The "dog days" of summer have arrived and for canine lovers, bringing that four-legged buddy along to Chicago bars and restaurants is one of the best ways to spend time, no matter the season. Here are 20 great spots that welcome pooches, some that even give out free treats and water bowls. Additions to this year’s list include Taureaux Tavern and Paradise Park. Nellcôte was removed after it shuttered this year.
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20 Great Dog-Friendly Restaurants and Bars in Chicago
There are many great Chicago spots to bring man’s best friend

Octavio Cantina & Kitchen
Andersonville’s love letter to rustic Mexican cooking has a 20-seat patio decked with large red umbrellas, garden lights, and planter boxes. Dog owners can nosh on tacos, sangria, and margaritas while their furry BFFs are treated to snacks and water bowls.
Ludlow Liquors
This Avondale bar offers a backyard garden patio with two-tier stadium seats, picnic tables, and lounges. Relax over an old fashioned or draft punch paired with comfort fare like rib tips and Filipino egg rolls.
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Broken English
Adolfo Garcia and Phil Stefani’s taqueria is one of Lincoln Park’s hottest spots to be this summer. Taco trays, pitchers of margarita, and people-watching keep the fiesta going on all day long. Best of all: Man’s best friend is welcome.
The Patio at Cafe Brauer
Take the dog for a run through Lincoln Park and take in the exciting sights and sounds. This patio café, located on the picturesque Nature Boardwalk, welcomes canines so lounge away with an al fresco meal and live music every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday throughout the summer. The cafe is even throwing a “Dog Days of Summer” brunch on June 30 and August 11 with a puppy pool and plenty of treats.
The Moonlighter
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.
Ranalli's
This pizzeria and bar is an ideal place to bring a group of human and animal friends. Its 175-seat sidewalk patio serves a host of light-to-hearty dishes and fresh pizzas, and is nestled among green trees and floral planters in the heart of Lincoln Park.
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Paradise Park
Trailer-themed pizza spot Paradise Park may be a dog’s dream with its spacious private patio and outdoor seating atop (fake) grass. Diners can sit at tables, lounge in rocking chairs, or get eye-to-eye with the pooches on floor cushions.
Big Star
Eat some tacos and sip on 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. The Wrigleyville location is dog-friendly as well.
Mott St
Chef Edward Kim's Mott St has a sweet 64-seat patio with greenery, handcrafted tables, water bowls, and some of the best human food in town.
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Juniper Spirits & Oysters
Claridge House, the dog-friendly Gold Coast hotel, recently debuted a new seafood restaurant. Out on the 25-seat patio, guests are invited to dine with their pups and try a variety of fresh catch and gin-based cocktails. Later this summer, Juniper plans to host happy hour with specials for both humans and canines alike.
Somerset
Boka Restaurant Group’s gorgeous Gold Coast restaurant was one of last year’s biggest openings and even pups will be able to appreciate its grandeur out on the 90-seat patio. Lee Wolen complements the country club vibes with seasonal, all-American bites.
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Sportsman's Club
This reinvented neighborhood tavern from Heisler Hospitality is a great place for to let loose with the pooch and enjoy some of the city’s most quality cocktails. While relaxing on the backyard patio, guests can sip on a refreshing libation from the daily-changing menu or one of the many worldly craft beers.
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Barrio
DineAmic Group is offering a new puppy patio menu at all of its restaurants for the summer. Items include chicken breast, burger patty, skirt steak, and a dairy-free woof-cream dessert.
Saint Lou's Assembly
Old-school meat and three cuisine is revived at this West Loop spot and folks can experience it with their pups out on the popping backyard patio. There’s bleacher seating for 100, lush planters, a bocce ball court, and a fire pit for chillier evenings. On July 14, the restaurant will host a Dog Day of Summer Bash featuring a special canine-friendly menu and a doggy kissing booth.
Formento's
Show off the pooch on one of the West Loop’s widest patios — decorated with hanging lights and an eloquent, Italian-style garde —while enjoying a delicious array of antipasti dishes or nonna’s stupendous meatballs. The restaurant is holding a drinks-and-adoption event with the Anti-Cruelty Society on July 22.
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Taureaux Tavern
Downtown French restaurant Taureaux Tavern is now offering a special canine brunch menu that includes scrambled eggs and a hamburger patty. All items are $6 and are available on its pergola and large outdoor patio, where human diners can try new “poptails,” or an in-house popsicle dunked in a glass of prosecco (Saturdays only).
The Spoke & Bird
Located in the South Loop, Spoke & Bird’s 2,500-square-foot patio is a fine spot to work out of. Guests can pass the time with coffees, sandwiches, craft beers, and their canines if they so desire.
Lo Rez Brewing and Taproom
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, guests can also bring outside food.
Antique Taco
The South Side outpost of the popular taqueria sports delights like crispy fish tacos and horchata milkshakes alongside a spacious 100-seat patio. Of course, it wouldn’t be a real fiesta without some friendly pooches in tow so diners are invited to bring theirs. The original Wicker Park location is dog-friendly too.
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The Promontory
Hyde Park’s stylish restaurant/music venue includes a lush, dog-friendly patio. Get a side of fresh air to go along with the hearth-to-table fare.
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