Detroit has dozens of restaurants with outdoor tables where dogs may be welcome. If you’ve been searching for dog-friendly restaurants in Detroit, the city and surrounding metro area offer options ranging from casual breweries to restaurant patios.
This post covers a curated list of dog-friendly restaurants in Detroit and the metro area, what to confirm before you visit, and the training foundations that make dining out with your dog enjoyable for everyone. Whether you’re planning a weekend brunch or a weekday dinner, the information here is designed for dog owners who want to enjoy Detroit’s outdoor dining culture without leaving their pup at home.
The short answer: Detroit has several outdoor patios and courtyards where leashed dogs may be welcome, but policies vary by location and season, so always confirm with the restaurant before visiting.
Here’s what you’ll walk away with:
- A list of dog-friendly patio options across Detroit and nearby suburbs
- Key questions to ask each restaurant before your visit
- Useful obedience skills for public dining
- Practical strategies for keeping your dog calm around food, people, and distractions
- Tips for building your dog’s comfort level with restaurant environments over time
Key Takeaways
- Detroit and metro area restaurants increasingly welcome leashed dogs on outdoor patios, with BringFido currently listing 43 dog-friendly restaurants in Detroit.
- Michigan restaurants must hold a variance under the MDARD Food Code to allow pet dogs in outdoor dining areas, so policies differ from spot to spot.
- Reliable obedience skills such as sit, stay, place, and leave it can make restaurant outings easier to manage.
- Always confirm a restaurant’s current dog policy, patio availability, and any restrictions before visiting.
- Starting with quieter venues and gradually working up to busier restaurants can help your dog become more comfortable with dining environments.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Detroit: Pet-Friendly Spots to Try
Detroit and the surrounding metro area offer a variety of restaurants, breweries, and other dining spots with outdoor seating where dogs may be welcome.
Below are several dog-friendly restaurants in Detroit and nearby communities. Pet policies and patio availability can change, so confirm the current rules directly with each restaurant before visiting.
Detroit Shipping Company (Detroit) Detroit Shipping Company brings multiple food vendors together in a communal dining space. Its current website states that dogs are welcome in its outdoor areas, including the Beer Garden.
Takoi (Michigan Avenue, Detroit) Takoi serves Thai-inspired food and operates a seasonal outdoor patio. Current dog-friendly restaurant listings identify its patio as pet-friendly, but patio availability is seasonal, so confirm before visiting.
Motor City Brewing Works (Midtown Detroit) Motor City Brewing Works is a Detroit brewpub serving craft beer and pizza. Current dog-friendly restaurant listings indicate that dogs can join guests at outdoor tables.
Batch Brewing Company (Detroit) Batch Brewing Company is a neighborhood brewery and gastropub with a dog-friendly patio. Confirm current patio availability before bringing your dog.
Condado Tacos (Detroit) Condado Tacos in Midtown Detroit currently identifies its outdoor patio as dog-friendly. Its build-your-own taco format makes it a casual option for an outdoor meal.
Mootz Pizzeria & Bar (Detroit) Mootz Pizzeria + Bar states that pets are allowed on both of its patios. Its dog-friendly listing also describes a covered, heated patio available year-round, although weather and operating conditions can still affect outdoor seating.
The Greek (Downtown Detroit) The Greek serves Greek cuisine in downtown Detroit and currently appears on dog-friendly restaurant listings as allowing well-behaved dogs on its outdoor patio.
Lily’s Seafood Grill & Brewery (Royal Oak) Lily’s is a seafood restaurant and brewery in downtown Royal Oak with outdoor dining. Current local listings indicate that pets are welcome, but confirm the patio’s dog policy directly before visiting. Dogs that are still getting used to public settings may benefit from gradual exposure to outdoor dining environments.
HopCat Royal Oak (Royal Oak) HopCat operates a Royal Oak location, and the company’s current website identifies its patios as dog-friendly. Confirm patio availability before your visit.
Atomic Coffee (Royal Oak) Atomic Coffee is currently listed as welcoming dogs at outdoor patio tables. It offers coffee, breakfast items, and baked goods for a more casual morning outing.
Several other spots are worth exploring as well. Jolly Pumpkin Detroit appears on current dog-friendly dining listings. Detroit Fleat in Ferndale welcomes dogs on its patio and hosts rotating guest food trucks during the summer. Casa Pernoi in Birmingham is also currently listed as offering dog-friendly outdoor dining. Grizzly Peak Brewing Company in Ann Arbor welcomes dogs on its patio and offers a separate menu for dogs, although it is farther from Detroit than the other locations listed here.
Keep in mind that restaurant policies change, and seasonal patio availability varies. Always call ahead or check directly with the restaurant to confirm outdoor seating availability and its current dog policy before you plan your visit.
What to Check Before Visiting a Dog-Friendly Restaurant
Finding a restaurant on a dog-friendly list is just the first step. Before loading your pup into the car, take a few minutes to verify the details that can affect your outing.
Patio availability and seasonal restrictions. Many dog-friendly patios in Michigan operate seasonally during warmer months. Even restaurants with heated or partially covered patios may adjust their dog policy based on weather. Call ahead to confirm the outdoor patio is open and accepting dogs on the day you plan to visit.
Size and other restrictions. Policies vary from restaurant to restaurant. A restaurant may have additional rules for dogs using its patio, so ask about any restrictions when confirming the current pet policy.
Leash and seating requirements. Under Michigan’s MDARD Food Code variance, dogs must remain on a leash and are not allowed on dining surfaces, chairs, or seats. Participating establishments must follow the conditions of their approved variance.
Food and water for your dog. Some restaurants may provide water bowls for dogs, while others may expect you to bring your own. Don’t assume amenities will be available.
