Where are the doggies dining in Florida?
In May of 2009 the Florida Legislature passed an amendemnt to the current doggie dining law (known in Tallahassee as the "DBPR/Dog Friendly Dining regulation") that removes the 2006 pilot project language and the sunset language and makes the doggie dining program permanent.
Florida residents: Need help convincing your city or county to consider this issue? Check out Now What? for info, tips and a sample letter you can send to motivate your local politicians.
Where doggie dining has been "approved"
Atlantic Beach
Status: Approved.
* Al's Pizza, 303 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach. 904-249-0002.
Boca Raton
Status: We haven't gotten word about an official doggie dining ordinance in this area, but readers advise us of the following pet friendly eateries:
* Dubliner in Mizner Park, 433 Plaza Real, Suite 355, Boca Raton. 561-620-2540.
Bradenton
Status: Approved.
* Bonni Bakes, in the Village of the Arts, Bradenton. 765-282-2687.
Clearwater
* Fish Tail Willys, US19 and Countryside Blvd., in the Countryside Village,
2543 Countryside Blvd., Clearwater. 727-791-4270.
Clearwater Beach
Status: We haven't gotten word about an official doggie dining ordinance in this area, but readers advise us of the following pet friendly eateries:
* Clearwater Wine Company, 483 Mandalay Ave., Clearwater Beach. 727-446-8805.
Cocoa Beach
Status: Approved.
* Shuckleberry Fin's Oyster Bar, 2 South Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach. 321-783-2401.
Coral Springs
Status: We do not have official confirmation from Broward County of a doggie dining ordinance, but readers tell us the following pet friendly eateries
* Buffalos, 5761 Coral Ridge Drive, Coral Springs, 954-757-4500.
* Several restaurants on what the locals call "The Walk at University" offer outdoor dining for doggies and their well-behaved humans.
Crystal River
Status: Approved.
Note: Veterinarian K.C. Nayfield, a constant advocate for the doggie dining idea, has been our point person for this issue in Crystal River and we are extremely appreciative for the updates. As a pet health expert, Dr. Nayfield says doggie dining does not pose a health threat like some would think. According to Dr. Nayfield, a restaurant patron is 1,000 times more likely to contract an illness from a food preparer, server or another diner than from a dog, because "most bacteria is unique to a species."
With that, here are a few area restaurants where you and your dog are welcome:
* Claw Daddy's Raw Bar & Grill, 1601 SE US Highway 19
Crystal River. 352-564-2529.
Davie
Status: We do not have official confirmation from Broward County of a doggie dining ordinance, but readers tell us the following allows doggie dining:
* San Francisco Burrito Co., 5187 S. University Drive, Davie. 954-680-4040.
Dunedin
Status: Approved.
* Chef John’s La Maison Gourmet, 471 Main Street, Dunedin. 727-736-3070.
* Eddie's Bar and Grill, 1283 Bayshore Blvd. (Alt 19, Dunedin. 727-734-2300.
* Cricketer's Pub, in the plaza corner Alternate 19 and Curlew Road,
2634 Bayshore Blvd., Dunedin. 727-736-1322.
* Sandbar Grill, 2602 Bayshore Blvd., Dunedin. 727-734-1962.
Estero
Status: We do not have official confirmation from Lee County of a doggie dining ordinance, but a reader tells us:
"Coconut Point Mall, a large outdoor mall in Estero, is pet friendly. There are several restaurants in it that are pet friendly as well."
Note: Does anyone have any information about which of the eateries allow dogs on their outdoor patios?
Fort Myers
We do not have official confirmation from Lee County of a doggie dining ordinance, but readers tell us the following restaurant allows pets on its outdoor patio:
* The French Connection Cafe, 2282 First Street, Fort Myers. 239-332-4443.
* The Morgan House Restaurant, 1415 Dean Street, Fort Myers. 239-337-3377.
Fort Pierce
Status: Once the City Commission agrees on wording of an ordinance, the following restaurants will be open for doggie dining:
* 12A Buoy, 22 Fisherman's Wharf, Fort Pierce. 772-672-4524.
