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Recess in West Loop is a playground for dogs and humans.
Recess

The Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants and Bars in Chicago

There are many great Chicago spots to bring humankind’s best friend

by Naomi Waxman and Eater Staff Updated
5 comments / new
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Recess in West Loop is a playground for dogs and humans.
| Recess
by Naomi Waxman and Eater Staff Updated
5 comments / new

The dog days of summer are all too brief in Chicago, but canine fans across town love to bring their four-legged buddies along to bars and restaurants all year round. Fortunately for animal lovers, furry friends are welcome at numerous local bars and restaurants, offering an opportunity for both people and pooches to socialize. The city is also home to an adorable community of bar animals, cats, and dogs who rule neighborhood watering holes, greet customers, and chase away pests.

Explore Eater Chicago’s lineup of great Chicago spots where Fido can come along, including some that give out free treats and bowls of water. Humans, however, should take heed of municipal laws on the subject.

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The SoFo Tap

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This casual, LGBTQ-friendly neighborhood pub holds “doggy days” from noon to 3 p.m. every Saturday. It’s a chance for patrons to snag half-priced draft beers, and for pups to indulge in free treats.

4923 N Clark St 1st floor, Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 784-7636
(773) 784-7636

Farm Bar

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A dining destination for all things Midwestern, Farm Bar’s affection for canines is well known — much of its produce comes from its owners’ own Brown Dog Farm in the Driftless region of western Wisconsin. Pups can join their people for a meal or drink on the patio.

1300 W Wellington Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 281-2599
(773) 281-2599

Also featured in:

Ludlow Liquors

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This Avondale bar offers a backyard garden patio with plenty of room for people and pooches to soak up the sun. Try a rum-based Banana Hammock cocktail or Sazerac paired with indulgent bar food takes like bacon gruyere burgers and mini croissant dogs (sausage, not canine) with dipping sauces.

2959 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 754-7492
(773) 754-7492

Also featured in:

The Patio at Cafe Brauer

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Take the dog for a run through Lincoln Park and take in the exciting sights and sounds. This patio café on the picturesque Nature Boardwalk welcomes canines, so lounge away with an al fresco meal.

2021 N Stockton Dr, Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 280-2724
(312) 280-2724

The Moonlighter

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Logan Square’s expansive patio from the Scofflaw Group is the perfect pit stop after strolling the nearby 606 trail. Refuel with burgers, large-format cocktails, and other bar bites with a furry friend.

3204 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 360-8896
(773) 360-8896

Also featured in:

Big Star

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Eat some tacos and sip margaritas and whiskey with the pup in tow at Big Star's 80-seat, ever-popular patio. The team is so fond of humanity’s best friend that they created a hashtag, #dogsofbigstar. Big Star Wrigleyville and Big Star Mariscos in West Town are dog-friendly as well.

1531 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 235-4039
(773) 235-4039

Also featured in:

Off Color Brewing Taproom The Mousetrap

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This Lincoln Park taproom from Chicago’s most creative breweries has a small patio off Kingsbury where well-behaved dogs can hang out while their humans imbibe.

1460 N Kingsbury St, Chicago, IL 60642
(312) 929-2916
(312) 929-2916

Also featured in:

Mott St

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Chef Edward Kim's Mott St has a lovely 64-seat patio with greenery, water bowls, and some excellent human food like king crab rice and its famous double-patty burger.

1401 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 687-9977
(773) 687-9977

Also featured in:

The Empty Bottle

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A live music institution in Ukrainian Village, Empty Bottle is a favorite among dog-toting drinkers. Despite the prevalence of pooches, the bar and venue’s most famous furry face belongs to feline proprietor Peg, adopted in June 2021 from the Animal Care League in Oak Park.

1035 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 276-3600
(773) 276-3600

Sportsman's Club

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This reinvented neighborhood tavern from Heisler Hospitality provides a comfortable perch to loose with the pooch and try refreshing cocktails. It also houses a mellow the backyard patio.

948 Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(872) 206-8054
(872) 206-8054

Also featured in:

Archie's Iowa Rockwell Tavern

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Four-legged friends are a common sight at Archie’s, which is also one of the top dive bars in the city. If playful pups aren’t entertainment enough, the watering hole also offers free pool tables, board games, and a jukebox.

2600 W Iowa St, Chicago, IL 60622
(872) 206-5119
(872) 206-5119

Also featured in:

Recess

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The massive, 14,000-square-foot patio at Recess is a playground both for people (think frozen drinks and games like Jenga) and for dogs. The venue even holds an annual contest for Recess Pup of the Year, with plenty of squee-worthy submissions at the #recesspupoftheyear hashtag on Instagram.

