Doggie Dining
Remember the days when dogs used to sit by the window and wait for their owners to come home? Those days are gone! From the plethora of pet friendly dining options all over Sarasota and Manatee Counties we’ve curated a list that will have your dog wagging with joy, and keep your tastebuds happy too. We’ve got options for discerning dogs and their owners that include outdoor cafés, shaded patios, and live music venues. We’ve got options for dogs that love the ocean air and dogs that love to chill in the downtown scene. Read our list and then ask yourself this: “When was the last time I went on an adventure with my best friend?”
Libby’s Cafeé + Bar
For the Dog that Loves to People Watch
The sidewalk at Libby’s Café and Bar affords your dog a view of some the most well-heeled ankles in Sarasota as they leave brunch, happy hour, or dinner at Libby’s to head to Morton’s for groceries, to Perq for coffee, or to the 5 O’clock Club for some live music. Libby’s has plenty of gluten-free and vegetarian options too, so you can bring any kind of human here for a delicious treat.
1917 S Osprey Ave, Sarasota;
941-487-7300; libbyscafebar.com
The Waterfront Restaurant
For the Dog that Loves the Smell of Salt Air
Anna Maria Island is full of great places to shop, dine, sip, and stroll but we love to head all the way to The Waterfront Restaurant on South Bay Blvd for some fresh local seafood and sit on the shaded back patio with our dogs and some of their friends. After a satisfying meal a walk along Bay Blvd provides you with some great selfie opportunities with your dog and the gulf in the background. Make some memories!
111 South Bay Blvd, Anna Maria Island;
941-778-1515; thewaterfrontrestaurant.net
Cedar Reef Fish Camp
For the Dog that Loves to Eat with His Human
Cedar Reef Fish Camp in Venice loves your dog as much as you. They even have a special dog menu! While you enjoy Blackened Alligator Chowder or Cedar Plank Salmon, your dog has a choice of either the beef or the chicken with rice—it’s like having your dog as your plus one to a wedding but the food is way better.
7240 55th Ave E, Bradenton;
941-896-9656; cedarreef.com
Polo Grill and Bar
For the Dog that Loves the Game of Kings
The Polo Grill in Lakewood Ranch is known for a commitment to quality. Tommy and Jaymie Klauber have created a beautiful space in which to have a special event, enjoy happy hour, or grab a leisurely bite AND it’s pet friendly. We recommend a weekend of fun with your dog in Lakewood Ranch that includes locally sourced cuisine from Polo Grill and a trip to the Polo Club, which also allows dogs. What could be more fun?
10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch;
941-782-0899; pologrillandbar.com
Bijou Cafeé
For the Dog that Loves to Eat Late
Bijou’s cozy patio is a lovely place for your dog to curl up and relax while you enjoy one of Chef Jean-Pierre Knaggs’ culinary creations. We recommend the Bijou Pepper Steak and a glass of wine from the excellent wine list to fuel you for a lovely stroll down Main Street after dinner.
1287 First St, Sarasota; 941-366-8111;
bijoucafe.net
Tommy Bahama
For the Dog that Loves a Good Treat
Tommy Bahama on St. Armands Circle is one of our favorite places to grab a tropical drink and a plate of world-famous Coconut Shrimp and remind ourselves that we live where people vacation! Your dog will feel like he’s on a staycation too, especially when he tries one of the incredibly tasty dog treats whipped up by the chefs at Tommy Bahama.
300 John Ringling Blvd, Sarasota;
941-388-2888; tommybahama.com
C’est La Vie
For the Dog that Loves to Get Up Early
Dog owners (and new parents) know that sleeping in on a Saturday is a thing of the past. Embrace the opportunity to head to your favorite French café and grab a cup of coffee and a chocolate croissant. The dog bowls provided at C’est La Vie are as beautiful as the coffee mugs, which will help to make your dog feel as welcome as you do on that sunny downtown Sarasota sidewalk.
1553 Main St, Sarasota; 941-906-9575;
cestlaviesarasota.com
Sun Garden Cafeé
For the Dog that Loves to Go Where
Everybody Knows Their Name
Besides the stellar location on Siesta Key and the killer Sweet Potato Pancakes, the number one reason to visit the Sun Garden Café is the staff. Your dog will agree that there’s nothing quite like being a regular at a restaurant where the smiling faces that take your order are almost always the same.
210 Avenida Madera, Siesta Key;
941-346-7170; sol-food.net
Motorworks Brewery
For the Dog that Loves to Socialize
Frank and Denise Tschida have truly created an oasis in Bradenton with Motorworks Brewing. The largest beer garden in Florida boasts an impressive range of fun outdoor activities from bocce ball to jenga to cornhole. Did we mention there’s a stage for live music, a 22-foot projection screen, a rotating lineup of food trucks, and a full bar that includes their own craft beers? Your dog will love playing in the shade of a 150-year-old oak tree with other like-minded fun-loving pets.
1014 9th St W, Bradenton; 941-567-6218;
motorworksbrewing.com
