San Diego, California has long been a city of dog lovers, with over 70% of residents owning at least one four-legged friend!
So it’s no surprise that this city has many restaurants on hand to offer you and your hound a warm welcome.
In this article, we’ll share 12 highly recommended San Diego dog-friendly restaurants that are ready to welcome you and your fur baby for great food and hospitality!
San Diego dog-friendly restaurants, 12 highly recommended picks
San Diego is ‘America’s Finest City’ for dogs with pristine dog beaches offering leash-free ocean walks and great hikes in the hills.
San Diego also hits it out of the park when it comes to pet-friendly hospitality, making it one of the best cities for eating out with your dog.
Are you looking for a dog-friendly hotel in San Diego? You might like Staypineapple or Awesome Balboa Park View with Huge Balcony on booking.com
With these great dog-friendly eateries there is zero need for you and Fido to eat takeout on the couch.
Check them out.
1. Mavericks Beach Club, Pacific Beach, San Diego
Mavericks Beach Club has only been in Pacific Beach for two years, but it hasn’t taken co-owners David Cohen, Mark Cirillo, and Eric Lingenfelder to make their mark on one of San Diego’s hottest beaches.
The beach house feels, great atmosphere, and delicious cuisine has drawn four-legged friends to this waterside hangout along with the two-legged crowds who enjoy the club’s outdoor games, sports, and live music.
| Address | 860 Garnet Avenue, Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA 92109 |
| Telephone | 858.999.0348 |
| URL | maverickssd.com |
| info@maverickssd.com | |
| Opening hours | Mon: 4 pm – 2 am Tue – Fri: 12 pm – 2 am Sat: 11 am – 2 am Sun: 9:30 am to 12 am |
| Price | ?? |
| Dog menu | Yes – Mutt menu |
| Water/ treats | Yes |
Yes, Maverick is becoming one of the hottest dog-friendly destinations in San Diego with all the coolest dogs spotted enjoying the fabled Mutt Menu of hamburgers, chicken breasts, and even grilled Mahi Mahi.
Meet other dog owners and party with your dogs on Maverick’s roster of dog-friendly events such as Wag Wednesday, which takes place on the first Wednesday of each month.
2. Metl Bar and Restaurant, Fifth Avenue, San Diego
Metal is a hotspot in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter where the fur babies party as hard as their owners!
This joint not only offers great food and uncommonly strong drinks but also bends over backward to cater a menu just for dogs.
Pets can tuck into unseasoned burgers, grilled chicken breast, and even French fries. You and your hound can dine in style in the comfortable outdoor seating area.
| Address | 748 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, United States |
| Telephone | +1 619-977-1957 |
| URL | metlsd.com |
| info@metlbar.com | |
| Opening hours | Sun – Thu: 5 pm – 10 pm Friday – Sat: 5 pm – 2 am |
| Price | ?? |
| Dog menu | Yes |
| Water/ treats | Yes |
The human menu looks great too with fried chicken tacos and a delicious selection of burgers to choose from.
Reviewers are raving about their ice creams and cocktails, in particular, the Neon Knights (joven mezcal, hibiscus & lime juice pineapple) and the decadent Peanut Butter Conspiracy.
3. Bub’s @ the Ballpark
Petco Park is home to San Diego’s Major League Baseball team the San Diego Padres.
It is a downtown hub and has an amazing atmosphere when the team is playing at home.
| Address | 715 J St, San Diego, CA 92101 |
| Telephone | +1 619-546-0815 |
| URL | bubssandiego.com |
| info@bubssandiego.com | |
| Opening hours | Mon – Fri: 11 am to 10 pm Sat: 10 am to 12 am Sun: 10 am to 10 pm |
| Price | ?? |
| Dog menu | No |
| Water/ treats | No |
If you’re out and about with your mutt, Bub’s @ the Ballpark is only a block away from all the Petco action.
This sports bar, located in the heart of the Ballpark District is the place to be when the Padres win, and it’s great that your pet can be part of the action.
It has earned a stellar reputation from San Diegans in the know who want to relax and have great food with their pets in tow.
You’re welcome to dine with your dog in one of the joint’s large patios.
Though there isn’t a dog menu, you can enjoy crowd-pleasers like their loaded tater tots, perfectly grilled wings, and juicy burgers.
Remember to bring snacks and treats for Fido, or he’ll be very jealous.
4. Farmer’s Bottega
If you love the field-to-fork experience, why not head out to Mission Hills for hiking with your hound, followed by a delicious meal at Farmer’s Bottega?
This popular, upmarket eatery welcomes dog owners to dine comfortably on their beautiful terrace, making it a perfect destination for a doggy date or dog-friendly brunches.
| Address | 860 W Washington St, San Diego, CA 92103 |
| Telephone | +1 619-458-9929 |
| URL | farmersbottega.com |
| Opening hours | Mon-Sun: 8 am – 2 pm / 4 pm to 9 pm |
| Price | ??? |
| Dog menu | No |
| Water/ treats | Yes |
This restaurant is pricey but well worth a visit if you value food with good provenance.
Farmer’s Bottega sources its produce from some of the state’s leading organic farmers.
