8 Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Denver

Are you new to the Denver area and looking for a go-to bar or restaurant in the area? More specifically, are you a pet parent in search of an eatery that accepts both you and your four-legged friend?

If you’re looking for restaurants, breweries, and bars for you and your furry friend, Denver has you covered. 

This guide compiles eight dog-friendly restaurants in Denver that locals know and love. So, without further ado, let’s jump right in!

1. The Watering Bowl

As the name suggests, The Watering Bowl is the perfect place for humans and dogs alike to wet their whistles. Known as Denver’s best “pawtio,” The Watering Bowl offers ample outdoor seating for you and your furry friends. 

With coverings and heating lamps galore, this patio area is the perfect outdoor space for you and your pup. There’s also a massive yard where your pooch can play without a leash. But that’s not all The Watering Bowl has to offer. Customers can stop by for happy hour every weekday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. and even catch live performances from local bands. 

Feeling hungry? Give the Pizza Challenge a try. If you scarf down their massive, three-foot pizza, you can win a $50 prize to buy your furry friend something special. Don’t worry about getting thirsty, either—customers who accept this challenge will get a free pitcher of craft beer to wash it all down. 

There’s plenty of other eats at The Watering Hole, too. From fried pickles to toasted cheese ravioli, this menu puts a unique twist on the classic bar fare. Of course, freshly made dog treats are also available for $5.99.

2. Forest Room 5

Looking for a chic dining experience that’s also pro-pooch? Forest Room 5 may be the answer.

This hip tapas spot is one of many dog-friendly bars Denver locals love. The restaurant provides a woodsy feel in the heart of Denver’s Highland Park neighborhood: The restaurant’s indoor dining room gives off a rustic, artsy vibe, while the patio is decorated with firepits, logs, and LED tabletops. 

The menu at Forest Room 5 offers craft cocktails, tasty flatbreads, and our personal favorite: truffle fries with signature dipping sauce. For a truly unique atmosphere, delicious food, and pooch-friendly outdoor seating, Denver’s Forest Room 5 is definitely a great option for lovers of camping and dogs alike.

3. Recess Beer Garden 

Recess beer garden likes to describe itself as—well—more than a beer garden. 

This casual, yet trendy pub serves up craft beers and American-style eats on a spacious patio for customers and their canines. Recess is open to dogs seven days a week, with dog-free patio hours after 3 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Other than those evenings, this brewery the perfect place for Denver locals where they can feel free to sit, sip, and enjoy the sun with their pups in tow. 

The good news is that Recess’ dog-friendly hours also line up perfectly with their killer happy hour from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Customers can enjoy discounted draft beers, $8 beer and shot combos, and $9 sliders, wraps, and chicken tenders.

If you’re looking to do a little brunching with your pet, take advantage of Recess’ weekend brunch before 2:00 p.m. Get your fill of $6 mimosas, cinnamon sugar pretzel bites, and their B.L.A.S.T. sandwich (bacon, lettuce, avocado, swiss cheese, and tomato). You’ll be howling its praises. 

4. Cozy Cottage

Cozy Cottage is a restaurant that certainly lives up to its name. This small eatery strives to bring customers an authentic “fresh-to-table” experience. Located in the trendy Denver Highlands neighborhood, Cozy Cottage’s seasonal outdoor patio offers a beautiful atmosphere that doubles as a puppy-permitted experience. 

Customers and their four-legged friends can enjoy the sights and sounds of the arts district while they sit on a leash at one of the cottage’s many shaded patio seats. 

As for the food, Cozy Cottage serves up tasty breakfast, brunch, and lunch specials. Incorporating American and Mexican recipes, the menu ranges from sweet to savory, and every flavor in between. For breakfast, choose from a comforting selection of pancakes, benedicts, and Mexican huevos staples. For lunch, customers have their choice of artisan sandwiches, salads, and macaroni and cheese dishes. 

