Who says your canine companion can’t also be your dinner date? These eateries in and around Arlington sport patios that gladly welcome Fido, Spot and any other well-behaved pup in the neighborhood.
Bayou Bakery
Relax with your dog on the corner patio of this New Orleans-style eatery as you sip a café au lait, grab an order of beignets or snag some gumbo. (You may bump into chef-owner David Guas with his yellow labrador, Roux, while there.) Water bowls are available, along with the occasional dog treat. // 1515 N. Courthouse Road, ArlingtonÂ
Clare and Don’s Beach Shack
Feel free to bring your (leashed) dog as a dining companion to this surf-centric Little City eatery known for its rollicking outdoor space, live music, fish tacos and orange crushes. Water bowls are available, and we’re told that yappy hours may be making a post-Covid return. // 130 N. Washington St., Falls Church
Copperwood Tavern
Copperwood pulls out all the stops in Shirlington, offering dishes of cold water and freebie house-made peanut butter-bacon dog treats alongside people pleasers like oysters, steaks and bourbon tastings. There’s also a dog-of-the-month contest with some sweet prizes—a gift basket from Dogma Bakery, a free exam and nail trim from Shirlington Animal Hospital and a $100 gift card from Copperwood—and the patio is open year-round, thanks to space heaters. // 4021 Campbell Ave., ArlingtonÂ
Lost Dog Café
Dog-lovers can feel good about supporting a business that has rescued thousands of animals since its first eatery opened in 1985. (Lost Dog owners Pam McAlwee and Ross Underwood are also co-founders of the Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation.) You’ll find dog-friendly patios with water bowls and treats at the McLean, Merrifield and Alexandria Lost Dog locations. Humans go for the pizza, subs and sizable craft beer selection. // Locations vary
Northside Social
There’s no denying that this pair of cafés in Arlington and Falls Church have two of the most visible and popular patios in the area—and the fact that they open at 7 a.m. means your furry bestie can drag you there bright and early. (Hey, if you have the A.M. dog-walking shift, coffee and cookies are a logical reward.) Water bowls are available, and house-made treats can be purchased. // 3211 Wilson Blvd., Arlington and 205 Park Ave., Falls Church
The Perch
Sidle up to Starr Hill Biergarten‘s sky-high bar (it’s 11 stories up) at The Perch with your fur baby in tow while you test out any of the 20-plus beers on draft. If your pup gets thirsty, they can sip some H20 from the water bowls on hand. This sky park that opened in 2021 also features a dog park (aptly named Sky Bark) where canines can have a ball off-leash. // 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons
Pizzeria Orso
Dogs on leashes are permitted on the spacious patio, which is open year-round, weather permitting, at this popular Falls Church City destination for Neapolitan thin-crust pizzas. Pooches will find fresh bowls of water and plenty of space to chill. // 400 S. Maple Ave., Falls Church
Rocklands Barbeque
Carnivores of all kinds gravitate to this beloved barbecue joint, which sports a dog-friendly patio at its Arlington location. Leashed dogs can chill while you nibble on Texas-style brisket or minted cucumber salad. Water bowls are available on request. // 3471 Washington Blvd., Arlington
Shipgarten
At this brand-new, 35,000 square-foot food and entertainment destination, shipping containers house four concepts—including a new location for the dog-friendly Tysons Biergarten. The site also features a fenced-in dog park. Yappy hours are in the works. // 7581 Colshire Drive, McLeanÂ
Need more local, dog-friendly drinking and dining options? Check out this list from BringFido.