Shine your coat, dog; it’s time to eat. San Diego is an incredibly pet-friendly city. From Alpine to Ocean Beach, there’s always somewhere you can hang out with your dog. Fortunately for dog-lovers, there are many restaurants through San Diego ready to accommodate your furry friend while you take in the sights, smells and sounds of the city.
Picking where you and Sparky want to chill out and eat can be quite a process; sifting through the numerous cafes and eateries where dogs are allowed may take some time, so start with Mission Hills. This area is known for its diverse group of quality restaurants, many of which are dog-friendly.
On the corner of West Washington street and Goldfinch Street lies a bar and grill called The Gathering. Start your tandem culinary adventures here for a good time.
Dan Thomas, San Diego State business graduate and dog owner, has run the show at The Gathering for 27 years and understands the significance of people’s relationships with their dogs.
“People consider their dogs family now,” Thomas said. “Dogs do everything with their owners nowadays, and that includes eating. Many people order food for their dogs. We serve them on cardboard cutouts.”
The Gathering has dog treats upon request, but owners are responsible for feeding their pets.
“We used to let the waiters give dogs biscuits, but they got nipped too many times,” Thomas said. Apart from the super-friendly service, the restaurant has a decent sized menu, four beers on tap and boasts a full bar. The beers are Ballast Point Yellowtail Pale Ale, Tower 10 IPA, Karl Strauss Amber Lager and Coronado Orange. Carne asada is its signature dish, but the breakfast also makes the most wanted list.
“We serve breakfast until 3 p.m.,” waitress Elisabeth said. “It’s a good option for college students with a hangover.”
The Gathering is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 8a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday- Saturday.
Located just a few minutes south of The Gathering is The Regal Beagle. Sit outside on the patio and your pooch can join you for one of the famous all-natural sausages, served either sandwich style or plain.
“All of our sausages are from T & H Prime Meats, and they are all-natural and nitrate-free,” bartender Hannah Butler said. “They all go great with beer.” Speaking of beer, The Regal Beagle has 24 choices on tap, many of which are from local breweries.
“At any time, at least a third of our beers are local,” Butler said. “Right now, I have 14 of them.”
The patio area is not very large and dogs are not allowed inside, but even from outside there is a view of some of the TVs in the bar, making it a cool place to take a dog and watch Sunday football games.
“For some people, (being able to bring their dogs) is a make-or- break decision on where they will go, and I think it brings us more business because we are dog- friendly,” Butler said.
Located on India Street in Mission Hills, The Regal Beagle is a local favorite and has been serving man and dog since June 2010. The resturant is named after a bar featured on the show “Three’s Company.” The bar is open until 12 a.m. seven days a week.
If a full-blown restaurant isn’t what you and Sparky are looking for, then try one of Hillcrest’s many coffee shops. Filter, located at the corner of University Avenue and Richmond Street, is a low- key spot to kick up your paws and relax. Apart from a broad coffee and tea selection, patrons have many food choices including breakfast, paninis, salads and snacks. Filter features a wooden deck patio area with good seating and even has outdoor power outlets, presumably to surf the web with your dog, take Facebook pictures and tweet to your heart’s content. Filter is open until 2 a.m. Saturday-Thursday and 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday making it the perfect spot to walk on a late night walk.
“There are lots of dog lovers in San Diego,” Filters’s manager Ashley Hall said. “It’s cool that you can go somewhere with your dog other than just sitting at home.”
