Top 13 Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Ottawa Where Furry Friends are Always Welcome
My dog is my sidekick in all things, from impromptu jogs to late-night snack runs. One time, I took her to a restaurant with a dog-friendly patio, only to have her become the main attraction!
Imagine a wagging tail, those irresistible puppy eyes, and a hilarious attempt to beg for my fries.
If you’re like me and think bonding with your dog means letting them crash your dinner plans, Ottawa’s dining scene has you covered. The city is brimming with spots where your four-legged buddy isn’t just welcome – they’re practically part of the family!
I’ve sniffed out the top eateries where your pup can join the fun, so grab the leash, and let’s dive into the city’s best dog-friendly dining destinations.
1. Drip House
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Website: https://driphousecafe.com/
Address: 340B Parkdale Ave
Contact details: +1 613-422-4377
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 5 PM
Drip House is a cafe-slash-art gallery in stylish and hip Hintonburg, featuring a bright and airy atmosphere with high ceilings, huge windows, and wood accents. These elements perfectly complement the rotating art displays.
You can grab a chair, curl up with a good book, and relax with your fur baby as you admire the ambiance. Of course, a cup of coffee is a must-have for a cozy experience.
Since the vibe is generally calm, your pet won’t have to deal with overwhelming noise or distractions.
And if you’re feeling famished, you’ve got to try one of their sandwiches. The smoke is highly recommended for its succulent smoked Montreal meat and a generous layer of provolone cheese.
2. Zak’s Diner
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Website: https://zaksdiner.com/
Address: 14 Byward Market Square
Contact details: +1 613-241-2401
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday – 7 AM to 10 PM
- Thursday – 7 AM to 12 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 24 hours
Zak’s Diner is an old-time favorite, having been around since the 80s. It’s known as one of the best diners in Ottawa for its nostalgic charm and delicious, classic comfort food.
Meanwhile, for fur parents, Zak’s Diner has become the obvious hangout. While dogs aren’t allowed inside the restaurant, you’re welcome to grab a seat by their patio.
Albeit small, it’s a great spot to go people-watching and enjoy a relaxed meal with your pup. Don’t miss out on their bestseller – the delicious and thick milkshake!
3. BeaverTails
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Website: https://beavertails.com/
Address: 69 George St
Contact details: +1 613-241-1230
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11 AM to 12 AM
BeaverTails is a Canadian chain renowned for its indulgent flat donuts. The classic, topped with cinnamon and sugar, is a crowd favorite for its universally loved combination of sweet and comforting flavors.
Best of all, BeaverTails is dog-friendly! You and your furry friend can enjoy your treats together at their outdoor seating areas, making it a great spot for a sweet treat and a walk.
Oh, and if you’re ordering something with chocolate, be sure to keep it away from your pup.
4. Tavern on the Falls
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Website: https://www.thetavern.ca/falls
Address: 1 John St
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 11:30 PM
Tavern on the Falls is a relaxed pub highly praised for its stunning views of the nearby waterfall. It surely adds to the charm of the experience, but of course, it’s not the only highlight.
Those with canine companions will appreciate how dog-friendly this place is. The outdoor seating has ample space for humans and their furry friends, and they’ve even provided water bowls to make sure dogs stay hydrated!
These thoughtful touches enhance the overall experience and show how much they value their guests, two-legged or four.
5. The Bridge Public House
— Media credit: thebridge_ph
Website: https://thebridgepublichouse.com/
Address: 1 Donald St
Contact details: +1 613-741-9219
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 2 PM
The Bridge Public House is a little-known treasure in Ottawa, located inside the Rideau Sports Centre, hidden away from the usual spots.
While dogs are only allowed on the patio, that’s actually a bonus – the outdoor seating area is relaxed and welcoming, making it a perfect spot for you and your furry friend to unwind.
After you get to try their delicious menu, along with ice-cold beer, you can even take your pup for a walk along the river.
6. Banditos
— Media credit: banditosottawa
Website: https://www.banditosottawa.com/
Address: 683 Bank St
Contact details: +1 613-565-3663
Operating hours:
- Monday – 11:30 AM to 11 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday, and Sunday – 11:30 AM to 12 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 11:30 AM to 1 AM
Bandito welcomes pet parents and their four-legged friends wholeheartedly at their large patio, which means even big pups can fit right in. It has a vibrant atmosphere most days, so make sure your pup has no problem with a lively environment.
Serving up mouth-watering street food inspired by Southern Californian delights, the nachos are a crowd favorite. I mean, they don’t call it our famous nachos for nothing!
It’s a delicious mound of cheesy, crispy goodness that surely hits the spot. Make sure to try out their cocktails for the perfect finishing touch.
7. Umbrella Bar
— Media credit: umbrellaottawa
Website: https://www.umbrellabarottawa.com/
Address: 1001 Queen Elizabeth Driveway
Contact details: +1 613-231-3443
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
You and your pup are really going to love this one! Umbrella Bar is a laid-back waterfront hideaway in the Dow’s Lake Pavilion, offering beautiful lakeside views that add a touch of charm.