Cozy Cottage opens their patio for your canine companion in the warmer months, however, so take advantage of the summer days while you can!

5. Postino LoHi

If bar food isn’t really your thing, don’t sweat it. Any dog owner that is in need of a more upscale vibe can head to the Postino wine bar and brunch cafe in Denver’s LoHi neighborhood. This colorful spot offers three things: a long list of boutique wines, vintage decor, and a spacious patio perfect for the pup.

The first thing you’ll notice when you walk into Postino is the eye-catching decorations, including vibrant chandeliers and an entire wall made of books. 

Customers can also enjoy the mouth-watering Italian dishes on the menu, including artisan charcuterie boards, warm paninis, and irresistible appetizers (like meatballs and goat cheese, or crispy cauliflower bites).

So grab your furry friend, raise your wine glass, and toast to a night out in Denver!

6. The Pig & Sprout

This high-energy bar and restaurant is the perfect place to grab a drink or bite while you relax on the patio with your pup.

Located in the center of Downtown Denver, this spot is an eclectic balance of cool, casual, and contemporary: With multi-level bars, a dog-friendly patio, and upscale bar food, The Pig & Sprout offers a unique experience that oozes a downtown vibe.

You’ll have quite a few options in terms of menu items. The all-day menu is served Monday through Sunday until 10:00 p.m. and features carnivore and herbivore dishes (hence the name The Pig & Sprout). Staples include breakfast burritos, chicken wings, and veggie mac and cheese.

If you’re only in the market for drinks, that’s cool, too. The Pig & Sprout boasts a long list of draft beers, alongside red, white, and sparkling wines. As far as cocktails go, there’s no shortage of choices, either. Sip on something floral and refreshing, like its Passion-Mint Kisses, or perhaps something richer, like its Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned.

7. BriDer

BriDer is a casual rotisserie and seasonal market located in Downtown Denver. This contemporary spot offers a unique lunch and dinner menu, housemade kombucha, and nitro tap coffee. Of course, there’s a seating area for dogs, too. 

Not only does BriDer allow dogs, but they actually couldn’t be happier about it. Locals praise staff for being so welcoming and accommodating to their fur babies, even offering doggie bags of food to keep them calm and happy while you nosh. 

There are plenty of other reasons to visit BriDer as well—mainly, their menu. Staples include rotisserie chicken tortilla soup, a wagyu french dip sandwich, and their creamy macaroni and cheese. It’s gooey and delicious.

BriDer is also home to an exceptional happy hour. On weekdays from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., customers can enjoy $3 beers, $5 wines, and $5 select cocktails. Pair your drink of choice with a $5 plate of Brussels sprouts, bacon grilled cheese, or sweet potato fries—or opt for discounted sesame chicken wings starting at  75 cents a pop.

8. Dog Haus Biergarten

With the word “dog” right in the name, it’s no surprise that this lively chain welcomes all Denver dogs to its outdoor patio.

Dog Haus is a small chain with a popular location in Denver’s Central Park neighborhood. Pet parents can take a seat in the outdoor Biergarten and snack on some of Dog Hause’s signature sausages, burgers, and wings. 

Happy hour is available Monday through Friday from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., and on Sundays between 3:00 and 9:00 p.m. With their $3 beers, discounted Hause cocktails, and $2.99 sliced sausages, you really can’t beat this affordable, casual, and fun experience.

Live a pet-friendly lifestyle in Denver with Landing

If you’re new to the Denver scene, you’re probably in need of a place to live. Here at Landing, we understand that finding a pet-friendly apartment can be tricky—especially if you’re short on time. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be.

Landing offers fully furnished apartments in Denver, with flexible lease terms that make it possible to move on your terms. Whether you’re looking for something in the heart of downtown or a trendy spot in LoHi, we’ve got pet-friendly options for everyone. Get started on your journey, and find your next Landing today!

Looking for more fun things to do with your dog in the Mile High City? Check out our blog, “The Best Dog Parks in Denver.”