Best Pet-Friendly Restaurants In Minnesota
While the FDA prohibits pets from being allowed inside U.S. restaurants, there are plenty of places that still cater to your non-human friends. If it is truly important for you to have your pet by your side, service pets cannot be banned from restaurants. This means more than just seeing-eye dogs. You can roll in with a snake on your arm and say it helps with your agoraphobia or with your pet rabbit because you feel clinically depressed without him/her. You don't even have to carry any papers to prove it. Of course, it is still nice to be respectful of other guests. Either way, check out these pet-welcoming local restaurants.
Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar
308 E. Prince St.
St. Paul, MN 55101
(651) 228-9274
www.blackdogstpaul.com
Lowertown is one of the most dog-friendly neighborhoods in the Twin Cities, and the aptly named Black Dog welcomes your pets on its outdoor patio. Providing water and often treats for dogs, the open area is perfect for a bite to eat, cup of coffee, glass of wine or beer with your little friends hanging out by your side.
Psycho Suzi's Motor Lounge
1900 Marshall St. N.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55418
(612) 788-9069
www.psychosuzis.com
Take your dog with you to paradise and relax on Psycho Suzi's expansive patio on the river. It's large enough so those who don't like dogs can sit far removed, but perfect for you to enjoy some snacks and rum drinks with Fido at your feet. The patio, with its close proximity to the river, is a perfect blend of tiki kitsch and Minnesota nature that your dog is sure to appreciate as much as you do.
W.A. Frost
374 Selby Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55102
(651) 224-5715
www.wafrost.com
Is your pup a little more high class? Not just any old restaurant will do. One of the finest patios in St. Paul welcomes your furry companions, and its refined elegance is sure to please your dog's more delicate sensibilities. You don't have to be relegated to noisy outdoor patios just because you don't want to leave your pet at home. W.A. Frost understands the importance of these friends, and welcomes them with the same quality of service we get as humans.
Sandcastle
4955 W. Lake Nokomis Parkway
Minneapolis, MN 55417
(612) 722-5550
www.sandcastlempls.com
While this restaurant is only open usually April through October, it is an ideal place to bring your pet. Right on Lake Nokomis, where your dog can dip in the water and run around a bit enjoying the beautiful scenery as much as an human could, you can pop over and grab a bite to eat and fill your stomach without having to worry about Fifi getting left behind. It's a great place to spend the day with your dog, friends, family and fill your stomach with great eats all at the same time.
Pizzeria Lola
5557 Xerxes Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55410
(612) 424-8338
www.pizzerialola.com
Pizza and puppies come together at this artisan pizza shop. The name, Lola, comes from owner Ann Kim's dog (just watch the video on the website). Lola is incredibly sweet and she makes sure that other pups are treated right as well. Order a large, delicious pizza (maybe something that wouldn't upset your friend's stomach too much if you might want to share), and relax with your pet by your side. Dog lovers are sure to appreciate the love that dogs get here.
Adrian Schramm is a resident Saint Paul writer with a passion for all things local. Through his work with Saint Paul Almanac and Minneapolis Examiner at Examiner.com, as well as in the kitchens of bars and restaurants around town, he has discovered what truly makes the Twin Cities tick.