838 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60642
(312) 801-1181
(312) 801-1181

Also featured in:

Barrio

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DineAmic Group each summer slings a puppy patio menu this splashy spot in River North. Spot and Fido get to choose among chicken breast, burger patty, skirt steak, and a dairy-free woof-cream dessert.

65 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 940-9900
(312) 940-9900

Also featured in:

Lou’s Backyard

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A sun-drenched patio oasis in the busy West Loop, Lou’s Backyard has plenty of room for people and dogs to drink (yes, water counts), play bocce, and snuggle around a fire pit on chilly evenings.

664 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 600-0600
(312) 600-0600

Also featured in:

Formento's

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Show off the pooch on one of the West Loop’s widest patios — decorated with hanging lights and an Italian-style garden — while exploring an array of antipasti dishes or nonna’s popular meatballs.

925 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 690-7295
(312) 690-7295

Also featured in:

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Roots Handmade Pizza - South Loop

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Quad Cities-style pizzeria Roots welcomes four-legged companions not only to its Printers Row restaurant, equipped with a retractable roof, but also all of its other outposts in Lincoln Square, West Town, and Old Town.

744 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60605
(773) 645-4909
(773) 645-4909

Also featured in:

The Spoke & Bird

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South Loop cafe Spoke & Bird boasts a 2,500-square-foot patio that’s a fine spot for coffee, sandwiches, and craft beers. Diners can also bring canines if they so desire.

205 E 18th St, Chicago, IL 60616
(929) 263-2473
(929) 263-2473

Lo Rez Brewing and Taproom

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No, dogs aren’t allowed to sample any of the beers but they’re welcome to hang out at this Pilsen brewery and taproom. In addition to pets, drinkers can also bring outside food.

2101 S Carpenter St, Chicago, IL 60608
(888) 404-2262
(888) 404-2262

Antique Taco

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The South Side outpost of the popular taqueria sports treats like crispy fish tacos and horchata milkshakes alongside a spacious 100-seat patio. Of course, it wouldn’t be a real party without some friendly pooches in tow, so diners are invited to bring theirs. The original Wicker Park location is dog-friendly too.

1000 W 35th St, Chicago, IL 60609
(773) 823-9410
(773) 823-9410

The Promontory

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Hyde Park’s stylish bar and music venue includes a lush, dog-friendly patio. Get a side of fresh air to go with cocktails, wine, and even bottle service.

5311 S Lake Park West, Chicago, IL 60615
(312) 801-2100
(312) 801-2100
People crowd around a bar.
There’s no food, but drinks still flow at the Promontory.
The Promontory

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The SoFo Tap

4923 N Clark St 1st floor, Chicago, IL 60640

This casual, LGBTQ-friendly neighborhood pub holds “doggy days” from noon to 3 p.m. every Saturday. It’s a chance for patrons to snag half-priced draft beers, and for pups to indulge in free treats.

4923 N Clark St 1st floor, Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 784-7636
(773) 784-7636

Farm Bar

1300 W Wellington Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

A dining destination for all things Midwestern, Farm Bar’s affection for canines is well known — much of its produce comes from its owners’ own Brown Dog Farm in the Driftless region of western Wisconsin. Pups can join their people for a meal or drink on the patio.

1300 W Wellington Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 281-2599
(773) 281-2599

Ludlow Liquors

2959 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

This Avondale bar offers a backyard garden patio with plenty of room for people and pooches to soak up the sun. Try a rum-based Banana Hammock cocktail or Sazerac paired with indulgent bar food takes like bacon gruyere burgers and mini croissant dogs (sausage, not canine) with dipping sauces.

2959 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 754-7492
(773) 754-7492

The Patio at Cafe Brauer

2021 N Stockton Dr, Chicago, IL 60614

Take the dog for a run through Lincoln Park and take in the exciting sights and sounds. This patio café on the picturesque Nature Boardwalk welcomes canines, so lounge away with an al fresco meal.

2021 N Stockton Dr, Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 280-2724
(312) 280-2724

The Moonlighter

3204 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Logan Square’s expansive patio from the Scofflaw Group is the perfect pit stop after strolling the nearby 606 trail. Refuel with burgers, large-format cocktails, and other bar bites with a furry friend.

3204 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 360-8896
(773) 360-8896

Big Star

1531 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Eat some tacos and sip margaritas and whiskey with the pup in tow at Big Star's 80-seat, ever-popular patio. The team is so fond of humanity’s best friend that they created a hashtag, #dogsofbigstar. Big Star Wrigleyville and Big Star Mariscos in West Town are dog-friendly as well.

