Were you looking for dog-friendly activities in the Motor City? Are you searching for the best dog-friendly restaurants with outdoor seating? Check out our list of the top pet-friendly eateries in Detroit, MI.
Dog-friendly restaurants are all over these days. And with more dog owners thinking of themselves as pet parents, it will continue to grow. If you've ever missed your fur baby while at a restaurant or bar, you might not have to much longer. Since the demand for pet-friendly, outdoor restaurants has dramatically grown, you can now take your furry friend to dog-friendly breweries all over the country—Detroit included.
The great outdoor patios are one of the best spots for you and your pet. Many patios are very welcoming to well-mannered pups. And since the first few restaurants took steps in this direction, many more have followed suit. So nowadays, you don't need to leave your dog at home while you go out. Bring your best friend to grab a bite to eat, drink, or get your energy boost with coffee. It is almost like the city is fully accessible to you and your dog. In fact, the best dog-friendly establishments even offer a water bowl, dog treats, and occasionally a doggy menu.
If you are lucky, your route will take you to places that offer dog parks and eateries all in one. Some businesses provide dogs with indoor and outdoor space; however, most are patio only. When you find the places that let you and your pet socialize simultaneously, you feel like you are with your people. On those occasions, it is an environment you'll be coming back to with new friends for the two of you.
But if you're looking for traditional dog parks, we can direct you there too. Click here to find the best dog parks, dog-friendly parks, and off-leash areas in Detroit, MI. We'll give you the scoop about each place and what amenities they have to offer.
And if you need to find local pet care in the Motor City, we've got you covered there too. Click here to type in your zip code, and we'll show you the best dog walkers and pet sitters in and around Detroit.
If you're ready to find your new favorite restaurant or bar, let's check out this list below.
The 9 Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants, Bars, and Breweries in Detroit, MI:
Roasting Plant Coffee
8 Degrees of Plato
The Congregation
Detroit Shipping Co.
Eastern Market Brewing Co.
Woodward Avenue Brewers
Port
Lu & Carl's
Drink with Dogs
Roasting Plant Coffee — Downtown
Right downtown—across from the Michigan Soldiers and Sailors Monument—you will find a nice spot to grab a coffee with your BFF. This shop prides itself on freshness, and it shows. Not only are they known for having the freshest roasted coffee in the Motor City, but they are also known for their delicious pastries—including several vegan options.
For you and your pup, you can take a seat outside in the warmer months. They offer seven tables outside. This allows you to spend time with your pup, get that cup of coffee, maybe a chocolate croissant, and sit outside and take in the views of being downtown near Campus Martius Park.
8 Degrees Plato — Midtown
8 Degrees Plato in Midtown is not only a fantastic place to grab a bite to eat, but it's also an incredibly dog-friendly restaurant. With its welcoming atmosphere and outdoor seating area, you can enjoy delicious food and drinks while your furry friend lounges by your side. The staff at 8 Degrees Plato are known for their warm hospitality towards dogs, providing water bowls and even the occasional treat. Whether you're looking for a quick snack or a full meal, this dog-friendly gem is definitely worth a visit for both you and your four-legged companion.
The Congregation — Boston-Edison Neighborhood
As you move outside of downtown, you come to the Boston-Edison city neighborhood. Here you can feel the history of Detroit, and The Congregation helps with that vibe. It has become a hub for many locals. If you bring your pup here, you will be greeted, welcomed, and treated like you are a part of the family. The owner takes pride in creating a community and has a great space to do it.
This place is an old church building—circa 1920. It was redeemed and happened to be the center of society again but in a new way. One of the best parts for dog owners is the sizeable dog-friendly patio outback that overlooks Gordon Park.
As for the foods and drinks? They definitely have a great coffee scene, but the food is worth a try too. If I were there daily, I would be eating a lot of the (BRIE)LTTs and downing too many Spicy Mochas. Another fan favorite—for those warmer days—is an Iced Lavender Latte.
This is an excellent spot for anyone looking for a dog-friendly cafe. You can get some work done and never leave your dog's side.
Detroit Shipping Co. — Cass Corridor
There is something special about summertime in Michigan. Perhaps it is because places like the Detroit Shipping Co. are back at it. With their "Summer Oasis"—over 5,000 square feet of outdoor dining space—they are an ideal place for you and your dog. This pet-friendly bar and restaurant is incredibly welcoming to dogs and has an excellent variety of food for anyone. The Detroit Shipping Company has six different restaurants to choose from.
I don't think you or your furry friend would go wrong making your way over to the Detroit Shipping Company. From the huge patio to the food variety to summer in Detroit, it sounds like the perfect July night.
Eastern Market Brewing Co. — Eastern Market
This is another excellent dog-friendly brewery in Detroit. With Eastern Market Brewing Co. focusing on "community, camaraderie, and craft," you know it will be the kind of place you and your pup need to catch a game at. They work towards creating one-of-a-kind brews with the freshest, local ingredients they can find.
While this dog-friendly brewery in Detroit doesn't offer food, they are open to you bringing your own with you. And at some of their events, they will bring in local food trucks for you to enjoy.
The thing that makes this beer hall dog-friendly is their patio that extends an entire block! With this kind of space and the rotation of brews they keep—like Coffee Stouts and Nitro Grape Beer—this will be one of those places that makes it into your rotation of favorite hangouts with your pup.
Woodward Avenue Brewers — Ferndale
Woodward Avenue Brewers is a landmark in the area. It opened in 1997 and has become a staple dog-friendly brewery in the greater Detroit area. It has a large sidewalk seating area—over 70 seats. They often bring treats to your dogs and almost always offer a water bowl.
They are accommodating to your pup and have great food and brew drinks in-house regularly. Typically, you will see at least seven home brews at any given time. It is easy to see why this has become a Ferndale favorite for pet parents.
Port — Ferndale
Staying in Ferndale, you will find another dog-friendly brewery. In fact, Port is right behind Woodward Avenue Brewers (WAB). Port is open from 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM Wednesday through Sunday. This is one of those "after-work environments" that everyone needs in their life.
Besides their drinks and vibe, the great part about this place is that they actively encourage you to bring your furry friend with you. With giant fish on the walls and two-dollar mystery shots, you will want to stop here and check it out.
Lu & Carl's — Brighton
When you name a business after your dogs, it will likely be a pet-friendly restaurant. Lu & Carl's is named after pups and has their photos framed on the wall. And not just his dogs; there are dog photos framed all along the top of this business.
There are water bowls on the patio for your dog and treats next to the door. This is a canine kind of place. The theme of dogs continues through the menu, and there are even desserts served in dog bowls. On top of that, you can expect some Scooby snacks for your human children too. It is definitely worth coming to Lu & Carl's for the experience.
Drink with Dogs — Location varies
Drink with Dogs is not a pet-friendly restaurant but a dog-focused event. This event is put on by Canine to Five. It is a summer event where pet parents and their dogs gather to sample foods and beverages from local establishments. This could be a great way to socialize your dog, meet up with some friends, and get to know the Motor City a little better.
Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Detroit, MI
Detroit is already such a dog-friendly city—and still growing. There are plenty of pet-friendly activities to do and places to go with your sweet pup. And now that you know a little bit about each of the best and dog-friendliest restaurants in town get out there and try one.
For more great articles about dog-friendly activities and pet-parenting advice, check out the Blog at LocalPetCare.com.