14 dog-friendly bars and restaurants in Chicago

Only after spending a winter in Chicago will you truly understand the unadulterated joy the first warm(ish) spring day brings. While the pandemic has locals adopting a “drink well, dress practically” philosophy in these unknown-until-now winter porch sessions, we’ll be looking ahead to the dog days of summer patio season with these dog-fan-favorite taverns, bars and restaurants.

For a Large Patio Scene

The Moonlighter

Address: 3204 W. Armitage Ave.

Phone: 773-360-8896

Social: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Yelp

The bartenders pour flavor-forward cocktails and recommend hearty hop options at this Logan Square burger bar on the border of Humboldt Park. The Moonlighter’s large outdoor space defines Chicago summer patio season — and dogs love it too.

Park and Field

Address: 3509 W. Fullerton Ave.

Phone: 773-360-7373

Social: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Yelp

This former auto shop on the border of Logan Square and Hermosa now features backyard fan favorites. From a fire pit to a bocce ball court, you and your pup can set up at a picnic table for an afternoon of day drinking and eating. And mark your calendars right now for the annual Doggie Christmas Party and picture with Santa Claus.

Recess

Address: 838 W. Kinzie St.

Phone: 312-801-1181

Social: Facebook, Instagram, Yelp

There’s no better place (or space) to eat elevated American classics while hanging out with your dog on the sprawling, 14,000-square-foot patio. The staff offers up water bowls, and the different areas of AstroTurf will let your pet get very cozy.

Wolcott Tap

Address: 1834 W. Montrose Ave.

Phone: 773-360-7579

Social: Facebook, Instagram, Yelp

The large dog-friendly patio is the perfect place to grab a cocktail or a pint to wash down one of the many sandwich combinations featured on the menu.

Parson’s Chicken and Fish

Address: 2435 N. Halsted St.

Phone: 773- 661-6016

Social: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Yelp

If your dog can handle the crowds, the interminable weekend wait and the irresistible smell of fried chicken, head to this ‘gramworthy temple of fried food and frosty drinks in either Logan Square or Lincoln Park.

Bars and Restaurants that Give Back

Bandit

Address: 841 W. Randolph St.

Phone: 312-666-6061

Social: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Yelp

Craft cocktails complement American casual classics at this West Loop bar. Order off Bandit’s Pup Picks and a portion of the proceeds from your pup’s treat go to PAWS Chicago.

Barrio

Address: 65 W. Kinzie St.

Phone: 312-940-9900

Social: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Yelp

This upscale River North taqueria offers dog-friendly takes on tacos. Its Barkio menu also earmarks a donation to PAWS Chicago.

Chicago-Area Classics

Clark Street Ale House

Address: 742 N. Clark St.

Social: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Yelp

Order a beer and a shot and head to the back porch for a quiet drink in the heart of the hustle and bustle just off Chicago Avenue.

Four Moon Tavern

Address: 1847 W. Roscoe St.

Phone: 773-929-6666

Social: Twitter, Yelp

This Roscoe Village burger bar showcases the ambiance of the quintessential Chicago tavern and serves its dog-owning — and bringing — clientele ’til last call.

Patio Café at Café Brauer

Address: 2021 N. Stockton Dr.

Phone: 312-507-9053

Social: Instagram, Yelp

Soak up the view at one of Chicago’s most scenic al fresco restaurants: Café Brauer, the historic Prairie School-style landmark, offers dog-friendly seating on its patio and unparalleled views of the Chicago skyline just south of Lincoln Park Zoo.

SmallBar

Address: 2956 N. Albany Ave.

Phone: 773-509-9888

Social: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Yelp

Nothing is truly small at SmallBar in Logan Square. With a long line of beers on tap, a creative list of American pub favorites and a dog-friendly patio, this neighborhood tavern is a beacon for neighborhood pet parents.

Big Star

Address: 1531 N. Damen Ave. (Wicker Park location)

Phone: 773-235-4039

Social: Facebook, Instagram, Yelp

While the #DogsofBigStar hashtag has faded from popularity (but why?), the taco terrace at Big Star remains the gold standard of destination dog-friendly dining. With locations in Wicker Park and right across the street from Wrigley Field, this is the spot for your pup to see and be seen.

Dog-Friendly Breweries

Lo Rez Brewery and Taproom

Address: 2101 S. Carpenter St.

Phone: 888-404-2262

Social: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Yelp

Dogs and kids can join you on the patio as you sip and savor your way down this Pilsen brewery’s extensive menu.

Midwest Coast Brewing

Address: 2137 W. Walnut St.

Phone: 312-361-1176

Social: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Yelp

The Kinzie Industrial Corridor, west of Fulton Market, is home to a few well-known beer halls. But Midwest Coast Brewing not only pours pints, it gives (leashed) dogs the run of the place, even inside the taproom.

Bring Your Own Treats

Ava’s Pet Palace

Social: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

When you want to grab a bite and you’re not sure if there’s a dog-friendly menu, BYOT with some options from Ava’s Pet Palace. The Chicago kidpreneur makes organic dog treats in small batches, giving Chicago dogs a local snack option.