The chicken sandwich is a popular choice among regulars, with its juicy, perfectly seasoned meat and crispy coating. It’s a hearty meal that pairs perfectly with the bar’s relaxed, dog-friendly atmosphere.
So, grab a table with your furry friend, enjoy the scenery, and dig into one of their delicious dishes.
8. Black Dog Bistro
— Media credit: bistroblackdog
Website: https://www.blackdogbistro.ca/
Address: 5540 Manotick Main St, Manotick
Contact details: +1 613-692-3779
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday – closed
Located in the suburban oasis of Manotick, Black Dog Bistro is a charming eatery characterized by its posh wood accents.
And yes, it’s dog-friendly – because can you imagine the plot twist if they named it Black Dog and then told your pup, “Sorry, no dogs allowed”?
Their menu offers a lot of hearty favorites, including steak tartare, New York striploin, and an array of mouthwatering dishes like the steak sandwich and smoked trout tartlette.
They also have a plethora of beer options, so you can find the perfect brew to pair with your meal or just enjoy while you hang out with your furry friend.
9. The Clarendon Tavern
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Website: https://www.theclarendon.ca/
Address: 11 George St, Ottawa
Contact details: +1 613-422-5111
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 12 PM to 11 PM
- Friday – 12 PM to 12 AM
- Saturday – 10:30 AM to 12 AM
- Sunday – 10:30 AM to 11 PM
The Clarendon Tavern is a stylish destination for exciting farm-to-table delights and creative cocktails along the ByWard Market.
For pet owners, the welcoming patio is the perfect spot to enjoy a meal with your furry friends by your side. I urge you to try the heartbreaker – no, it’s not a brooding lead in a rom-com, but it might still sweep you off your feet!
This cocktail is a delightful mix of strawberry-infused Beefeater gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Just like a good rom-com, it’s sweet, a bit bold, and might just make you fall in love with it.
And since your pup can’t enjoy a glass themselves, why not order another one to toast to your furry friend?
10. Deacon Brodies Pub
Website: https://deaconbrodies.ca/
Address: 247 Elgin St
Contact details: +1 613-236-6464
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11 AM to 2 AM
- Saturday and Sunday – 9 AM to 2 AM
Found in the vibrant Elgin Street, Deacon Brodies Pub offers an animated setting perfect for a lively night out or a casual gathering.
It’s quite popular for its whiskey options, as well as its hearty fare with Scottish flavors. The fish and chips are a standout, with crispy batter and tender fish that make it a must-try.
And for dog owners, the pub’s dog-friendly patio means your furry friends can join the fun. Enjoy your whiskey and hearty meal while your pup relaxes by your side – just be sure to keep an eye on those chips!
11. The Office Resto Pub
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Website: https://www.facebook.com/OfficeRestoPub/
Address: 202 Sparks St.
Contact details: +1 613-680-0086
Operating hours:
- Monday – 11 AM to 9 PM
- Tuesday and Wednesday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Thursday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Friday – 11 AM to 2 AM
- Saturday – 11 AM to 11:30 PM
- Sunday – closed
The Office Resto Pub is an off-the-beaten find, offering a lively yet cozy atmosphere for hangouts in Downtown Ottawa. They have a knack for creating tasty classic bar fare, like cheesy nachos, crispy wings, and juicy burgers, that hit the spot each time.
This pub is a treat in itself for dog owners, as their dog-friendly patio means you can enjoy a laid-back meal while your pup relaxes beside you or people-watch. We know how curious our furry companions can be!
With a warm welcome for both people and pets, it’s the perfect spot to kick back and enjoy good food with your four-legged friend.
12. Social Restaurant + Lounge
— Media credit: social_ottawa
Website: https://www.social.ca/
Address: 537 Sussex Dr
Contact details: +1 613-789-7355
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 11 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 11 AM to 11 PM
Social Restaurant + Lounge is a sophisticated dining gem known for its exciting and fresh French plates, focusing on reinventing classic flavors to make it a truly innovative experience.
They have a gorgeous patio where your furry friend can chill out with you while you indulge in gourmet delights.
I brought my pup here once and Clementine was practically the life of the party (as she usually is), soaking up the attention while I savored every bite of their delectable dishes!
13. The King Eddy
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Website: https://www.kingeddyburgers.com/
Address: 47 Clarence St.
Contact details: +1 613-680-1700
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday, and Sunday – 8 AM to 10 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 8 AM to 11 PM
The King Eddy has a great ambiance, with just the right balance of vibrant and laid-back, which is why it’s the go-to spot for those who want to unwind in style while soaking up the local scene.
Folks with their dogs can sit on the large patio, where a street view welcomes people-watching opportunities – perfect for enjoying a drink and soaking in the bustling atmosphere.
And to make the experience more spectacular, ordering the milkshakes is basically a must! They’re rich, creamy, and guaranteed to make your visit even sweeter.