Pet-Friendly Patios: Places to Roam with Rover
Dog lovers will all agree with one simple thing: their dog is a huge part of their life. They’re not called man’s best friend for nothing! We wake up to walk them, fall asleep near them, and lots of folks even travel with them. Well, local businesses have taken note, and now there are more products and services available than ever before.
Milwaukee has a huge patio scene in the summertime, so it’s natural to assume that dog-friendly patios should exist. And we have good news: boy, do they ever. Today, dog lovers can unite and have a nice meal with Fifi, Spot, or Buddy all over Milwaukee and beyond. Take a look at some restaurants across EMKE territory, where you can dine with your furry best friend! (Please, take note: these patios open beginning, weather-permitting, in late April.)
Restaurants
Bay View
Goodkind
Open 7 days a week for dinner starting at 5:00 PM and open for brunch on Sundays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Their dog-friendly patio is open in summer months. Goodkind changes their fresh and local menu regularly; be sure to check out their amazing cocktail menu for something special. We recommend buying a round for the kitchen while you’re at it.
2457 S. Wentworth Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53207
(414) 763-4706
Palomino
Open Monday through Friday for dinner starting at 4:00 PM, and all day for brunch and dinner on Saturdays and Sundays, starting at 10:00 AM. Their spacious outside patio is most definitely dog-friendly, and their homey southern food will leave you wanting more.
2491 S. Superior St.
Milwaukee, WI 53207
(414) 747-1007
Downtown
Rock Bottom
Rock Bottom’s patio will open around Memorial Day weekend this year. Fido-friendly hours (aka all hours) are daily from 11:00 AM to midnight (later on weekend nights). Try out Rock Bottom’s gussied up bar food offerings and their more traditional Wisconsin dishes.
740 N Plankinton Ave. #1
Milwaukee, WI 53203
(414) 276-3030
East Side
Balzac
Balzac allows dogs on the front patio along North Arlington Place only, and is open every day from 4:00 PM to close. You can drink some wine and try some small plate offerings while your dog people watches.
1716 N. Arlington Pl.
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 755-0099
Cempazuchi
Open every day of the week except for Mondays, Cempazuchi serves great Mexican classic and allows dogs on their small side patio in the summer. The restaurant opens at 11:30 AM every day.
1205 E. Brady St.
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 291-5233
Regano’s Roman Coin
Regano’s Roman Coin has a great laid back ambiance and is open Monday through Friday at 11:00 AM all day and at 10:00 AM on Saturdays and Sundays all day. The patio is located in the front of the building for a unique pet-owner experience.
1004 E. Brady St.
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 278-9334
North Shore
Highland House
Highland House’s side patio is dog-friendly for when you’re in the mood for some margaritas and sunshine. The restaurant is open daily starting at 11:00 AM for lunch and dinner.
12741 N. Port Washington Rd.
Mequon, WI 53092
(262) 243-5844
Racine
John’s Dock
John’s Dock offers some local favorites for you and your dog with a water-side view. Treat yourself and fido to some great pub food including jalapeño poppers, burgers, and chicken wings. Every day John’s is open from 11:00 AM to close.
303 Dodge St.
Racine, WI 53402
(262) 634-9999
Robert’s Roost
Robert’s Roost is a Racine breakfast favorite, with a lovely patio in warm weather. Hours are from 6:00 AM to noon Tuesday through Friday, and 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM on weekends. Go when in the mood for a nice family-style country breakfast with loved ones.
600 6th St.
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 770-4648
Riverwest
Art*Bar
Art Bar is a completely dog-friendly establishment, in and out, patio or no patio, summer or winter. Hang out with some Riverwesters and grab a drink with your pooch wherever you like. Alcohol, art, and coffee are for sale daily from 3:00 PM to close Monday through Friday, and from noon to close on the weekends.
722 E. Burleigh St.
Milwaukee, WI 53212
(414) 372-7880
Sheboygan
Field to Fork
This local food-focused gem shares their patio with Il Ritrovo, and is open for breakfast and lunch Monday through Saturday. You can sit down for breakfast, check out their baked goods, or peruse the great selection of local goods in their retail shop.
511 S. 8th St.
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(920) 694-0322
Il Ritrovo
Il Ritrovo shares their dog-friendly patio with Field to Fork in the summer. The popular pizza joint also serves classic Italian options and is open for lunch and dinner every day except for Sundays.
515 S. 8th St.
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(920) 803-7516
Weather Center Café
Weather Center Café’s boardwalk tables invite dogs to chill out with a view. The coffee shop offers lighter dishes and coffee drinks from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekdays and Saturdays, and is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Sundays.
