Lunch, brunch, dinner or a snack - we, especially our four-legged friends, want good food and hospitality. Thankfully, Bristol offers that in abundance, making our job of narrowing it down to a top five very difficult.
From calm coffee stops to ravishing restaurants, there’s plenty on offer for you and your dog in the city’s hilly streets.
Read on to see which dog-friendly cafés and restaurants in Bristol are our top dogs.
1. The Crafty Egg, Stokes Croft
Nestled in the heart of the city, The Crafty Egg serves tasty lunch, locally roasted coffee and lip-smacking small plates.
It’s a spot that sums up the city’s penchant for charming, quirky interiors complemented by a warm, friendly atmosphere. It helps that it has high-quality, affordable food for everyone too, with a wealth of veggie and vegan options.
It’s also a haven for pet parents, with free dog treats for especially good boys and girls (i.e. all dogs). It’s an ideal spot to rest and refuel after exploring the city.
Highly recommended for brunch.
2. The Downs Café, Durdham Downs
No Bristol trip is complete without a walk around the Durdham Downs, and you’ll no doubt want to stop somewhere to soak up the views and put your feet up.
Thankfully, the Downs Café is there for just that. It’s a brisk 30-minute walk away from the must-see Clifton Suspension Bridge.
It’s not all about the location, though. They serve numerous breakfast and lunch options, as well as locally roasted Clifton coffee. There’s cake, treats and the all-important doggy ice cream too.
We recommend stopping here to take in the Durdham Downs, especially if your dog prefers outdoor space.
3. Grain Barge, Hotwell Road
Sit back and imagine you’re digging into a tasty dish filled with seasonal food on the harbour with your four-legged friend in a dog-friendly restaurant. Now imagine it’s on a boat, and there you have the Grain Barge.
But it does more than offer a unique place to eat or have a coffee. While the panoramic harbour views are worth talking about, it’s flat-out one of the best places to eat with your dog in Bristol. It’s practically floating on good vibes, local beer and fresh food.
They have a live programme of music and comedy too, making it one of our favourite ways to spend an evening on the water.
You can also say you’ve been to a dog-friendly barge, which not many people get to say.
4. The Stable, Canon’s Road
The UK chain is popping up all over the country, and it’s easy to see why: good pizza and cider.
What makes Bristol’s location so strong is its location. Located right on the water in Harbourside, you can get a slice of Bristol’s picture-perfect views. They even have a cider-tasting board!
However, this area of Bristol does get particularly busy at peak times. While the location is dog-friendly, it may be worth coming here at one of its quieter moments.
Considering the West Country’s long cider history and its Harbourside location, it makes sense why The Stable easily got a slot on our list.
5. Chance & Counters, Christmas Steps and Gloucester Road
It’s so good that Bristol has two of them! Chance & Counters is a board-game café that offers more than an intense game of Guess Who? against your dog - the food and drink here are comforts of the best kind.
Sticky wings, moreish burgers and towering loaded fries complement its surprisingly diverse drinks menu, plus the board games make it an ideal place to chat, socialise and argue over the rules.
The Christmas Steps location is picturesque, and the friendly staff is always on hand to explain board games, provide recommendations and, of course, give your four-legged friend the fuss they deserve.
It’s our recommendation if you want a casual, fun atmosphere to spend the evening.