Dining with your dog in Detroit depends largely on the availability of patios and pleasant weather. Health code regulations prohibit dogs in enclosed restaurants, and those spots that have outdoor seating areas typically only keep them open during the spring and summer months. Once the weather warms up and the sun is shining, however, these Detroit are restaurants provide a delicious dining experience for you and your four-legged friends.
Photo Credit: Brooklyn Pizza/Facebook
Brooklyn Pizza
111 Henrietta
Birmingham, MI 48009
(248) 258-6690
www.brooklynpizzaonline.com
As the name implies, Brooklyn Pizza brings authentic New York-style pie to Michigan — the founders came from Brooklyn and based their restaurant on those they enjoyed in the Big Apple. During the warmer months, outdoor seating on the patio lets patrons and their pooches enjoy a gourmet wood-fired pizza. Specialty pies include grilled shrimp, margherita and the sonoma, which includes artichoke hearts, shiitake mushrooms, spinach, sliced tomatoes and goat cheese. Afterward, indulge in the smooth homemade gelato, which is almost as popular with fans as the pies. The park across the street provides subjects for people watching and a chance to work off the delicious meal.
Photo Credit: Fountain Bistro/Facebook
Fountain Bistro
800 Woodward
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 237-7778
www.fountainbistro.com
Located in Campus Martius Park, Fountain Bistro has evolved into a Detroit destination spot. Originally started as a breakfast and lunch restaurant, in 2011 the bistro underwent major renovations to put in a new kitchen and bar, and updated its menu to offer French-inspired lunch and dinner fare. The outdoor patio overlooks the Park and Woodward Fountain, giving dogs and their owners an enticing view while they enjoy their meal. Fountain Bistro is one of the restaurants on Canine to Five’s “Drinking with Dogs” summer gathering series for which dog owners and their pets visit a dog-friendly Detroit restaurant on the third Tuesday of the month from May through September.
Related: Best Dog Daycare in Metro Detroit
Photo Credit: Lu & Carl’s/Facebook
Lu & Carl’s
100 W. Main St.
Brighton, MI 48116
(810) 229-9660
www.greatplaces4goodtimes.com
It’s difficult to find a more dog-friendly place than Lu & Carl’s in Brighton. The restaurant is named after two of the original owner’s dogs, and the walls are plastered with framed photos of dogs, dogs and more dogs, many belonging to regular patrons. Water bowls on the patio give refreshment for pooches on warm days, and dog bones by the door provide treats to both dogs that visit the restaurant and those who stay home. The canine theme continues through the menu, with a cream puff dessert served in a dog bowl, and Scooby snacks for the kids.
Photo Credit: ThinkStock
Traffic Jam and Snug
511 W. Canfield
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 831-9470
www.trafficjamdetroit.com
Traffic Jam and Snug has been a Detroit fixture since 1965, and in 1982 became Michigan’s first brew pub. As much as possible is made in house, and the restaurant incorporates the state’s smallest dairy, which provides home-made cheese, ice cream and a wide range of dessert items. The on-site bakery creates a bread of the day that is sure to please any palate, while the micro brews will tickle the tastebuds of the most discriminating beer aficionado. Dogs may lounge on the outdoor patio while their owners dine, and the fresh ingredients make most meals suitable for sharing a taste or two with man’s best friend.
Related: Best Detroit Area Brew Pubs
Photo Credit: Woodward Avenue Brewers/Facebook
Woodward Avenue Brewers
22646 Woodward Ave.
Ferndale, MI 48220
(248) 546-3696
www.thewabsite.com
Woodward Avenue Brewers, or “WAB”, as fans call it, has become a Ferndale landmark since it opened in 1997. Once a dance studio, then a massage parlor, the brewhouse and restaurant is now a thriving neighborhood gathering place. The 75-seat sidewalk cafe allows plenty of room for patrons and pets to enjoy the warm weather and watch the activity on the avenue. Water bowls and dog treats welcome canines, while their owners enjoy delicious food, daily drink specials and WAB’s seven home-brewed beers.
Jennifer Walker is a freelance writer living in Detroit. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in animal science from Michigan State University. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
