Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Washington DC
DC has a number of interesting sites that you’ll want to take advantage of when you’re visiting the area. Whether you have an interest in politics, want to see the exhibits at a museum, want to take a stroll in a beautiful park, or prefer to hear some live music, you can find it in DC. The district is also home to several award-winning restaurants, and many of these eateries are dog-friendly. If you want to bring your pooch along with you while you enjoy a meal with family and friends, check out these dog friendly restaurants in DC.
Art and Soul
415 New Jersey Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 393-7777
Food made from simple ingredients and local produce makes Art and Soul stand out among DC restaurants. Of course, you’re also allowed to bring your dog if you want to dine in the outdoor seating area. Brunch options include the lemon pancakes with maple syrup and whipped butter and the Farmer’s Breakfast with two eggs prepared to your liking, skillet potatoes, toast, and your choice of breakfast meat. There are several menu items that are ideal for sharing such as the charcuterie board with pickles, mustard, crostini, and house crackers or the artisan cheese board with an assortment of five gourmet kinds of cheese and seasonal fruits and vegetables. The bacon-deviled eggs keep diners coming back for more as well. Art and Soul also has a delicious fried chicken sandwich with a habanero-mango glaze on a brioche bun and Romaine and baby kale salad with delicious croutons and Reggiano that goes great with the sandwich. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a tasty dessert such as pumpkin cheesecake with toffee and cinnamon swirl ice cream or seasonal flavors of ice cream and sorbet.
Kafe Leopold
3315 Cady’s Alley NW, Washington, DC 20007
(202) 965-6005
Visit Kafe Leopold for a casual brunch, lunch, or dinner so you can take in the beautiful DC weather with your furry best friend by your side. The Croque Madame is particularly delicious or you can indulge in the Croque Monsieur or the restaurant’s delicious almond croissant. If you want an indulgent morning meal, give the Emperor’s Pancakes a taste — the currants and plum notes in this tasty breakfast meal will make it one of your favorites. Gourmet appetizers such as steak tartare, calamari with herb remoulade, and crostini with buffalo ricotta cheese or traditional Austrian cheese. Delicious soup options include Tyrolean wine soup with potato artichoke puree, pumpkin seed oil, and buttered croutons or gazpacho with tomato, watermelon, and zucchini. Kafe Leopold is an ideal spot for creative entrees that will make your dining experience memorable, such as the salmon “pizette” with horseradish cream and summer squash or tartine with Serrano ham and olive bread. If you’re having a proper tea party with friends, choose from the array of tea sandwiches Kafe Leopold has to offer, including apple and walnut, egg salad, and tomato and mozzarella.
The Wonderland Ballroom
1101 Kenyon St NW, Washington, DC 20010
(202) 232-5263
This whimsical restaurant offers a unique dining experience that you, your friends, and your pets can enjoy together. Order a few appetizers like jumbo chicken wings with a pound of your favorite sauce or get a chicken or veggie quesadilla with a side of pico de gallo and sour cream. The soft pretzel basket with your choice of cheese sauce and mustard is pretty tasty, too. The mac and cheese salad is a favorite, and you’ll also enjoy the chef salad with crispy chicken tenders and a hard-boiled egg. Try the hand-pattied beef burger if you’re craving a sandwich or try the Dive Burger with horseradish cream, bacon, and fried onions. Restaurant specialties include the grilled triple-cheese sandwich with cheddar, Swiss, and muenster or the Southern fried chicken sandwich. Vegetarian options include the housemade black bean burger, the Flaming Moe with fire-roasted green peppers, or the spicy sweet potato burrito.
Dacha Beer Garden
1600 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 350-9888
This beer garden restaurant is one of the nicest DC locations to enjoy a delicious meal with all your loved ones including your pooch. Dacha offers several delectable lunch options such as the Eine pretzel with coarse sea salt, the schnitzel strips made with paprika-infused pork, or the Austrian meatballs which are gluten-free. Other bar treats include Sardellen which are marinated anchovies with garlic, olive oil, and parsley. If you’re dining with a group, try the charcuterie board with house-smoked fish and a variety of cured meats and cheeses. Dacha Beer Garden also offers several brats, such as the original brat made with veal served on a pretzel bun or the solo Weisswurt made with pork and veal. This DC eatery offers char-grilled entrees as well such as the lamb skewers with shaved onions or the beef skewer with or without onions. Customize your meal with delicious side dishes such as braised kale, jalapeno mac and cheese, or house-made sauerkraut.
Indigo
243 K St NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 544-4777
Indigo is one of the most popular dog friendly restaurants in DC and the outdoor seating allows you to take in the sights of the city. Indigo is known for its flaky samosas stuffed with perfectly seasoned veggies, or you can order the spinach rolls as your appetizer. The restaurant offers Indian-inspired dishes such as butter chicken which is a mild entree with a tomato and honey gravy. The lamb curry is pretty popular as well and has a slightly spicy kick along with garlic and ginger flavors. Don’t forget to try the roti, whether you prefer lentil, garlic, or stuffed roti. If you’re sharing your meal with loved ones, try the Paradise Platter which can include vegetarian or vegan entrees and a healthy serving of rice and chickpeas. There are several fresh-squeezed fruit juices and teas to choose from as well to make your meal complete.
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