Owner and executive chef, Alberto Morreale, creates a delicious brunch, lunch, and evening menu that includes delights like French toast, pancakes, smoked salmon, and the delectable cuisine of his southern Italian homeland.
The smart setting is beautifully designed with reclaimed and vintage materials. You can make reservations on Open Table.
5. The Regal Beagle
The Regal Beagle on India Street keeps things simple.
You know that you and your dog are in for a good time with beer and good food prioritized.
This tavern-style eatery will accommodate you and your dog on the front patio, where you and your pet can relax and meet old and new friends.
| Address | 3659 India St, San Diego, CA 92103 |
| Telephone | +1 619-297-2337 |
| URL | regalbeaglesd.com |
| Opening hours | Mon-Sat: 12 pm to 10 pm Sun: 10 am to 10 pm |
| Price | ?? |
| Dog menu | No |
| Water/ treats | No |
The mouth-watering menu of grilled sausages will certainly get you and your dog drooling.
Though the Regal Beagle does not provide a dog-friendly menu, the amazing selection of sausages is going to get your hound howling if you do not give them a bite!
As for you, the massive ⅓ pound grilled sausage is a highlight of your visit. You can saturate your pick in one of the many mustards at their expansive mustard station!
6. Casa de Freds, Tacos y Tequila
Casa de Freds is one of San Diego’s Old Town’s liveliest restaurants.
It serves classic Mexican crowdpleasers like tacos, enchiladas, and burritos.
If you’re a dog owner, you’ll need to note this place down as it is the only place in the area that gives well-behaved dogs the warm welcome they deserve.
| Address | 2470 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110 |
| Telephone | +1 619-858-8226 |
| URL | fredsoldtown.com |
| Opening hours | Mon – Thur: 11:30 am – 9 pm Fri: 11:30 am – 10 pm Sat: 11 am – 10 pm Sun: 11 am – 9 pm |
| Price | ?? |
| Dog menu | Yes |
| Water/ treats | Yes |
Roll up with your dog and let the helpful staff seat you and your pet in the comfortable shaded patio area which is full of the lively Old Town atmosphere.
We think it’s just right for pet-parent meet-ups or doggy dates.
Fred’s will treat you both to a delicious Mexican meal – for you, delicious Taco specials, and for your dog, entrees from a dedicated dog menu that includes grilled chicken and beef.
You can reserve your table or simply stroll by. Either way, you and your dog will be welcome.
7. Eggies, Pacific Beach, San Diego
If you’re walking your dog and short on options for a quick bite as you go, you are usually never more than a couple of blocks away from an Eggies.
This is one of San Diego’s most popular breakfast spots with lots of grab-and-go options for the hungry pet owner.
| Address | 4465 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109 |
| Telephone | +1 619-866-6091 |
| URL | eggies.com |
| Opening hours | Mon-Sun: 7 am – 2 pm |
| Price | ? |
| Dog menu | No |
| Water/ treats | No |
The name is a big hint about the menu, with ‘eggy’ delights like hot dogs and even fried chicken served with fried, poached, or scrambled eggs done just right!
Grab a wrap, sandwich, or muffin with a generous coffee and take five, eating on the sidewalk with your leash in hand.
Alternatively, keep your pace up and let your pup have the scraps. Hit Eggies at East Village, Pacific Beach, La Jolla, and North Park.
8. City Tacos
With the austere-looking Pepe the Pug as its official mascot, you’d expect City Tacos to roll out the red carpet for your four-legged friend.
| Address | 4465 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109 |
| Telephone | +1 619-296-2303 |
| URL | citytacossd.com |
| Opening hours | Mon-Sun 11:30 am – 10 pm |
| Price | ? |
| Dog menu | No |
| Water/ treats | No |
This pet-friendly eatery has restaurants across SoCal, including Pacific Beach, La Mesa, and North Park. Pop in with your pet for hot and fresh TexMex cuisine and gorgeous desserts.
You can order a delicious meal and have it served to you at the outside tables, so you can eat with your dog nearby.
9. The High Dive
If you are looking for somewhere fun to meet friends or a date with your dog, The High Dive is a great pick.
The High Dive is a classic corner bar that is known as much for its quirky furniture and decor as its great food.
| Address | 1801 Morena Blvd, San Diego, CA 92110 |
| Telephone | +1 619-275-0460 |
| URL | highdivesd.com |
| Opening hours | Mon-Sun: 9 am – 12 am |
| Price | ??? |
| Dog menu | No |
| Water/ treats | No |
It’s known for the warm welcome offered to local pooches, so you are almost guaranteed to make a few four-legged friends when you visit.
At the High Dive, you can enjoy classic home-style cooking with tasty bar foods like chewy pretzels, home fries with gravy, fried chicken sandwiches, and fish tacos.
If you have any more room after feasting, you can wash everything down with craft beer or a signature cocktail.
10. Point Break Cafe
Point Break Cafe is a popular breakfast and brunch spot, though it serves food throughout the day.