1531 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 235-4039
(773) 235-4039

Off Color Brewing Taproom The Mousetrap

1460 N Kingsbury St, Chicago, IL 60642

This Lincoln Park taproom from Chicago’s most creative breweries has a small patio off Kingsbury where well-behaved dogs can hang out while their humans imbibe.

1460 N Kingsbury St, Chicago, IL 60642
(312) 929-2916
(312) 929-2916

Mott St

1401 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Chef Edward Kim's Mott St has a lovely 64-seat patio with greenery, water bowls, and some excellent human food like king crab rice and its famous double-patty burger.

1401 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 687-9977
(773) 687-9977

The Empty Bottle

1035 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

A live music institution in Ukrainian Village, Empty Bottle is a favorite among dog-toting drinkers. Despite the prevalence of pooches, the bar and venue’s most famous furry face belongs to feline proprietor Peg, adopted in June 2021 from the Animal Care League in Oak Park.

1035 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 276-3600
(773) 276-3600

Sportsman's Club

948 Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

This reinvented neighborhood tavern from Heisler Hospitality provides a comfortable perch to loose with the pooch and try refreshing cocktails. It also houses a mellow the backyard patio.

948 Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(872) 206-8054
(872) 206-8054

Archie's Iowa Rockwell Tavern

2600 W Iowa St, Chicago, IL 60622

Four-legged friends are a common sight at Archie’s, which is also one of the top dive bars in the city. If playful pups aren’t entertainment enough, the watering hole also offers free pool tables, board games, and a jukebox.

2600 W Iowa St, Chicago, IL 60622
(872) 206-5119
(872) 206-5119

Recess

838 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60642

The massive, 14,000-square-foot patio at Recess is a playground both for people (think frozen drinks and games like Jenga) and for dogs. The venue even holds an annual contest for Recess Pup of the Year, with plenty of squee-worthy submissions at the #recesspupoftheyear hashtag on Instagram.

838 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60642
(312) 801-1181
(312) 801-1181

Barrio

65 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654

DineAmic Group each summer slings a puppy patio menu this splashy spot in River North. Spot and Fido get to choose among chicken breast, burger patty, skirt steak, and a dairy-free woof-cream dessert.

65 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 940-9900
(312) 940-9900

Lou’s Backyard

664 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60661

A sun-drenched patio oasis in the busy West Loop, Lou’s Backyard has plenty of room for people and dogs to drink (yes, water counts), play bocce, and snuggle around a fire pit on chilly evenings.

664 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 600-0600
(312) 600-0600

Formento's

925 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

Show off the pooch on one of the West Loop’s widest patios — decorated with hanging lights and an Italian-style garden — while exploring an array of antipasti dishes or nonna’s popular meatballs.

925 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 690-7295
(312) 690-7295

Related Maps

Roots Handmade Pizza - South Loop

744 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60605

Quad Cities-style pizzeria Roots welcomes four-legged companions not only to its Printers Row restaurant, equipped with a retractable roof, but also all of its other outposts in Lincoln Square, West Town, and Old Town.

744 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60605
(773) 645-4909
(773) 645-4909

The Spoke & Bird

205 E 18th St, Chicago, IL 60616

South Loop cafe Spoke & Bird boasts a 2,500-square-foot patio that’s a fine spot for coffee, sandwiches, and craft beers. Diners can also bring canines if they so desire.

205 E 18th St, Chicago, IL 60616
(929) 263-2473
(929) 263-2473

Lo Rez Brewing and Taproom

2101 S Carpenter St, Chicago, IL 60608

No, dogs aren’t allowed to sample any of the beers but they’re welcome to hang out at this Pilsen brewery and taproom. In addition to pets, drinkers can also bring outside food.

2101 S Carpenter St, Chicago, IL 60608
(888) 404-2262
(888) 404-2262

Antique Taco

1000 W 35th St, Chicago, IL 60609

The South Side outpost of the popular taqueria sports treats like crispy fish tacos and horchata milkshakes alongside a spacious 100-seat patio. Of course, it wouldn’t be a real party without some friendly pooches in tow, so diners are invited to bring theirs. The original Wicker Park location is dog-friendly too.

1000 W 35th St, Chicago, IL 60609
(773) 823-9410
(773) 823-9410

The Promontory

5311 S Lake Park West, Chicago, IL 60615

Hyde Park’s stylish bar and music venue includes a lush, dog-friendly patio. Get a side of fresh air to go with cocktails, wine, and even bottle service.

5311 S Lake Park West, Chicago, IL 60615
(312) 801-2100
(312) 801-2100
People crowd around a bar.
There’s no food, but drinks still flow at the Promontory.
The Promontory

Related Maps