809 Riverfront Dr.
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(920) 459-9283
Shorewood
Camp Bar
Camp Bar’s Shorewood location has a smaller patio with tables out front that invite dogs to come and play. Overall, Camp Bar is a very dog-friendly spot, so feel free to bring your Schnauzer or Great Dane on over for a good meal. Camp Bar is open from 4:00 PM to 2:00 AM on Monday through Thursday, 3:00 PM to bar close on Friday, 1:00 PM to bar close on Saturday, and noon to 2:00 AM on Sunday.
4044 N. Oakland Ave.
Shorewood, WI 53211
(414) 962-5182
Café Hollander
Café Hollander on Downer Avenue has a dog-friendly patio all summer (and an impressive beer list to boot!). Business hours start at 8:00 AM every day, with closing time varying.
2608 N. Downer Ave.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211
(414) 963-6366
Third Ward
Café Benelux
Café Benelux is open every day of the week starting at 7:00 AM on Mondays through Fridays and 8:00 AM on Saturdays and Sundays. Dogs are allowed on the front patio only, weather permitting. Try some frites with your dog, and check out the rooftop patio without.
346 N. Broadway
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 501-2500
Stack’d
The large open front patio welcomes dogs anytime. Open hours are everyday starting at 11:00 AM through dinner, except for Sunday when Stack’d opens at 10:00. Build your own burger and substitute with gluten free, vegetarian, or vegan options. They even have spiked milkshakes on the menu, just for us humans.
170 S. 1st St.
Milwaukee, WI 53204
(414) 273-7800
The Wicked Hop
The Wicked Hop has a patio smack dab in the middle of the Third Ward. The kitchen is open for lunch and dinner on weekdays starting at 11:00 AM and for brunch on the weekends at 10:00 AM. Check out their epic Bloody Mary boot, called “The Glass Slipper”, if you go during brunch hours.
345 N. Broadway
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 223-0345
Walker’s Point
Braise
Open Tuesday through Saturday starting at 5:00 PM, Braise has two outside seating areas, but only allows dogs on the sidewalk patio. They focus on educating their dinner guests about local food and sustainable principles through delicious meals, a Restaurant Supported Agriculture (RSA) program, and culinary classes.
1101 S. 2nd St. Milwaukee, WI 53204
(414) 212-8843
The Iron Horse Hotel
Of the two eateries at The Iron Horse Hotel, Branded (the bar restaurant) has a side patio that offers an extended bar menu for you and your furry friend. Dogs are also allowed in the main lobby of the hotel. Branded is open all day starting at 11:00 AM Monday through Friday, and 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM for brunch on Sundays.
500 W. Florida St.
Milwaukee, WI 53204
(888) 543-4766
Wauwatosa
Café Hollander
Café Hollander in Wauwatosa is very similar to its sister restaurant on Downer. This location has a dog-friendly patio all summer as well. Business hours start at 8:00 AM every day.
7677 W. State St.
Wauwatosa, WI 53213
(414) 475-6771
Camp Bar
The Tosa location of Camp Bar has a wonderfully large back patio that is completely dog-friendly. The hours and staff attitudes are identical to the Shorewood Camp Bar Location. The bar will also serve Cranky Al’s pizza upon request.
6600 W. North Ave.
Wauwatosa, WI 53213
(414) 763-3793
Nourri
Nourri has a patio that fits about 65 people (and/or pets). Each dish is designed to be shared with a focus on local and quality products. Hours are 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM Tuesdays through Thursday, 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM Fridays, 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM Saturdays, and 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Sundays. Nourri is closed on Mondays.
5901 W. Vliet St.
Milwaukee, WI 53208
(414) 727-0860
Events
Chill on the Hill and Jazz in the Park
These two outdoor concert gatherings occur once a week on different weekdays starting in June. Bring your pet companion and enjoy some live music while checking out the local food and drink vendors. Jazz in the Park will officially start on Thursday, June 4th with music starting at 6:00 PM. Chill on the Hill’s first date is TBA.
Chill on the Hill
3000 S. Howell Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53207
(414) 257-8005
Jazz in the Park
825 N. Jefferson St.
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 271-1416
Desserts
Leon’s Frozen Custard
This Milwaukee classic is a walk-up that sells delicious custard and hotdogs. Feel free to bring fido for a cone or two while enjoying the summer sunshine. Leon’s is open every day from 11:00 AM to midnight.
3131 S. 27th St.
Milwaukee, WI 53215
(414) 383-1784
Purple Door Ice Cream
Satisfy your sweet tooth at Purple Door, where your doggy will also find a bowl of water to cool him or her down. Check their website for the daily flavor list (all of which are created with local ingredients when possible). The ice cream shop is open every day, except for Mondays, starting at noon. Closing time is 9:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays and 8:00 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday.
205 S. 2nd St.
Milwaukee, WI 53204
(414) 988-2521
Enjoy your summer patio and remember to exercise caution with fellow customers who may not be as much of a dog lover as the rest of us. You can assume that all the aforementioned patios will be open as weather permits, and that any restaurant listed expects well-behaved dogs on their property. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the individual business directly.
