Doggie-Friendly Dining: Reminders for My Human
by Cooper the Dog (Transcribed by Kristin Cicciarelli | Cooper’s Mom)
For a fur baby like me, chilling on a shady patio with other (ahem!) well-behaved four-footers is truly the icing on the dog biscuit. I love going for car rides (unless, of course, it’s something vet-related), and so long as I’m with my human, I’m up for just about anything: hiking on winding trails, dog park excursions and especially visiting dog-friendly restaurants because, well, they involve food smells. I do have a few simple requests when it comes to doggie-friendly dining, so, human—please take note:
• No matter what time of year, the Texas sun is scorching, and when you’re wearing a full-body fur coat, well, it’s even worse. I may not need sunscreen but shade is essential. Please nab a table with a big umbrella, or at the very least, let me hang out under your chair or table where it’s cooler.
• Remember to bring my portable water bowl. Staying well-hydrated is not only important for me, but it will also help reduce my drooling issue on your expensive shoes.
• Even though I, myself, am a prince without a leash, sometimes those other dogs aren’t so mannerly. So, to protect me from them, keep me on a leash and give me a little slack. I promise you won’t regret it.
• Okay, okay—sometimes, my attention wanders (look, a squirrel!), so I’d appreciate if you’d bring something to keep me occupied—a chew toy, rawhide bone, and/or multiple treats that will keep me interested in staying by your side and also cut down on my tendency to beg.
CHOW DOWN!
Here are a few of my favorite dog-friendly dining digs:
GRRRowler’s Tap Room and Beer Garden
Just what you’re looking for in The Colony—a place to hang with peeps and pooches. Oh, and a pretty awesome selection of brews, too. Over 25 on tap!
The Shacks
5800 Windhaven Pkwy.
The Colony
www.grrrowlers.com
Mutt’s Canine Cantina
Delicious burgers, sandwiches and brews in a relaxed off-leash park (one side for big dogs; the other for little ones).
2889 CityPlace West Blvd.
Dallas
214.377.8723
www.muttscantina.com
Lazy Dog
A seasonal menu and hearty appetizers make this a great place to linger with Fido. Proud humans can even submit a photo of their furry baby for possible submission to the Lazy Dog Hall of Fame.
Locations in Addison, Euless/Glade Parks and Plano
www.lazydogrestaurants.com
Katy Trail Ice House
Its cool Austin vibe ensures plenty of warm welcomes for your four-legged friend, along with over 50 beers on tap. Great place to watch people, too.
3127 Routh St.
Dallas
214.468.0600
Outpost Location
4700 W. Park Blvd.
Plano
972.599.9000
www.katyicehouse.com
Truck Yard
Live music on weekends and a rotating selection of food trucks make this a popular place to see and be seen. And yes, bring your dog!
5624 Sears St.
Dallas
469.500.0139
www.truckyarddallas.com
Dream Café
Though the menu easily accommodates special requests (gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan), there are plenty of “naughty” options to please everyone in your party.
The “Hippie” veggie burger is so good that even your pup will love it.
Locations in Dallas, Addison and Lakewood
www.dreamcafedallas.com
Chuy’s
Who doesn’t love Tex-Mex with a quirky atmospheric twist? In Dallas, Chuy’s is a staple for made-from-scratch apps and entrees, and your pup will personally thank you for the dedicated pet-shaded patio areas.
Multiple locations throughout DFW
www.chuys.com
Snug on the Square
This quaint, cozy coffee house and café offers comfortable outdoor seating on the patio and often features local artists and musicians in their inviting eclectic shop.
109 N. Kentucky St.
McKinney
www.snugonthesquare.com
Editor’s Note: Meet Cooper and Kristin
Cooper the Dog – Eight years ago, I was a rescue puppy with Golden Retriever Rescue of North Texas. My mom says I’m still a puppy because I haven’t slowed down one bit. When I’m not chasing my tail or begging to go on a run, I’m hanging with my family and waiting for the mail carrier. (I get a treat for handing over the mail to humans.)
Kristin the Transcriber – When my mom isn’t writing and editing with me at her feet, she’s chauffeuring, cooking, running or reading. I really like her because she knows my favorite food is avocado, and she always shares hers with me.