DINING WITH DOGS
It’s tricky to grab a bite with furry friend in winter, but come the warm days of Spring, nobody likes a good patio bite more than winter-weary Wisconsinites and their best buddies.
This is far from a complete list, but here are reviews of some of our favorite local eateries that serve people with dogs and places that were listed elsewhere as being dog-friendly.
MILWAUKEE
There is a lot of sidewalk seating by various eateries on Brady Street, but Apollo is one of my favorites because it has sheltered patio space between storefronts and because where else could I find vegetarian Greek food in Milwaukee?
We haven’t eaten here with our dog, but it’s been listed elsewhere and we have seen their beautiful patio off of Brady Street. It’s near the city parking lot, but you’d never tell.
Branded (The Iron Horse Hotel)
Cafe Hollander (Downer Avenue)
This is the corner to see and be seen. A fountain and plenty of space make this triangular sidewalk space in the heart of Downer Avenue highly desirable. Dog water bowls available.
Picnic tables on a quiet side street in Bay View. The caveat here is that if you don’t make it a point to order together (if one person waits outside with the dog) you and any companions may not get your meals at the same time.
Jalapeno Loco
Desperate for a great margarita one night, we called ahead to this south side staple and they were happy to allow us to bring our dog. Brick walls separated us from the parking lot and Howell Avenue, but it was cozy nonetheless.
Nessun DormaThere is plenty of sidewalk seating around town in summer, but many are next to noisy, busy streets. On the corner of Weil & Hadley in Riverwest you can have a great panino and glass of wine with your dog on the sidewalk of a quiet street.
The new Palomino may have cloth napkins, but it’s sidewalk patio is still dog-friendly and prettier than ever. The menu, sadly, has been upscaled for the worse, in one hearty-eating vegetarian’s opinion. The southern style meat (or tofu) and choice of two sides model has given way to a la carte small plates.
Riverwest Co-op Cafe
Go in to order at the counter and they’ll bring out some delicious food from their all vegetarian menu for you to eat on quiet Clarke Street in Riverwest.
Sven’s European Cafe
Lush vegetation screens this parking lot adjacent seating nicely. The atmosphere here is very casual (go inside to order) and very dog friendly. Dog water bowls always out.
NORTH SHORE
RACINE
Incredible location with Jimmy Buffet vibe. Not too vegetarian friendly, but dog-friendly nonetheless.
SHEBOYGAN
Our favorite garden spot eatery in Sheboygan is nestled between two wings of the John Michael Kohler Art Center. Open mainly for lunches (Suppers Tuesdays and Thursdays) their fresh menu and charming location always entice a stop from us when visiting Kohler Andrae Park. The museum is free and always full of witty art, not to mention the pop-tacular bathrooms so you can get more than just food in a gorgeous courtyard when you stop by.
SHOREWOOD
A fine courtyard shared with Thief Wine Bar off Oakland Avenue in Shorewood. Our friend actually saw someone bring their cat to dinner here. Now that’s pet friendly.
WAUKESHA
La Estacion
Mexican restaurant partially inside converted train cars and railway station. The patio is large and borders a quiet street.
It may be a People’s Park instead of a Dog’s Park, but you and your dog can park it at a sidewalk table at this Main Street Establishment and enjoy some Sweet Potato Fries after doing the Farmer’s Market or just walking around this attractive downtown.
WAUWATOSA
Another great Cafe Hollander location right on the wide pedestrian bridge over the river in downtown Wauwatosa. Very, very popular.
Pizzeria Piccola
Go inside and order a personal pizza and then grab a picnic table on a patio nestled between two classic brick buildings and strung overhead with lights. You won’t be able to resist the old world charm of this location.
Milwaukee Dog Lovers 