These dog-friendly patios at Des Moines restaurants, breweries make dining with pets easy

You don’t have to leave your four-legged family member behind when you’re dining in Des Moines. Across the Des Moines metro are restaurants with dog-friendly patios perfect for an al fresco experience during the warm-weather months.

Restaurants in Iowa that allow dogs on their outdoor patios must establish rules that include your pet remaining leashed and having a separate entrance to the patio space, per Iowa code.

Here are just some of the places (listed alphabetically) where you can grab a drink or a dish and bring your dog along.

Want to see your restaurant or bar included on this list? Email iowaconnect@gannett.com with details for consideration.

515 Brewing Company, Clive

Well-behaved pets are welcome, says 515 Brewing’s website — just be sure to enter and exit via the patio gate. The brewery is located along the Clive Greenbelt Trail, a paved surface of about 11 miles in length, according to Clive’s parks and recreation department. Established in 2013, this brewery is a Great American Beer Festival winner, in which industry professionals blind taste beers to award drinks across different categories, according to the Brewers Association.

Where: 7700 University Ave., Clive

Big Grove Brewery, Des Moines (Sherman Hill)

Enjoy views of the downtown Des Moines skyline at Big Grove Brewery’s 12,000-square-foot patio. The eastern Iowa brewery expanded to Des Moines and opened in 2022, treating Sherman Hill residents to another spot for craft beers and tasty eats. Dogs at the brewery’s patio must be well-behaved, according to Big Grove’s website.

Where: 555 17th St., Des Moines

Confluence Brewing Co., Des Moines

This award-winning brewery is near Gray’s Lake in Des Moines, making it the perfect spot for a drink for those walking the Meredith Trail or spending time at the park. Keep an eye out for Confluence’s event schedule to track when food trucks will be at the brewery.

Where: 1235 Thomas Beck Road, Des Moines

Either/Or, Des Moines

It’s fitting that diners can sit inside or outdoors at a restaurant with a name like Either/Or. This Des Moines eatery describes itself as serving elevated American fare serving lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Opened in 2023, Either/Or transformed a former auto parts store into a stylish spot with a large outdoor area that features plenty of seating and a playground for children.

Where: 6222 Grand Ave., Des Moines

Gilroy’s, West Des Moines

Catch lunch, dinner or weekend brunch at Gilroy’s Kitchen + Pub + Patio, which is approaching a decade of operation in West Des Moines. Find a menu of American staples — pastas, pizzas, burgers and more — and a large patio that often hosts live music.

Where: 1238 Eighth St., West Des Moines

Lua Brewing, Des Moines (Sherman Hill)

This 6,200-square-foot restaurant and brewery joined the Sherman Hill neighborhood in Des Moines in 2019, treating guests to sours, a line of THC-infused seltzers, burgers and plenty of plates you can share with your party.

Where: 1525 High St., Des Moines

Paws & Pints, Des Moines

Paws & Pints offers Des Moines dog owners everything they need to meet their pets needs in one location, including lodging for their pup, access to a dog park, grooming and for the humans, the restaurant Your Best Friend’s Bar. Bonus, your dog can enjoy a treat of their own from the Bonetique, which offers pet foods and other goods for dogs.

Where: 6218 Willowmere Drive, Des Moines

Peace Tree Brewing Co., Des Moines (East Village)

Stop for a drink with your dog in tow at Peace Tree Brewing Co. in the East Village. Peace Tree first-timers may want to order the brewery's Blonde Fatale Belgian-style blonde ale, which was voted winner of the 2023 Des Moines Register’s Beer Brackets, a competition that began with 64 beers.

Where: 317 E. Court Ave., Des Moines

Scenic Route Bakery, Des Moines (East Village)

Enjoy baked goods and sandwiches in the company of your fur baby at Scenic Route Bakery, the corner coffee shop and cafe that’s been part of the East Village for a decade.

Where: 350 E. Locust St., Suite 104, Des Moines

Sully’s Irish Pub, West Des Moines

This West Des Moines restaurant claims to be the oldest Irish bar in the Des Moines metro, opening in 1977. It is known for its bloody marys and chicken wings.

Where: 860 First St., West Des Moines

Paris Barraza is a trending and general assignment reporter at the Des Moines Register. Reach her at pbarraza@registermedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Dog-friendly patios in Des Moines to visit this summer