As a new dog aunt to my roommate's beloved Chiweenie (Chihuahua-Dachshund mix), I've been searching for restaurants in Atlanta with outdoor seating and pet-friendly staff on top of providing a wide selection of food. After much research, I've narrowed it down to three dog-friendly restaurants in Atlanta.
#1: Ladybird
Located in the heart of Atlanta's Old Fourth Ward, Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall is well-known for its bright yellow umbrellas and unique outdoor seating. This restaurant is also right on the Beltline, making it a great place to stop by while on a nice stroll with your dog!
Ladybird is completely dog-friendly, as the majority of its seating is outdoors with screened-in porches, picnic tables, dog treats, and water bowls. In addition to their campfire-themed menu featuring smoked meat trays, gulf crab and pimento dip, chili cheese dogs, and pouches of uniquely crafted cocktails, they are also currently hosting a weekly spring concert series called "Grooves in the Grove". I would definitely recommend checking this out if you're into live indie music!
On top of all this, Ladybird has a special brunch menu served Friday through Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm with a variety of options, ranging from fried chicken biscuits to classic French toast. If you and your dog enjoy being surrounded by nature and love the smoky smell of barbecue, definitely make plans to visit here!
#2: Chido and Padre's
Chido and Padre's is a vibrant Baja-Mex restaurant in Buckhead with scenic patio seating, making it the perfect location for you and your dog to relax after a long week.
If you're feeling peckish, take a look at their menu consisting of various sharable plates, small veggie plates, dishes with masa, and desserts like dulce de leche paletas (ice pops). Feel free to bring your friends and pups to Happy Hour on Wednesdays or Thursdays from 5 to 7 pm or on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays from 4 to 7 pm. All margaritas are $7!
Other dog owners have attested to the fact that the staff at Chido and Padre's is extremely accommodating, as they provide water bowls and are welcoming to both dogs and guests.
#3: El Viñedo Local
El Viñedo Local is a classy cafe and wine bar located in Midtown. They specialize in South American dishes, tea, coffee, and wine and take pride in supporting sustainable South American farmers.
Their beautiful swinging chairs and outdoor seating are completely dog-friendly, creating a relaxed, social environment for everyone who comes to visit.
El Viñedo Local is known for its piping hot empanadas, decadent arepas, and shareable tapas, so if you're searching for a place to grab a bite while lounging outdoors with your dog, this is definitely the spot for you!
BONUS: Fetch Park
Buckhead's new trendy and modern dog park opened this past winter, and it's definitely worth all the hype.
Fetch Park is described as a "trailblazing, dog-friendly social hub" where dog owners and pups can gather to enjoy a large, mud-free turf, outdoor TVs, seating areas, karaoke, and cooling stations. CEO Stephen Ochs hoped to create a community of dog lovers with well-being as the first priority, and there are multiple safety precautions in place. For one, parents must provide full vaccination records before entering, and pups are checked for fleas and ticks beforehand.
While food is not available for the safety of the dogs, fresh, cool beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available!) are served from a fully-stocked Airstream trailer.
Daily passes to enter are $10, but most dog owners choose to purchase a monthly membership starting at $30 per month. If you and your dog are feeling social and want a change of scenery, definitely check out Fetch Park; upcoming special events include stand-up comedy, karaoke nights, and trivia!
To all the dog parents out there: go outdoors and enjoy some dog-friendly places in Atlanta! Hopefully you and your furry best friend will be able to grab a bite to eat while enjoying one another's company.