As a pet parent, one of the hardest things you have to do is leave your pup at home. You know the feeling. As you’re saying goodbye and heading out the door, they just stare up at you with those sad puppy dog eyes that say, “pretty please take me with you.”
Our pups tend to be our favorite companions. So, it only makes sense that we wish we could take our four-legged fur-children with us wherever we go.
If you’re the type of person that frequently asks, “Can my dog come too?” we have some good news for you. It turns out that you don’t always have to leave Fido at home when you’re in New York City. That’s right. There are tons of dog-friendly places in NYC that welcome both people and pets, alike.
Whether you’re looking to take a trip to the big apple and stay at a hotel, go shopping, grab a bite to eat, hit up happy hour, or find a fun activity, there’s a variety of places you can spend some quality time with your barking BFF. Check out some of our favorite dog-friendly places in NYC that both you and your pup will adore.
Dog-Friendly Activities
Bark At The Park
Wouldn’t it be awesome if you could take your dog to your favorite sporting events? Well, if you’re a fan of baseball, we have some good news. The New York Mets and the Brooklyn Cyclones both have special “Bark At The Park” days throughout the season where you can bring your pup to the ballpark. That’s right. The stadiums transform designated areas into dog-friendly zones where you and your woofer can watch the game side by side. Well-behaved dogs are also invited to participate in a dog parade on the field before the game.
Dog Beaches
Looking for the perfect spot to cool down during the dog days of summer? Then grab your pooch and make a splash at Prospect Park Dog Beach. Yep, as the name suggests, this is a special beach designated for your furry friend. Dog are allowed to be off-leash at certain hours of the day and the lake even has a water-deep fence to prevent your pooch from swimming out too far. If you’re interested in taking your dog to a sandy beach, you can bring your pup to many of the city’s beaches, including Manhattan Beach, Coney Island Beach, and Brighton Beach, during the off-season, which runs from October 1st through May 1st.
Parks and Dog Runs:
For a fun way to get some fresh air and exercise, take your pup to one of NYC’s dog parks. There are many doggy-dedicated spaces throughout the city where your canine companion can run around and socialize with other dogs. Some of our favorite dog parks include Central Park, Sirius Dog Run, Madison Square Dog Park, Hudson River Park Pier 84 Dog Run, Tompkins Square Dog Park, Hillside Dog Run, and Prospect Park.
Central Park and Prospect Park both have off-leash hours if you want to let your pup run free. Just make sure your dog is well-behaved and acclimated to city sounds. You don’t want your pup to get scared by a loud noise like sirens and take off. If you frequently let your dog off-leash in the park, it’s never a bad idea to use a tracking collar. Fi smart dog collars have built-in activity tracking and real-time GPS features as well as a battery that lasts for weeks. So, if your dog ever gets lost , you can quickly track them down and get them home safe.
Shopping:
Everyone knows that New York City has some of the best shopping. But did you know that it also has tons of dog-friendly stores? That’s right. Most of the big department stores, like Macy’s, Bloomingdales, and Nordstrom, and smaller retailers let your furry friend tag along on your shopping adventures. There’s also lots of cute pet boutiques, like Max Bone, Dog & Co., Zoomies and Zee.Dog, scattered around the city. So, both you and your pup can score some new fashionable digs.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants and Bars:
Barking Dog
This Upper East Side eatery is well-known for being a pup-friendly place. The restaurant serves up American fare that ranges from salads and sandwiches to classic comfort foods and excellent brunch dishes. Dogs are welcome to join their humans on the outdoor patio, which is fully enclosed and heated in the winter. Plus, they have dog treats on hand and a special canine water fountain in case your pup gets thirsty. The Barking Dog is located at 1678 3rd Avenue, New York, NY.
Boat Basin Cafe
If you’re looking to grab a bite and watch the sunset with your barking BFF on the Upper West Side, make your way over to Boat Basin Cafe. Located along the waterfront in Riverside Park, this outdoor restaurant is the perfect place to hang out with your dog during the warmer months of the year. You’ll find a menu full of American staples like nachos, wings, burgers, sandwiches and cold beer as well as beautiful views of the Hudson River. The Boat Basin Cafe is located at West 79th Street, New York, NY.
Boris & Horton
Situated in the East Village, Boris & Horton is one of the best dog-friendly cafes in the city. This cute coffee shop is split into two sides. There’s a “humans only” side that serves coffee and snacks by day followed by beer and wine at night. Then, on the other side, you'll find a dog-friendly cafe where your pup can run around off-leash and make lots of furiends. The dog side also has a mini pet shop, a barkery case full of tasty treats, and a doggy photo booth with props. Plus, this place frequently hosts trivia nights, dog meet-ups, and puppy parties. Seriously, what more could your dog want in life? Boris & Horton is located at 195 Avenue A, New York, NY.
D.B.A.