* Archie's Sea Breeze, 401 South Ocean Drive, Fort Pierce. 772-461-3352.
* Poppy's Market Cafe, 3489 S US Highway 1, Fort Pierce. 772-971-2283.
Fort Walton Beach
Status: Approved. Restaurants wishing to participate must pay a $45 fee to the city.
* Tijuana Flats, 39 Eglin Parkway, NE, Fort Walton Beach. 850-301-0002. (Offers Yappy Hour on Thursdays.)
This restaurant is the host of Yappy Hour, a fundraising event for PAWS. The event was held prior to the ordinance discussion because no one had complained. Once the event became known, a complaint was filed and the restaurant had to stop. The ordinance has now been officially approved and the event will resume every Thursday between 7-9 p.m. Well-behaved dogs, at least 6 months old and current on shots, can come with well-behaved humans and share some biscuits and water. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to PAWS.
An interesting FYI to the businesses who think doggie dining would harm their bottom line, the owner of this restaurant has said her business climbed 48% over the year as of October, 2009 since she implemented doggie dining on her outdoor patio.
Harmony
Status: Approved. (Was the first city in Osceola County to approve doggie dining.)
Greenside’s Cafe Canine is the first in the county to receive their permit. Info and photos from their Cafe Canine at Photohound Urban Dog Blog.
High Springs
Status: Approved.
Sadly, restaurants must pay $100 fee for a permit.
*Floyds Diner, 615 NW Santa Fe Boulevard, High Springs, 386-454-5775.
*Great Outdoors Restaurant, 65 North Main Street, High Springs. 386-454-1288.
Indian Rocks Beach
Status: Approved.
Islamorada
We do not have official confirmation of a doggie dining ordinance in the Islamorada area, but readers tell us the following restaurant allows pets on its outdoor patio:
* Robbie’s Marina, located at mile marker 77, on the North end of Lower Matecumbe Key. A great dog friendly place with dockside dining, a sandy beach where dogs can play, and open air - and dog friendly - shops.
Jacksonville
Status: Approved.
Sadly, restaurants must pay $250 fee for a permit.
* Miss Daisy's Delights presents Mutts and Margaritas every Monday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Ole's Mexican Restaurant, 9921 Atlantic Blvd. Bring your dog and hang out with other dog people on the restaurant's patio.
Jacksonville Beach
Status: Approved. Restaurants must acquire permits from the city.
Juno Beach
We do not have official confirmation of a doggie dining ordinance in Juno Beach, but readers tell us the following restaurant allows pets on its outdoor patio:
* Thirsty Turtle, US 1 North of Donald Ross Road, Juno Beach. 561-627-8991.
* Hurricane Cafe, US 1 North of Donald Ross Road, Juno Beach. 561-630-2012.
Kissimmee
We do not have official confirmation of a doggie dining ordinance in Kissimmee, but readers tell us the following restaurant allows pets on its outdoor patio:
* Kool Katz Grill & Pub, 5770 W. Bronson Hwy., Kissimmee. 407-397-7328.
Lake Worth
We do not have official confirmation of a doggie dining ordinance in Palm Beach County, but readers tell us the following restaurants allow pets on their outdoor patios:
* Dave's Last Resort, 632 Lake Avenue, Lake Worth. 561-588-5208.
* South Shores Tavern & Patio Bar, 502 Lucerne Avenue, Lake Worth. 561-547-7656.
Madeira Beach
We do not have official confirmation from Pinellas County of a doggie dining ordinance, but we know the following restaurant allows pets on its outdoor patio:
Paris' Cafe, 14995 Gulf Blvd., Madeira Beach. 727-392-2789.
Malabar
The first week of November, 2007, this town became Brevard County's first community to approve doggie dining. According to an article in FloridaToday.com, the "Town of Malabar Dog Friendly Dining Program ordinance states that Canis lupus familiaris has been man's best friend since time immemorial."
Manatee County
Status: Approved.
Sadly, restaurants must pay $100 fee for a permit.
Editor's Note: Special kudos to FloridaPets.net reader Judy Neff, whose tireless efforts for several months were largely responsible for the approval of doggie dining in this area.
