. Before bringing your dog to any of these establishments, make sure that your pooch is well-behaved around lots of people and food. Many staff we spoke to wanted to remind everyone of this, as these are restaurants and not dog parks. Finally, remember to keep your dogs leashed and bring a bag to clean up any accidents that may occur while enjoying a meal out with your pet.
Engine House No. 9
You can’t go wrong with a meal and beer at Engine House No. 9. Located on 611 N. Pine Street, the brewery and restaurant is located in a historic old firehouse that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The restaurant serves up sandwiches, pizzas and other delicious fare with great beer. Don’t miss the mouth-watering mac and cheese, as well as any of the two dozen beers on tap! Keep in mind that dogs aren’t allowed in the main dining area. However, the patio is dog-friendly, so on sunny, warm days, don’t skip out on stopping here. There are dishes of water set aside for dogs, as well.
Hanks Bar and Pizza
Hanks Bar and Pizza, at 524 N. K Street, is another fantastic, dog-friendly spot in Tacoma. This neighborhood establishment is a fun and relaxing place to grab a bite and a beer and the menu is pleasantly varied with pub food, pizzas and more. The atmosphere here is laid back, especially if you are out on the patio. The patio is friendly for both you and your pooch, often with a water dish around for your four-legged pal to rehydrate. The patio area is not be open during inclement weather, or typically during the winter months.
Rock the Dock Pub and Grill
If your dog loves attention from the staff and owners, Rock the Dock is the place to go. Located at 535 Dock Street, Rock the Dock has a reputation of being extremely dog-friendly. Your pet will enjoy the time here while you feast on the wide selection of tasty dishes being served. When the weather is good, the dog-friendly outdoor areas is open, letting you sit on the dock, overlooking the Port of Tacoma. Rock the Dock is so dog friendly, it even has a Facebook page dedicated to the dogs who visit the restaurant! The food, the views and the acceptance of dogs here is incredible. If you have been walking your pet downtown and are searching for the most scenic spot around, this is it.
The Forum Tacoma
Located inside the historic Olympus Hotel, at 815 Pacific Avenue, the Forum serves up incredible dishes while letting you hang out with your pooch on the patio outside. The Bacon Bleu Burger and the Reuben are incredible menu options, but the real stars of the show are the mixed drinks. While your dog may not be able to enjoy either of these, they will enjoy all the pets and attention they get while you dine, drink and socialize.
Social Bar and Grill
Located on Dock Street, the Social Bar and Grill is a great place to take in the views of Thea Foss Waterway while eating and relaxing with your pupper. With a pet-friendly staff and dining on the covered, sometimes heated patio, the Social may quickly become a favorite dog-friendly dining spot. Specializing in seafood dishes, you’ll love feasting on courses like shrimp and grits, while your dog watches the boats go by from nearby marinas and neighborhood dogs wandering with their owners on the path nearby.
Harmon Tap Room
Offering five dog-friendly tables on the outside patio, the Harmon Tap Room is a local classic, and sure to please both dogs and humans. Found on 204 St. Helens Avenue, the Harmon Tap room has 20 beers on tap, as well as numerous burgers and styles of American style dishes. The patio has some fire pits for chillier days, and water set out on the hot days, making sure that everyone, canine or not, is happy and comfortable while enjoy their food and drinks.
