St. Petersburg rocks. It's sunny just about every day of the year, it's minutes from the Gulf of Mexico and it's a foodie's heaven. It's also super pet-friendly when it comes to doggie-dining. Here are a few of the best places in the city to grab some grub with your furry, four-legged friend:
Dog Bar St. Pete
The Dog Bar combines two of the world's greatest pastimes: Bars and playgrounds. Located in the hip Grand Central District of St. Pete, the Dog Bar is the perfect place to bring Fido to burn off some energy with his friends while mommy and daddy get their buzz on. While the bar itself does not serve food, patrons are welcome to bring in food from the outside. (Taco Bus is right next door.) The annual membership pet owners purchase for their pups allows for unlimited playtime for an entire year. And if you really want to spoil your fur baby, schedule a private birthday party for Fido and all of his friends to celebrate! Go to the Dog Bar and do as their slogan says and 'Sit. Stay. Drink.'
Dog Bar: 2300 Central Ave.
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 4pm-12am, Friday 4pm-1am, Saturday 12pm-1am, Sunday 12-11pm (closed Mondays)
O'Maddy's Bar and Grill
A waterfront view, killer menu and your favorite pooch - what more could you ask for? O'Maddy's, located in the quaint, dog-loving town of Gulfport, is the best place to spend a lazy afternoon. Dogs are welcome on the patio while you enjoy your burger and beer. And for only $2.95, you can hook Fido up with a grilled chicken breast so he can feast right there with you. Purchase an O'Maddy's bandana from your server and your pup will look like one of the crew!
O'Maddy's: 5405 Shore Blvd. S
Hours: Monday-Saturday 8am-3am, Sunday 11am-3am
Cappy's Pizza
Cappy's is more than just pizza, it's an addiction. It's one of my favorite spots here in the south to nosh on a Chicago-style deep dish pizza with my furry best buddy. Rest assured, when you bring Fido to Cappy's, the servers will gush over him as much as you'll gush over your food.
Cappy's: 2900 1st Ave. N
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 5-9pm, Friday/Saturday 5-10pm
Fish Tales Seafood & Steak House
If you and Fido are looking to sink your paws into some fresh seafood, head to Fish Tales. This restaurant sits right on the water at Harborage Marina and pups are always welcome! At Fish Tales, Fido has his own special menu where he can choose from chicken or beef with carrots and rice for only $5.00 a plate.
Fish Tales: 1500 2nd St. S
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11am-10pm, Friday/Saturday 11am-12am
King's Street Food Counter
King's Street Food Counter is all about dogs. In fact, the name and logo were inspired by the owner's English bulldog, King. Here, you and Fido can enjoy a specialty grilled cheese and a thick milkshake or belly up for one of the many unique hot dog combos. My pup and I like the Sleepy Dog - it's a play on a hangover burger that tops the hot dog with Applewood smoked bacon, a sunny-side up egg, American cheese and maple syrup. Doggie-dining is welcome at any of the tables outside.
King's: 937 Central Ave
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11am-11pm; Friday/Saturday 11am-3am and Sunday 11am-10pm
Red Mesa Mercado
Tell Fido to load up because Red Mesa Mercado is THE place to get your California-style Mexican fix. Dogs are welcome to tag along and dine with owners at the tables outside. Staff will even bring out complimentary bowls of ice water so your pup can cool off on those hot summer afternoons while you sip on your sangria.
Red Mesa Mercado: 1100 1st Ave. N
Hours: Monday-Thursday 7:30am-10pm, Friday 7:30am-11pm, Saturday 9am-11pm, Sunday 9am-9pm
No bones about it - these joints are the best when you and Fido have your next date.