Reservations and wait times. Dog-friendly patio tables can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Reservation policies vary, so check with the restaurant before your visit.
Local regulations. Pet dogs are not automatically permitted at a restaurant simply because outdoor seating is available. Michigan food establishments seeking to allow dogs on patios must follow the applicable variance process. The MDARD guidelines for service animals vs. pets also explain the distinction between pets and service animals.
Confirming these details directly with each restaurant helps reduce surprises and makes planning easier for both you and your dog.
Restaurant Manners Your Dog Should Know
Even the most pet-friendly restaurant can become stressful if your dog isn’t prepared for the sights, sounds, and smells of a busy patio. A few core obedience skills can make the experience easier to manage.
Reliable sit and stay. Your dog should be able to remain in a sit, down, or another appropriate position while you order, eat, and interact with servers. If your dog’s basic obedience isn’t solid yet, practice in easier environments before heading to a restaurant.
Place command. Teaching your dog to settle on a mat or designated spot beside your chair can be especially useful when dining out. A reliable place command can help keep your dog out of walkways and provide a clear location for settling.
Loose-leash walking. Navigating an entrance, moving between outdoor tables, and finding your seat all require your dog to walk calmly on a leash. Leash manners are particularly useful in tight patio spaces where other guests, staff, and dogs may be nearby.
Calm greeting behavior. Dogs should not jump on staff or other guests. Practice controlled greetings in easier environments before attempting a restaurant visit.
Leave it. Restaurant patios can contain dropped food and other tempting items. A reliable leave-it command can help prevent scavenging.
Quiet behavior. Persistent barking at dogs, staff, pedestrians, or other activity can disrupt a dining area. If your dog frequently barks in stimulating environments, work on understanding and managing that behavior before attempting a busy restaurant patio.
If your dog needs more structured help before dining in public, professional obedience training can provide additional guidance. Detroit-area training options include private obedience lessons and programs designed for dogs with aggression or reactivity concerns. The right approach depends on the individual dog’s behavior and training needs.
Helping Your Dog Stay Calm While Dining Out
Even a well-trained dog can struggle in a new environment. Restaurant patios introduce unfamiliar people, other dogs, food smells, moving chairs, and the general activity of a public dining area. Here’s how to set your dog up for a more manageable experience.
Give your dog appropriate activity before you go. A walk, play session, or structured training practice before your meal may help your dog arrive less restless and more prepared to settle.
Choose strategic seating. When possible, request a table in a quieter area or along the edge of the patio, away from entrances and heavy foot traffic. This can reduce the number of distractions your dog needs to manage.
Bring familiar items. A travel mat or another familiar resting item can give your dog a clear location to settle in an unfamiliar environment.
Manage food distractions. Begging can become difficult at restaurant tables. Avoid encouraging your dog to expect food from the table or allowing other diners to offer scraps. Consistent impulse control training can help your dog practice remaining calm around food.
Watch your dog’s body language. Behaviors such as repeated lip licking, yawning, panting, or turning away can sometimes accompany stress, depending on the context. If your pup appears increasingly anxious or uncomfortable, leaving calmly and trying an easier outing another day may be the better choice.
Build exposure gradually. Start with quieter venues during off-peak hours. A weekday visit to a calm patio may be an easier first experience than a crowded weekend dinner. As your dog becomes more comfortable, you can gradually try environments with more activity.
Reinforce calm behavior. When your dog settles quietly, calm praise or an appropriate reward can reinforce the behavior you want to see in public.
Final Thoughts
Exploring dog-friendly restaurants in Detroit can be an enjoyable way to spend time with your dog. From Detroit Shipping Company’s outdoor areas to dog-friendly patios in nearby Royal Oak, owners have several options for outdoor dining.
The key to making these outings manageable is preparation. Confirm each restaurant’s current policies and patio availability before you go. Make sure your dog has an obedience foundation appropriate for a public dining environment, including skills such as sit, stay, place, and leave it.
If you’re just getting started, pick a quieter location during a slower time of day and keep the visit short. As your dog becomes more comfortable and you both develop a routine, you can gradually explore busier spots and longer dining experiences.
Building your dog’s public manners and obedience skills can also be useful beyond restaurant visits. If your dog needs additional help with obedience or behavior around distractions, options such as private lessons or a Board and Train program may provide more structured training.
With the right preparation and a confirmed pet-friendly patio, dining out with your dog can be a manageable and enjoyable experience.
FAQ
Can I bring my dog to any restaurant in Detroit?
No. Pet dogs are not automatically permitted at restaurants simply because outdoor seating is available. Restaurants allowing dogs on patios must comply with applicable Michigan requirements. Service animals are treated differently under the ADA and applicable law. Always confirm the restaurant’s current pet policy before visiting.
What should I bring when dining out with my dog?
Bring a leash, portable water bowl, waste bags, and a travel mat or similar resting surface if your dog uses one. Treats for reinforcing calm behavior may also be helpful. Some restaurants provide water, but it’s best to be prepared.
How do I know if my dog is ready for restaurant dining?
Your dog should be able to remain reasonably calm around people, food, movement, and other common distractions. Skills such as sit, down, place, loose-leash walking, and leaving dropped food alone can help. If your dog is reactive, aggressive, highly anxious, or difficult to manage in public, additional training may be appropriate before attempting a restaurant visit.
Are there size restrictions for dogs at pet-friendly restaurants?
Policies vary by restaurant, and individual establishments may set their own patio rules. Contact the restaurant directly to ask whether any size or other pet restrictions apply before you visit.
What should I do if my dog misbehaves at a restaurant?
Stay calm and use familiar cues to redirect your dog. If your dog continues to bark, lunge, or show increasing signs of stress, leaving the patio calmly may be the best option. You can then work on the specific behavior in an easier environment before trying another restaurant outing.