The cafe is pet-friendly with dogs being comfortably accommodated on the expansive patio.
| Address | 2743 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106 |
| Telephone | +1 619-758-9870 |
| URL | pointbreakcafe.com |
| Opening hours | Mon-Sun: 7 am – 11 pm |
| Price | ?? |
| Dog menu | No |
| Water/ treats | Yes |
This dog-friendly restaurant is a community hub and is great if you want to make friends in the neighborhood.
They will provide your pet with water, and don’t be surprised if other patrons stop by your table and say hi.
The food is just as good as the outstanding service. Think classic all-American fare like pork chops and eggs or mac ‘n’ cheese.
Some folks think this place looks like a dive, but Shelter Islanders in the know come here when they want good food and company with their hounds in tow.
11. Shorehouse Kitchen
If you’re raising a beach pup in San Diego, you’ll want to wean them onto beach brunches at the Shorehouse Kitchen which is well-known for its dog-friendly setting and delicious food.
The Shorehouse Kitchen has two local spots (La Jolla and Carlsbad) which are equally popular with pet parents.
| Address | 2236 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla, CA 92037 |
| Telephone | (858) 459-3300 |
| URL | shorehousekitchen.com |
| Opening hours | Mon-Sun: 7:30 am – 2 pm |
| Price | ??? |
| Dog menu | Yes |
| Water/ treats | Yes |
Simply turn up with your dog and staff will get you seated outside and prepare purified water and treats for your pooch to get on with.
This a 100% brunch spot that closes between 2 and 3 pm, so you’ll have to get there early to ensure you are seated as both restaurants are very popular.
You can enjoy brunch classics like eggs Benedict, eggs on toast, and steak and eggs.
Your pooch can chow down alongside you with a dedicated dog menu that includes goodies like a ground beef patty topped with turkey and bacon bits as a treat!
12. OB Noodle House
This lively Asian fusion restaurant has a stellar reputation for showing dogs of all breeds with plenty of TLC.
Because it is minutes from the leash-free delights of Ocean Beach, it’ll be a standing room only for pet owners on the restaurant’s dedicated patio.
Read later – What is Ocean Beach California Known For?
| Address | 2218 Cable St, San Diego 92107 |
| Telephone | (619) 450-6868 |
| URL | obnoodlehouse.com |
| Opening hours | Mon-Sun: 11:30 am – 11 pm |
| Price | ?? |
| Dog menu | No |
| Water/ treats | Yes |
Slurp up big bowls of pho, share egg rolls or dine on toasted vermicelli while the staff ensures your pup is happy with fresh water and plenty of cuddles.
Though OB Noodle House doesn’t have a dedicated pet menu, they do run a popular themed #FurFriendFriday event where you can dress up your pet and head down to socialize with other pet owners.
You have the option of eating at the original OB Noodle House at Cable Street or opting for the sister restaurant on Niagra Avenue if that’s closer.
Last-minute dog-etiquette tips for eating out in San Diego
If you don’t want to find yourself referred to Cesar Millan, you’ll need to ensure that your dog has the required table manners to eat out at these fine San Diego eateries.
Restaurants are pet-friendly because owners step-up and keep their dogs well-behaved.
Here are some tips from leading British dog behavior specialist Bruno to make sure a meal out with your dog goes smoothly.
Be honest about the type of dog you have on the end of your leash
Recognizing the temperament and level of training of your dog is the first step to deciding if it can cope in a restaurant environment.
If your dog is not ready or suited to dining out, don’t go!
Large dogs will need space
We all think that Fido the Great Dane is a gentle giant, but a crowded patio is going to be harder on big-breed dogs that may knock things over by accident.
If you want to eat out with big dogs pick somewhere that offers them the space they need, or eat out during a quiet period for the restaurant.
Look for a corner table
A busy patio or terrace can quickly overstimulate a dog, so go easy on them by choosing a location that isn’t at the heart of the action.
Corner tables give you much more control over your dog’s environment and the interactions it will have.
Harness your dog
You need to be careful with how you leash your dog in a restaurant setting.
A long retractable leash is a hazard to your pet and other patrons who may trip over it.
Instead, Bruno recommends a short leash with a harness to maximize control. Also, for obvious reasons, never tie the leash to the restaurant furniture!!!
Don’t feed your dog from your plate
It’s tempting to tidbit your dog from your meal, but even though these restaurants are dog-friendly, such behavior could gross out other patrons and create hygiene issues for the restaurant.
In Addition – You’ll be teaching your dog to expect food from the table, which is a bad habit if you intend to visit restaurants regularly.
Dodge seating near children
Go easy on yourself and your dog by avoiding seating near children.
Kids are likely to want to interact with your dog, which could lead to overstimulation if they are not super-trained.
Feed and water your dog before you go to the restaurant
Ensure that you have met all your dog’s needs before introducing them to a new environment.
That’s food, water, bladder, and poo! If your dog is satiated, any food given is purely a treat, and they will be less likely to act out while you dine.
Also, pack additional water for your dog and a comfort toy, so you’re ready for anything!
Final thoughts
San Diego is one of the best places in the world to be a dog owner, and with dog-friendly restaurants, pet parent obligations don’t have to cramp your style.
We hope you and your pooch enjoy these great restaurant spots and make new two and four-legged friends as you explore the city together!