Martin County
We do not have official confirmation from the county of a doggie dining ordinance, but our readers tell us the following restaurants allow pets on their outdoor patios:
* East Ocean Bistro, 2661 SE Ocean Blvd., Stuart. 772-221-1815.
* Mary's Gourmet Kitchen, 1949 NE Ricou Terrace, Jensen Beach. 772-334-9488
* Monkey King Brewery & Floribbean Grill, 1725 SE Federal Highway,
Stuart. 772-463-5464.
* Pelican Cafe, 351 SW Flager Avenue, Stuart. 772-283-3133.
Melbourne
Status: Approved.
El Chico Mexican Restaurant, 1751 Evans Road, Melbourne. 321-722-4622.
Mustards Last Stand, 415 East New Haven Avenue, Melbourne. 321-951-3469.
Melbourne Beach
Status: Approved.
Miami Beach
Status: Approved.
Café Nuvo, 412 Espanola Way, Miami Beach. 305-534-5822.
China Grill, 404 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach. 305-534-2211.
Monroe County
We do not have official confirmation from the county of a doggie dining ordinance, but our readers tell us the following restaurants allow pets on their outdoor patios:
* Island Dogs Bar, 505 Front Street, Key West. 813-380-6996.
* Louie's Backyard, 700 Waddell Avenue, Key West. 305-294-1061.
Mount Dora
We do not have official confirmation from the town of a doggie dining ordinance, but our readers tell us the following restaurants allow pets on their outdoor patios:
* The Wine Den, 109 East 4th Avenue, Mount Dora. 352-735-5594.
Neptune Beach
Status: Approved. Restaurants must acquire permits from the city.
* Shelby’s Coffee Shop, 200 1st Street, Neptune Beach. 904-249-2922.
Ocala
Status: Approved.
Okaloosa
Status: Approved. Restaurants interested in participating may apply with the county for free permits.
Orlando
Status: Approved.
* 310 Park South,
301 E. Pine Street, Orlando. 1-407-373-0310.
* Also see Winter Park listings below.
Osceola County
Status: Approved.
Palm Beach County
Status: We haven't gotten word about an official doggie dining ordinance in this area, but readers advise us of the following pet friendly eateries:
* Spoto's Oyster Bar and Bluepoint Lounge, 4650 PGA Boulevard, Palm Beach Gardens. 561-776-9448.
* Habitat and Grill Cafe, US Hwy 1 & PGA Blvd., Palm Beach, Gardens. 561-622-0014.
Panama City Beach
Status: Approved.
Our readers tell us the following restaurants allows pets on their outdoor patios:
* Bootleg Barbecue
* Buffalo Wild Wings (BW3)
* Camille's Sidewalk Cafe
* Five Guys Famous Burgers & Fries
* Guglielmo's Italian Grill
* Guy Harvey's Grill
* Hofbrau Beer Garden
* Longhorn Steakhouse
* Marble Slab Creamery
* Panera Bread
* Quizno's Subs
* Red Brick Pizza
* Reggae J's Island Grill
* Salty Sue's Restaurant
* The Back Porch
Parkland
Status: We do not have official confirmation from Broward County of a doggie dining ordinance, but readers tell us the following pet friendly eateries in the Parkland area:
* Giovanni's Coal Fire Pizza, 7625 N State Rd. 7, Parkland. 954-345-9282.
* The Whale, 7619 N State Road 7, Parkland, 954-345-9190.
Pembroke Pines
Status: We do not have official confirmation from Broward County of a doggie dining ordinance, but our readers tell us the following restaurant allows pets on their outdoor patio:
* Brio Tuscan Grille, at The Shops at Pembroke Gardens, 14576 SW 5th Street, Pembroke Pines. 954-431-1341.
Punta Gorda
Status: Approved.
Sanford
We do not have official confirmation from Seminole County of a doggie dining ordinance, but our readers tell us the following restaurants allow pets on outdoor patios:
* 2 Blondes and a Shrimp, 1st Street in downtown Sanford.
