It can be so hard when you’re getting ready to go out for dinner, and you turn and see your dog’s big, sad eyes pleading with you. How do you say no to that face? Fortunately, you don’t have to because Maryland is such a dog-friendly state. In addition to fun outdoor activities, there are plenty of restaurants that have started opening their doors to our canine companions.
Don’t worry! We’ve put together a list of restaurants that welcome dogs. Plus, we’ve done our best to help you support small businesses by finding locally-owned restaurants that have reserved seating or a dog-friendly patio. Stop into one of these establishments after a walk or for a special event like your dog’s gotcha day. You might find a new favorite eatery and a fun new tradition to enjoy with your dog.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants
Naughty Dogs, 2306 East Churchill Road, Bel Air - Naughty Dogs specializes in from-scratch cooking and has a relaxed pub-like atmosphere. They have a menu of delicious fresh favorites, like chicken tenders, sandwiches and wraps, and of course, crab cakes. They have an enclosed patio and welcome diners and their dogs to step outside to one of their 6 pet-friendly tables. Your pup can enjoy ice-cold water and a plain hot dog, while you fill up on crab cakes or a Philly cheesesteak and a white peach sangria.
Bushmill Tavern, 4017 Philadelphia Rd, Abingdon - Bushmill Tavern is a locally owned eatery that offers a little spin on tavern classics like their delicious duck-fat fries. This spot features a very relaxed atmosphere and a totally welcoming environment for our four-legged friends. There are 8 pet-friendly tables if you and your dog have a craving for a burger.
Vagabond Sandwich Company, 111 Thomas St, Bel Air - This locally owned sandwich shop is named in honor of the owner’s grandmother Nancy, whose house was a popular stop for wayward travelers. Vagabond Sandwich Shop features a light-hearted atmosphere in addition to an extensive sandwich menu. Stop in with your dog and have a seat at one of their 10 dog-friendly tables. Order your dog some plain grilled chicken strips from the kid’s menu, or slip them a little pastrami under the table. Shh! We won’t tell!
Sunny Day Cafe, 101 S Main St, Bel Air - Feeling like a delicious breakfast on a beautiful day? Pop into the Sunny Day Cafe. You and your dog can sit on the patio and soak in the fresh air while you enjoy a peaceful breakfast or lunch. They even feature a special menu just for dogs, so your dog can enjoy a delicious brunch too.
Pairings Bistro, 2105 Laurel Bush Rd, Bel Air - If you are looking for more upscale dining, stop into Pairings Bistro. They serve a mixture of Mediterranean and Belgian cuisine and a selection of carefully curated wines. You can enjoy an elegant evening out on their dog-friendly patio, and enjoy a meal that has been carefully paired with the perfect wine.
Richard’s Fish and Crabs, 2201 E Churchill Rd, Bel Air - What would a Maryland restaurant list be without seafood? Richard’s Fish and Crabs is a father/son establishment that supports local watermen. Father and son built the business from the ground up, expanding from a refrigerated unit to a fish market, steam room, and lunch stand. Enjoy some steamed crabs at one of their dog-friendly picnic tables. Don’t forget to slip some clam strips to your dog while you sample the fried oyster platter.
Savona, 2 N Main St, Bel Air - If you are craving a good panini, step into this Italian delicatessen. Their menu is pared down and features paninis, wraps, salads, and cheese and charcuterie boards. You can treat yourself to a glass of Italian or Australian wine while you enjoy a leisurely lunch. Pick up some extra meat and cheese to enjoy at home, or eat it there. Oh! And don’t forget to get a cheese board to share with your dog at one of their 4 dog-friendly tables.
Flavor Cupcakery, 118 N Tollgate Rd, Bel Air - If you’re craving dessert, stop into Flavor Cupcakery. Their cupcakes are so delicious they were a winner of Cupcake Wars episode on the Food Network! But they don’t just stop at cupcakes. Try one of their Macarons, Whoopie Pies, or Cake Pops. They have dog-friendly seating located outside so you can enjoy an award-winning cupcake with your canine companion. But make sure to bring a biscuit so you can treat your dog too.
Independent Brewing Company, 418 N Main St, Bel Air - You know we couldn't share dog-friendly restaurants in Bel Air, MD without highlighting Independent Brewing Company! One of Bel Airs most popular dog-friendly spots, IBCo has a large taproom and patio. It's really the perfect hangout for bikers, families, and dogs. With 26 rotating taps of artisanal ales and cider, you are bound to find something that you like! But don't worry, a variety of food trucks stop on by so that you have something to munch on as you sip your tasty beer. If you're still not convinced, they even host Yoga every Sunday morning! They call it Bend & Brew - get it? Needless to say, this is a must-do in Bel Air!
AleCraft Brewery, 319 S Main St, Bel Air - If you enjoy local beers, stop at AleCraft Brewery. They have a selection of 10 beers on tap, and they rotate their selection so there’s always something new to try. Well-behaved dogs are welcome inside as well as on the patio. While they don’t make food there, they have a partnership with the Birds Nest Barbeque which will deliver food to the brewery for you. You can even place your order with the bartender and have the food added to your tab!
Have you visited any of these Bel Air eateries? We’d love to hear your thoughts.
P.S. Have a dog-friendly Bel Air locale not shared here? Let us know in the comments!
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