It’s not hard to sniff out a spot in our area where people can spend quality time with their pups. These area restaurants cater to canines with free bandanas, pup cups and treats.
Astro Beer Hall
Laying claim to the biggest patio in Shirlington, with 140 seats, this Shirlington gastropub will celebrate its first spring with the Astro Spring Patio Party. On April 27, from 4-8 p.m., four-legged guests can lap up house-made frozen peanut butter cups ($2), while their human companions enjoy a cold one from the One Family Brewing beer truck with six taps, five of which will be different from the restaurant’s usual lines. The event kicks off new menu items, including a picnic basket for two or four, which includes chicken, corn on the cob, jalapeño coleslaw, watermelon salad and mini cheddar biscuits. For dessert: strawberry shortcake. Stick around after the patio party for the venue’s first karaoke event from 9 p.m.-midnight. Note: Dogs are always welcome on the patio, not just for the kickoff party. // 4001 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)
Copperwood Tavern
When a restaurant has a Dog Wall Of Fame, you know it’s pet-friendly. Bring Fido or Fifi with you dine at this farm-to-table eatery specializing in American-style food, such as steaks, brown ale butter chicken and braised rabbit pasta. Be sure to enter the Dog of the Month competition by submitting a photo of your favorite furball to the tavern. Winners get a framed photo on the wall, and their owners get a $50 gift card toward their next visit. // 4021 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)
Courthaus Social
The expansive patio is a great spot for people-watching and dog-petting at this Courthouse gastropub, which even has a special K-9 menu with options like pork broth “dog brew” and peanut butter biscuits. Human handlers will find their menu full of upscale American bar food such as the Bacon Brat Lover Flatbread, burgers and veggie kabobs. // 2300 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington (Courthouse)
Lost Dog Café
Dog-lovers can feel good about supporting a business that has rescued thousands of animals since its first eatery opened in Westover 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 locations. Humans go for the pizza, subs and sizable craft beer selection. // Multiple area locations
South Block
The smoothie, juice and acai bowl chain promises healthy dining options for people and pets alike. Humans can sip on a new Block-uccino—Almond Latte or Matcha Sunrise—while pups slurp up a Puppy Smoothie Bowl made with bananas and peanut butter. Founder Amir Mostafavi, who grew up in McLean, opened the first South Block in Clarendon in 2011—in fact, its name comes from that location being on the “South Block” side of the neighborhood. Today, it has another 15 locations throughout the DMV, including in Ballston, East Falls Church, McLean, National Landing and Rosslyn. // Multiple area locations
Taco Bamba
The Houndgarden is open at all locations of the pet-friendly taqueria that have a patio, including the Ballston, Falls Church and Shirlington spots. Pups can hydrate at specially-branded water bowls and don complimentary bandanas with chuckle-worthy names that spoof popular bands, such as “Red Hot Chili Puppy” and “Ruff Ruff Ryder.” While you’re there, snack on a taco, torta or quesadilla, and wash it down with a frosty margarita in flavors such as Woodfire Pineapple and Honeydew Punch. (The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington recently nominated this homegrown chain for Casual Restaurant of the year.) // Multiple area locations