* Hollerbach's Willow Tree Cafe, 205 E. First Street, Sanford.
Sarasota County
Status: Approved for the unincorporated areas of Sarasota County until 2014.
Sadly, restaurants have to pay $150 fee for a permit.
* Beckham's Osprey Grill, 1272 South Tamiami Trail, Osprey. 941-918-8900.
Sarasota (City, not County)
Status: Approved.
Sadly, restaurants have to pay $150 fee for a permit.
Siesta Key
* Old Salty Dog,
Siesta Key Village 5023 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key. 941-349-0158.
St. Augustine
Status: Approved.
* Hurricane Grill and Wings, 4255 A1A South, St Augustine. (904) 471-7120.
St. Augustine Beach
Status: Approved. There is a $25 permit fee.
St. Petersburg
Status: Approved. Call 727-893-7471 for appplication information.
Note: Special thanks to Mayor Rick Baker for getting the ball rolling to help St. Petersburg be the first city to make our list for considering the doggie dining issue.
* Buffy's So. Pitt BBQ, 3911 49th Street, N., St. Petersburg, 727-522-0088.
* Corned Beef Corner, 4040 Park Street N., St. Petersburg, 727-347-3921.
* Foxy's Cafe, 160 107th Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-363-3699.
* Frescos' Waterfront Bistro, 300 2nd Avenue NE, St. Petersburg, 727-894-4429.
* Savannah's Cafe, 1113 Central Avenue, St Petersburg, 727-388-4371.
Stuart
Status: Approved.
* Stuart’s Pelican Café, 351 SW Flager Avenue, Stuart. 772-283-3133.
Tampa
Status: Approved.
* Bagels Plus,2706 E. Fletcher Ave., Tampa, 813-971-9335.
* Bernini Restaurant, 1702 E. 7th Ave., Tampa, 813-248-0099.
* Bungalow, 2202 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 813-253-3663.
* Java and Cream, 225 E. Davis Blvd., Tampa, 813-254-8162.
* Mad Dogs & Englishmen, 4115 S. MacDil Ave., Tampa, 813-832-3037.
* Rick's Italian Cafe, 214 E. Davis Blvd., Tampa, 813-253-3310.
Tarpon Springs
We do not have official confirmation of a doggie dining ordinance here, but our readers tell us the following restaurants allow pets on outdoor patios:
* Costa's, 521 Athens St., Tarpon Springs, 727-938-6890.
* Mama's Greek Cuisine, 735 Dodecanese Blvd., #40, Tarpon Springs, 727-944-2888.
Treasure Island
Status: We haven't gotten word about an official doggie dining ordinance in this area, but readers advise us of the following pet friendly eateries:
* Foxy's Cafe, 160 107th Ave., Treasure Island. 727-363-3699.
One of our readers tells us a Yappy Hour is held here from 5 to 11 p.m. the last Saturday of every month.
Winter Park
* Brandywines Deli Restaurant, 505 N Park Avenue, Winter Park.
1-407-647-0055.
* Briarpatch, 252 N. Park Avenue Winter Park. 1-407-628-8651.
* Eola Wine Bar,
136 S Park Avenue, Winter Park. 1-407-647-9103.
* Luma on Park,
290 S Park Avenue, Winter Park. 1-407-599-4111.
*Palmano’s Expresso Bar, 331 S. Park Avenue, Winter Park.
1-407-647-7520.
* Panera Bread,
118 W Fairbanks Avenue, Winter Park. 1-407-645-3939.
* Park Plaza
307 S Park Avenue, Winter Park. 1-407-647-1072.
Note to our readers
We'll try and keep up with the cities and counties that consider and approve or reject ordinances to allow restaurants to apply for permits allowing dogs to join their humans in the outdoor dining areas, but we'll need your help. If you know of a city or county that is in process of discussing or has already established a doggie dining ordinance, and we've not listed it here, please drop us an email.
Also, it's our intention to also list here restaurants across the state that allow doggie dining - eventually - as we read or hear about them. So if you know of a pet friendly eatery, please let us know so we can add it here.
And, as always, if you see any errors in the information here, please
contact us immediately.
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