As a pooch owner, you already know that mournful look from your dog each time you exit the house to eat.
Next time around, take your four-legged family member with you more often when dining out to make everyone happy.
Blessed with balmy weather most of the year, us dog owners can choose from a variety of local eateries with outdoor seating to spend quality time enjoying lunch or dinner while our furry buddy snuggles below the table. Ah heck, sneak him a French fry now and then too.
The following local places offer great doggy dining experiences for both you and your furry friend:
Pickles Plus is a neighborhood deli serving hearty breakfast, lunch or dinner. Enjoy Reubens piled high with corned beef or pastrami on fresh-baked breads, Cubans, veggie wraps, salads, burgers homemade sides and delicious soups while dining on the pet-friendly patio with your canine companion. www.picklesplus.com.
Located on the Beachwalk on Clearwater Beach, Crabby’s Bar & Grill provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy beautiful sunsets with your pooch while sitting outdoors. Enjoy traditional beach fare of baked oysters or clams, gator bites, conch fritters or crab cakes, and follow up with a grouper sandwich or the lobster feast. Other offerings include pasta, filet mignon or Key West smothered chicken. www.crabbysbarandgrill.com.
You’ll find a few doggy dining spots downtown, a popular spot for people watching, especially during events. Clear Sky on Cleveland, Chiang Mai Thai & Sushi Bar, Kara Lynn’s Kitchen, La Fondita de Leo are all happening hound spots.
At the Rumba Island Grill, you can both enjoy live music, drinks and food in a relaxing, outdoorsy atmosphere. Rumba’s cutting edge menu provides A wide variety of seafood, steak, pasta, ribs and chicken entrées that will please your palate.
Before heading out, remember that dogs should be well-behaved around other people, leashed and kept out of the path of waiters. Dogs should not be allowed on tables or chairs. Remember to tie your dog to your chair and not a table to avoid spilled drinks or food if he or she is strong enough to make the table move. If water bowls are not provided for your canine, bring your own doggie bowl or ask the waiter for a paper or plastic bowl or cup for water if necessary. Pets are not permitted to eat or drink out of restaurant glasses or dishes, unless they are disposable.
It’s recommended to feed your pooch before eating out, so they don’t hang on your every bite. Exercise them if possible beforehand so their energy level is not high. Chew toys and dog treats can be fantastic ways to keep your dog distracted throughout your meal and elicit good behavior. Anyone bringing a dog to a restaurant should always make sure that they are trained to obey commands, such as “sit,” or “stay.” If your pup can’t follow basic instructions, heading out to eat with them shouldn’t be an option.
Your dog would much rather be out on the town with you than watching out the window for you at home. Together, you can have a delicious doggy day.
For a full list of mainland Clearwater’s pet-friendly restaurants, click Here.
Stay tuned for pet-friendly restaurants on Clearwater Beach.
