The Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Chattanooga for You & Your Pup
Why, hello there, National Dog Day! Let’s celebrate the best way possible—by taking your dog out for a meal at one of Chattanooga’s best dog-friendly restaurants. Because honestly, if your dog isn’t living their best life with a biscuit on the side of your brunch plate, are you even doing National Dog Day right?
Chattanooga is full of fantastic spots where you and your pup can enjoy a meal together. Whether you’re craving BBQ, coffee, or a plate of biscuits smothered in gravy, there’s a patio with your name (and your dog’s name) on it. So grab the leash, load up the treat bag, and let’s dive into the best dog-friendly restaurants in Chattanooga where you and your four-legged bestie will be welcome.
The Rules of Dog-Friendly Dining
Before we get into where to go, let’s talk about the “how” of dog-friendly restaurants in Chattanooga. While plenty of spots love welcoming well-behaved pups, there are a few unspoken (and sometimes very spoken) rules to follow:
- Outdoor seating only – Unless your dog is a service animal, expect to dine outside. No sneaking your chihuahua into your purse and pretending they’re emotional support for your eggs benedict. (Nice try, though.)
- Leash up – Even the most well-behaved dog needs to stay on a leash. Nobody wants to see a Golden Retriever gallop across the patio and steal someone’s burger.
- No excessive barking – Your dog is adorable. We get it. But a barking match with the poodle two tables over? That’s a no-go.
- Don’t let your dog beg for food – Not from you, not from other diners, and certainly not from the table next to you where a toddler is mid-bite of their grilled cheese.
- Call ahead – Restaurants can change their pet policies, so it’s always a good idea to confirm before you go. No one wants to hype their dog up for an adventure only to get turned away at the door.
Top Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Chattanooga
Chattanooga is packed with spots that welcome you and your pup, making dining out with your dog easier than ever. Whether you’re in the mood for brunch, BBQ, or a cozy coffee shop, you’ll find a patio where your pup is just as welcome as you are. Some restaurants even go the extra mile, offering water bowls, special dog menus, or pup-friendly treats. Check out these top dog-friendly restaurants in Chattanooga and start planning your next outing with your four-legged bestie.
Milk and Honey – 135 N Market Street
Known for its legendary biscuits and handcrafted lattes. Plus, your pup can bask in all the attention from dog-loving brunch-goers.
The FEED Co. Table & Tavern – 201 W Main St
Farm-to-table goodness and a cozy outdoor space. Bonus: live music means your dog can enjoy the ambiance, too.
Hair of the Dog Pub – 334 Market St
A solid spot for craft beer and classic pub food. And let’s be real—this name alone earns it a place on this list.
Stir – 1444 Market St
If you love oysters and artisan cocktails, this is your place. And yes, your pup will be treated like royalty on the patio.
Tony’s Pasta Shop & Trattoria – 212 High St
Italian food, a cozy courtyard, and plenty of space for your dog to lounge while you carb-load on garlic bread.
Maple Street Biscuit Company – 407 Broad St and 2114 Gunbarrel Rd
Bonus points: They have a dog menu. Yes, your pup can place an order (well, you place it for them, but still).
The Ice Cream Show – 129 Walnut St
Not only can you get a massive variety of ice cream flavors, but your pup can get a creamy canine treat, too.
Wine Down – 9431 Bradmore Ln
Sip wine, enjoy delicious tapas, and let your pup soak up the sophisticated atmosphere. Because dogs deserve a little class, too.
Shane’s Rib Shack – 9448 Bradmore Ln
If your dog likes to watch you devour BBQ while pretending not to beg, this is the spot.
Local Goat New American Restaurant – 6108 Artesian Cr
Great burgers, great beer, and a great patio where your pup can people-watch to their heart’s content.
How to Decide If Your Dog is Ready for a Restaurant Adventure
Look, we all love our dogs. But not every pup is cut out for restaurant life. Before you leash up and head out, ask yourself:
🐶 Does my dog actually enjoy outings? – Some dogs love patio time. Others would rather stay home and nap in peace.
🐶 Is my dog well-behaved in public? – If your pup listens well, stays calm, and isn’t trying to steal fries from the next table, you’re golden.
🐶 Have I done a test run? – Try taking your dog somewhere low-key before committing to a full meal at a busy restaurant.
🐶 Do I have an exit plan? – If your dog gets overwhelmed or restless, be prepared to pack up and leave. It’s better to bail early than stress everyone out.
Dog Dining Etiquette: Be the Guest Restaurants Want to Keep
Taking your pup out to eat is a privilege, not a right—so let’s make sure dog-friendly restaurants stay, well, dog-friendly. The last thing we want is for a few bad experiences to turn restaurants off from welcoming our four-legged besties.
Being a courteous guest not only ensures you and your dog have a great time but also helps keep these spots open to pet owners in the future. Here’s how to be the kind of diner (and dog owner) that restaurants love:
🐾 Let your dog relieve themselves before arriving. Nothing kills the vibe faster than an “accident” on the patio.
🐾 Keep your pup close. Tying the leash to your chair and letting them wander under other tables? That’s a hard no, friend.
🐾 Watch the food situation. If a stranger offers your dog food, it’s okay to politely decline. Not all human food is safe for dogs.
🐾 Tip your server well. If the staff went out of their way to bring water, treats, or clean up after your pup, show some appreciation.
🐾 Know when to leave. If your dog is restless, barking, or just not having a good time, call it a day and try again another time.
Final Thoughts: Celebrate National Dog Day with a Meal Out
Chattanooga is packed with dog-friendly restaurants, making it easy to celebrate National Dog Day with your four-legged bestie by your side. Whether you’re grabbing brunch, sipping coffee, or indulging in BBQ, there’s a spot where your pup is more than welcome.
So, where are you and your dog headed first?
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Betsy Bird spends her days doing insane things to make animals look at her. Clearly, she’s desperate for attention. When she’s not acting like a total goofball, she’s mentoring photographers, teaching the business side of photography, wrangling teenagers, or hanging with Derby, the new puppy who is currently training to be the new office assistant (jury’s still out on whether “chewing cords” counts as professional development).
Betsy is an award-winning equine and pet photographer based in Chattanooga, TN, and the current President of PPETN and President-Elect of TNPPA. Ride the Sky Equine Photography serves clients across Tennessee, North Georgia, and beyond.