If you’re looking for a dog-friendly restaurant in Boston, there are a great number to choose from. As a jewel on the East Coast’s lengthy shore, Boston, known as “Beantown” to locals and founded all the way back in 1630, is also a treasure trove for restaurants. In fact, there are over 4,000 eating destinations in Boston! Many of these eateries allow dogs, which is especially helpful if you’re traveling with your pet.
But there are certain etiquette rules to keep in mind when dining with dogs in the Boston area. For instance, when a restaurant is dog-friendly, they allow pets to dine with their owners out on the patio and in other outdoor eating areas rather than indoors, since Massachusetts does not allow pets in indoor dining areas (this excludes service animals).
This great city is broken up into several famous neighborhoods, so we’ve done the same with this article, making it easy to find a dog-friendly restaurant in Boston within a neighborhood you’re visiting.
Also, when eating at a dog-friendly restaurant in general, it can be helpful to keep some things in mind so you’re being as considerate as possible:
- No dogs allowed inside of the restaurant
- Dogs must be leashed
- Dogs must behave in a way that doesn’t threaten health or safety or any guest or employee
If pet parents don’t follow these rules, businesses have the right to refuse service to them.
You can check out our favorite places to eat below with our top pick for each neighborhood. We chose a variety of establishments at different price points, with $ indicating more affordable spots and $$$ for a more expensive dining experience with upscale entrees and high-end cocktails.
Ahead, discover some dog-friendly restaurants in Boston that both you and your four-legged friend are sure to love.
Coppa Boston (South End)
253 Shawmut Ave. Boston, MA 02118
Reservations needed: It’s recommended to make reservations, particularly during peak dining hours and weekends.
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both; dogs are permitted to accompany customers in the outdoor dining area.
Cost rating: $$$
Good for: Vegetarian, Gluten-Friendly
Hours of operation:
Monday – Saturday: 5 – 10 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., 3:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
With exposed brick walls highlighted with warm ambiance, Coppa Boston is a paradise for those who love Italian cuisine. The menu is filled with house-made pastas, small plates, and artisanal cheeses, with dishes like the House-Cured Charcuterie Board and wood-fired pizzas taking center stage. In addition to all this deliciousness, they permit dogs to join guests at their outdoor tables if the weather is pleasant.
Toro (South End)
1704 Washington St. Boston, MA 02118
Reservations needed: Toro doesn’t take reservations, since it’s a first-come, first-serve restaurant.
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both; dogs are permitted to accompany customers in the outdoor dining area.
Cost rating: $$$
Good for: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Friendly
Hours of operation:
Sunday – Thursday: 5 – 10 p.m.
Friday – Saturday: 5 – 11 p.m.
If you love Spanish tapas food, Toro is for you. This is the place to bring a partner or friends that you’re traveling with, with a setting that encourages socializing, complete with vibrant background music and small plates to share. Try the Grilled Corn, flavored with aioli, lime, and cotija cheese, or nosh on some Paella. Chefs Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette opened Toro in 2005, inspired by their travels through Spain. The dog-friendly restaurant features several outdoor tables where guests can savor a Spanish meal alongside their furry friend.
South End Buttery (South End)
314 Shawmut Ave. Boston, MA 02118
Reservations needed: Although it’s a bakery and café, reservations are still recommended at South End Buttery since it tends to be popular and can get crowded during brunch and peak dining hours.
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both; dogs are permitted to accompany customers in the outdoor dining area.
Cost rating: $
Good for: Vegetarian
Hours of operation:
Monday – Sunday: 6:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
In the mood for the tastiest baked goods and pastries in Boston? Then look no further than South End Buttery, where the smell of freshly baked fare wafts in the air and you can enjoy such classics as French toast, muffins, croissants, pies, and more. With an oh-so cozy atmosphere, this café is also a local favorite among dog owners, since the outdoor seating is pet-friendly and also serves as the perfect spot to grab a cup of coffee and a bite as you head out on a walk with your favorite pup.
The Blarney Stone (Fenway-Kenmore)
1505 Dorchester Ave. Dorchester, MA 02122
Reservations needed: Reservations typically aren’t needed, since it’s a casual pub.
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both; dogs are permitted to accompany customers in the outdoor dining area.
Cost rating: $$
Good for: Vegetarian
Hours of operation:
Monday – Sunday: 11:30 a.m. – 1 a.m.
The Blarney Stone, named after the famous stone that tourists kiss for luck in Ireland, is, as its name suggests, a traditional Irish pub. This is the place to come for some good Irish comfort food or to catch Boston sports on the TV. Burgers and sandwiches abound, but the Fish and Chips is also a real crowd-pleaser. And their outdoor patio is pet-friendly.
Sweet Cheeks Q (Fenway-Kenmore)
1381 Boylston St. Boston, MA 02215
Reservations needed: At this popular restaurant, reservations are recommended.
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both; dogs are permitted to accompany customers in the outdoor dining area.
