If you’re ready for a fun doggy lunch date with your furry best friend, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve got a list of all the best dog-friendly restaurants, bars, and breweries in Richmond, VA. And we’ll give you a little insight into each one.
The world is becoming more and more dog-friendly—especially in the United States. Most of us treat our dogs like our children or best friends. And don’t you want to bring your best friend with you everywhere? I know I do! No worries… most restaurants are now providing pet-friendly seating.
In fact, there are tons of excellent restaurants, bars, and breweries throughout Richmond that will welcome your well-behaved pup onto their outdoor patio. Some restaurants will bring your dog a water bowl or even some treats. And some establishments will even have their own doggy menu just for your pup. Now, what dog wouldn’t love that?
And if you’re looking for other dog-friendly activities, we’ve got a list for that. There are plenty of great dog parks and off-leash areas in and around Richmond, VA, where your dog can play with other pups, get some fresh air and exercise, and you can meet other pet parents too.
And while you’re at it, don’t forget about finding the best local pet care possible for your sweet pup. Click here to enter your zip code, and we’ll help you find the best dog walkers, cat sitters, pet groomers, and more in Richmond.
Now, if you’re ready to hear about the tastiest and dog-friendliest places in town… let’s get onto the list!
The 10 Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants, Breweries, and Bars in Richmond, VA:
- Alamo BBQ
- Boulevard Burger & Brew
- Bruster’s Real Ice Cream
- Burger Bach
- Carytown Burgers & Fries
- Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint
- Lilly Pad Cafe
- Sheppard Street Tavern
- Southern Railway Taphouse
- Urban Farmhouse Market & Cafe
Alamo BBQ — Union Hill
Alamo BBQ is a Texas-style barbeque restaurant with all of your favorite classic dishes. They are open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 am to 8 pm. And you can eat on their outdoor patio with your pup and your friends, or you can even order this food to go. While you’re here, you can enjoy dishes like jalapeno mac n cheese, alamo coleslaw, cornbread with honey butter, cowboy beans, beef brisket, pulled pork, pulled chicken, ribs, and more! If you’re craving barbeque, this is the place to go.
Boulevard Burger & Brew — Scott’s Addition Historic District
Boulevard Burger & Brew is open from Sunday through Thursday from 11 am to 9 pm and Friday through Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm. This dog-friendly restaurant and bar has a 1950s diner vibe with a massive assortment of burgers, hot dogs, grilled cheese, chicken sandwiches, and even veggie options. And don’t forget to add a milkshake to that meal! Or, if you want something a little stronger, try one of their house cocktails or even a “boozy shake.”
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream — Laurel
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream is a dog-friendly ice cream shop chain. They have a large, pet-friendly outdoor patio where your pup can not only join you while you enjoy your ice cream, but they even get their own! Your dog can get their own dog-friendly sundae with a doggy bone on the top. And of course, don’t forget to get yourself an ice cream, milkshake, or ice cream sundae.
Burger Bach — Carytown
Burger Bach is a New Zealand-influenced gastropub. This unique restaurant has a pet-friendly patio where your pup can join you for a decadent meal. This restaurant prides itself on using only high-quality ingredients and grass-fed meat.
And the second part of their name has a meaningful significance. “A Bach is a New Zealand term for a ‘holiday home’ where family and friends choose to vacation.” This restaurant wants everyone who comes here to feel like they are a part of the family. So bring your pup, friends, and family to enjoy some gourmet-style burgers and craft cocktails here on the patio.
Carytown Burgers & Fries — Carytown
Carytown Burgers & Fries is your classic burger joint. Burgers and fries are what they are known for, but you can also get one of their chicken sandwiches, one of their vegetarian options, appetizers, sides, and desserts. They have actually dubbed themselves to be the best burger and fries in town.
“Each one of our burgers is formed from a proprietary blend of chuck & top round sirloin and absolutely the most delicious in Richmond. Our delicious burgers are hand ground and hand formed into 1/3rd lb patties from fresh, never frozen meat sourced exclusively from Schweid & Sons.” And don’t forget… they have an outdoor pet-friendly patio so that you can bring your pup out to lunch with you and your friends.
Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint — Three Chopt
Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint is a dog-friendly burger joint. “Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint is the dream of two childhood best friends, Aaron Ludwig and Mike Sabin. While spending their youthful days skateboarding and collecting old beer cans, they often talked about opening their own bar.”
But these two made their dream a reality. After spending many years in the business and restaurant worlds, these two finally decided to bring this bar to life. “Aaron was really into craft beer, and Mike had served as chef of four restaurants. With their powers combined, a beer & burger joint was born!” And now you, your pup, and your friends can all enjoy hanging out at this neighborhood bar and restaurant, enjoying some high-quality burgers and brews.
Lilly Pad Cafe — Kingsland Marina
The Lilly Pad Cafe is Richmond’s only waterfront bar and restaurant. And guess what? They’re dog-friendly! You can enjoy great food, cold drinks, and live music… all on their outdoor patio with your furry best friend. This American-style restaurant is women-owned and located right off the James River. While you’re there, try out one of their hummus plates or chicken tender baskets as an appetizer. And for your entree, you can get a specialty burger, a sandwich or wrap, or one of their delicious brick oven pizzas. Yummm!
Sheppard Street Tavern — Museum District
Sheppard Street Tavern is a fun and casual dog-friendly neighborhood bar and restaurant. They have TVs all over with sports games playing day and night and sports memorabilia hung on the walls. And you can take advantage of their happy hour every Monday through Friday from 3 pm to 6 pm.
As for food, they have burgers, sandwiches, flatbreads, salads, and soups. Plus, your typical bar food appetizers like soft pretzels, wings, and tater tots. And they also offer a kid’s menu, plus a weekend brunch menu with things like shrimp & grits, steak & eggs, biscuits and gravy, and french toast! You and your dog will both love hanging out at this place.
Southern Railway Taphouse — Downtown
Southern Railway Taphouse is yet another superb dog-friendly restaurant and bar in Richmond, VA. This town sure loves its burgers and beers! Here, you can enjoy a variety of specialty burgers, plus pasta, wings, tacos, meatloaf, salmon, and much more. They serve 1/2 off apps on weekdays from 3 pm to 7 pm and brunch on Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm. And don’t forget to snag a brunch cocktail with your chicken biscuits, french toast, or chicken & grits.
Urban Farmhouse Market & Cafe — Downtown
The Urban Farmhouse Market & Cafe is an adorable cafe with tasty, healthy options and delicious coffee drinks! They use only the “freshest produce, dairy, and naturally raised meats, delivered daily.” Their cafe vibe is very cozy, rustic farmhouse. And the staff are very knowledgeable and friendly.
You can try some of their breakfast items like Virginia Country Ham & Cage-Free Eggs or a lunch sandwich like the Farmhouse Pimento Grilled Cheese with Crispy Bacon. “We offer a menu of fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients paired with a delicious selection of coffees, teas, and freshly made smoothies and juices.”