Which bars or restaurants are dog friendly in Milwaukee?
The weather is finally warming up, and it's time to enjoy summer patio season with your family — and that can include your dog.
Several Milwaukee-area restaurants and bars accommodate guests with dogs. More Americans are welcoming dogs into their families; 66% of U.S. households own a pet, according to the American Pet Product Association.
If you do decide to bring your dog with you, make sure to leash or restrain your pet. Even if your dog wouldn't hurt a fly, it's important to remember that not everyone is comfortable around dogs. Here's some basic rules to know before your next outing.
Can you bring your pet with you into a restaurant in Wisconsin?
Nope. Dogs aren't allowed inside of a restaurant.
There are some exceptions:
Patrol dogs accompanying police or security officers
Service animals with a disabled employee or person in areas where food isn't prepared
Dogs in the common dining area of institutional care facilities like nursing homes, assisted living facilities, group homes, etc.
In areas that aren't used for food preparation, storage, sales or display where caged animals are located
Are dogs allowed in outdoor dining areas?
Yes, dogs are allowed in outdoor seating areas, but make sure you check with your local eatery beforehand. Every restaurant has different policies on whether animals are allowed.
Here are some rules you'll need to follow:
Dogs must stay in the outdoor dining area of a restaurant. They need to enter through a separate entrance to the outdoor space if one is available, and they can't walk through the interior restaurant.
Food shouldn't be served to pets in the outdoor dining areas of the restaurant. Water can be provided in single-use containers.
Dogs aren't allowed on chairs, seats, benches and tables.
If your dog pees or vomits, you should notify the restaurant staff to clean up the area.
What are some dog-friendly Milwaukee restaurants?
Here are a few options for dog-friendly restaurants with outdoor space you can visit this summer:
Head to a Milwaukee County Parks beer garden. Most are dog friendly; just make sure to clean up after your pup and that they're on a leash.
Colectivo Coffee has multiple locations throughout the city with outdoor patio space. To find a location, visit colectivocoffee.com.
If you're in the Third Ward, check out Riley's Sandwich Co. & Social House at 411 E Menomonee St. for a sandwich or salad.
You can also grab a drink and meal outside with your pup at the Wicked Hop, 345 N. Broadway, or Cafe Benelux, 346 N. Broadway.
Or head to Smoke Shack, 332 N. Milwaukee St., for one of their Pups & Pints dog-friendly happy hours and enjoy some BBQ and cocktails.
If you're in Riverwest, head to Art*Bar, 722 E. Burleigh St. Also in Riverwest, enjoy a drink at Black Husky Brewing, 909 E. Locust St, which is named after the owner's beloved husky Howler.
In Bayview, the Backyard, 2155 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., has a large patio to enjoy a drink with your dog.
How to keep your dog safe in public
If you're planning on bringing your dog to an outdoor patio this summer, here are some safety tips to consider:
Bring a water bowl so your dog can stay hydrated.
Feed and walk your dog before going to the restaurant.
Make sure your dog stays cool with access to shade and water.
Bring toys or treats to keep your dog busy.
Contact Alex Groth at agroth@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @grothalexandria.
RELATED: Dogs are welcome at the new Riley's Social House in the Third Ward
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Dog-friendly bars in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for summer 2023