Cost rating: $$
Good for: Vegetarian, Gluten-Friendly
Hours of operation:
Monday – Thursday: 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday – Saturday 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Yes, real-deal Southern barbecue can be discovered right in the heart of Boston. With industrial decor and exposed brick walls, Sweet Cheeks Q is filled with delicious scents as you dine on smoked meats—think brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and more. And while you’re enjoying all that Southern goodness, your dog can join you at one of their pet-friendly tables outside.
Niku Ramen (Allston)
2 Broad St. Boston, MA 02109
Reservations needed: Niku Ramen operates on a walk-in basis, so reservations are not needed.
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both; dogs are permitted to accompany customers in the outdoor dining area.
Cost rating: $$
Good for: Vegetarian
Hours of operation:
Monday – Saturday: 11:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday Closed
For a taste of Japanese cuisine that’s both authentic and comforting, head to Niku Ramen. With Japanese decor throughout, don’t miss dishes like the gyoza dumplings or the spicy tan tan ramen, flavored with sesame paste and chili oil. There’s also a vegan ramen available for those with plant-based diets. And, perhaps best of all, they allow dogs on their patio sidewalk outside.
Yankee Lobster Co. (Seaport District)
300 Northern Ave. Boston, MA 02210
Reservations needed: This restaurant doesn’t accept reservations.
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both; dogs are permitted to accompany customers in the outdoor dining area.
Cost rating: $$$
Good for: Vegetarian
Hours of operation:
Monday – Thursday: 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday – Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 7 p.m.
For people who love seafood, trying it in Boston is a must! That’s why we recommend heading to Yankee Lobster Co., a casual dog-friendly restaurant in Boston that’s all about the locally-sourced lobster, as its name suggests. Founded originally in 1950, they’re particularly famed for their lobster roll and clam chowder. And your dog can join you at a table on the pet-friendly patio—just keep in mind that table service isn’t available here, so it’s best to come with another person who can stay with your dog while you order inside.
The Salty Dog (South Boston)
206 Faneuil Hall Market Pl. Boston, MA 02109
Reservations needed: This restaurant doesn’t accept reservations.
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both; dogs are permitted to accompany customers in the outdoor dining area.
Cost rating: $$
Good for: Vegetarian, Gluten-Friendly
Hours of operation:
Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Friday – Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Boston’s well-known and historic Faneuil Hall Marketplace hosts the The Salty Dog, a laid-back, leisurely eatery that’s right in the heart of all the goings-on in the city. A mix of seafood and classic American dishes can be found here, which is perfect if you’re in the mood for a burger or fried clams. Your pup is welcome on patio as long as you keep them leashed.
Bostonia Public House (Financial District)
131 State St. Boston, MA 02109
Reservations needed: Reservations are recommended.
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both; dogs are permitted to accompany customers in the outdoor dining area.
Cost rating: $$$
Good for: Vegetarian, Gluten-Friendly
Hours of operation:
Monday – Wednesday: 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Thursday – Friday: 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Feeling both historic and current simultaneously, Bostonia Public House is a place where you can have a fresh, contemporary meal, like artisanal cheese boards, green salads, and a delicious steak. With an umbrella-shaded sidewalk area to eat, you can also bring along your dog.
Piattini (Beacon Hill)
226 Newbury St. Boston, MA 02116
Reservations needed: Reservations are recommended, which can be made on their website.
Indoor or outdoor seating: Both; dogs are permitted to accompany customers in the outdoor dining area.
Cost rating: $$
Good for: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Friendly
Hours of operation:
Sunday – Thursday: 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Friday – Saturday: 12:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Italian-infused dishes can be discovered at Piattini. Cozy and welcoming, you’ll love their antipasti, pasta selections, and cannoli. They also have a Tuscan-inspired patio where people dine with their dogs.
More dog-friendly restaurants in Boston
Since Boston has thousands of eateries throughout the city, it should come as no surprise that there are even more dog-friendly restaurants to consider in each of these aforementioned neighborhoods. For instance, there’s Five Horses Tavern in the South End neighborhood, with an impressive beer selection and dog-friendly patio. In Fenway-Kenmore, you can visit The Lansdowne Pub to catch live music with your pup in tow.
The Aeronaut Allston beer garden is pet-friendly and is located in the neighborhood of the same name. For Mediterranean and Greek fare, dine at the Seaport District’s Committee, alongside your dog, of course. In the Financial District, go to State Street Provisions for a dog-friendly patio and some oysters. And lastly, if you’re in the mood for drinks, don’t miss The Liberty Hotel in the Beacon Hill area, complete with “Yappy Hour” events held in the courtyard every Monday and Wednesday from May to October—you’ll enjoy your libations while your pup will get their very own special treats.
Let’s face it—even though you may love to eat at restaurants, your pup may not be into it. That’s okay! If your dog has separation anxiety, is a senior pup who prefers quiet environments, or has specific health needs, eating on a patio might not be the best choice. Or perhaps your dog is territorial or reactive and displays this by barking. Maybe your dog is even possessive over food. In all of these cases, you can find a sitter or dog walker on Rover if you’d prefer not to bring your dog to dinner but you still are concerned about their wellbeing.