Are you looking to hit up happy hour with your hound? Then head over to D.B.A. in the East Village. This neighbor dive allows you to bring dogs inside the bar and outside on the backyard patio. D.B.A has a super dog-friendly vibe, and some of the bartenders are even known to dish out treats to their puppy patrons. The bar has a long rotating list of draft beers as well as an impressive selection of whiskey and tequila, so you really can’t go wrong with this spot. D.B.A is located at 41 1st Avenue, New York, NY.
Gemma
Tucked inside the Bowery Hotel, Gemma is an upscale Italian trattoria with a dog-friendly atmosphere. On the menu, you’ll find rustic Tuscan dishes like antipasti, pizza, pasta and more. According to some restaurant reviews, you can even order food for your pup off the menu and have it brought to them in a doggy bowl. Yeah, talk about giving your pooch the royal treatment. Gemma is located at 335 Bowery, New York, NY.
Gilligan’s
Located alongside the Soho Grand Hotel, this outdoor eatery is a pup-friendly paradise complete with Instagram-worthy palm trees, island vibes, and a happening bar scene. The menu offers all the warm weather essentials, like lobster rolls, seafood, rosé, and frozen watermelon margaritas. Since the restaurant is outside, it’s only open from May to the end of September. However, you can head inside the hotel to the Grand Bar and Lounge for dog-friendly dining year-round. Gilligan’s is located at 310 West Broadway, New York, NY.
Lucky Dog
Located in Williamsburg, this woof-friendly watering hole welcomes dogs of all sizes both inside the bar and outside in its backyard. This dive bar offers everything a dog lover could ever want, from games and affordable drinks to a fully enclosed outdoor patio that’s usually packed with pups. People often let their dogs off-leash to play with the other four-legged patrons, so it’s a great spot to socialize for both humans and hounds. Lucky Dog is located at 303 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY.
Shake Shack Madison Square Park
For some Fido-friendly fast food, check out Shake Shack in Madison Square Park. This burger joint has a special dog menu that includes the "poochini," a bowl of dog-friendly custard with biscuits and peanut butter, and the "bag-o-bones," a bag of biscuits baked in house. You’ll find lots of outdoor seating where you and your pup can dine side by side beneath twinkling string lights. Plus, this place is just steps away from the park’s dog run. Shake Shack is located inside Madison Square Park at Madison Avenue and East 23rd Street, New York, NY.
The Butcher’s Daughter
The Butcher’s Daughter is a plant-based restaurant and juice bar with an airy, boho vibe. They have several locations in New York City with outdoor dining where you can sit with your pup and enjoy smashed avocado toast, kale salad, and cold pressed juices. If you happen to share a cute photo of your dog at one of their locations, you might even make an appearance on their Instagram stories. The Butcher’s Daughter is located at 19 Kenmare Street, New York, NY, 581 Hudson Street, New York, NY, and 271 Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn, NY.
Dog-Friendly Hotels:
The Hoxton
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Brooklyn, The Hoxton in Williamsburg is an excellent hotel for hounds. The hotel allows you to have one pup that weighs up to 40 pounds per room, free of charge. At check-in, you’ll get everything you need to pamper your pooch including bowls, beds, leashes, a PAWLY first-aid kit, and poop bags. The Hoxton knows how important it is to keep your pup entertained, so they also provide you with an information packet that has a handpicked list of dog-friendly activities in the neighborhood. The Hoxton is located at 97 Wythe Avenue, Brooklyn, NY.
The Soho Grand
Located in the trendy Soho neighborhood, this chic hotel welcomes you to bring up to two canine guests of any size for no additional fee. The hotel takes dog-friendly to a whole new level by offering excellent amenities for your pooch such as organic treats from Bocce's Bakery, chew-toys, bedding, food and water bowls, and doggy bags. If that’s not enough to make your tail wag, they also have their very own private dog park right next to the hotel. Designed by Rebecca Cole, this beautiful dog park has everything from fire hydrant water stations and stylish benches to a gorgeous garden design. The park is open to hotel guest from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. The Soho Grand is located at 310 West Broadway, New York, NY.
W New York - Union Square
Located in a historical beaux arts-style building overlooking Union Square Park, the W New York Union Square has a P.A.W. (Pets Are Welcome) program that makes bringing your dog a breeze. The hotel allows you to bring one dog up to 40 pounds for a fee of $100 per stay, plus $25 per night. During your visit, your four-legged friend will enjoy puppy perks like W pet beds, toys, and turn-down treats. The hotel can also help you arrange pet services like walking or grooming and even get you a doggy birthday cake if you happen to be spending your pup’s special day in the city. In the park across the street, you’ll find a dog run as well as plenty of dog-friendly outdoor eating options, making this a convenient location for pet owners. The W New York is located at 201 Park Avenue South, New York, NY.
1 Hotel Central Park and Brooklyn Bridge
The 1 Hotel is a luxury 5-Star hotel that is both eco-friendly and dog-friendly. It has two New York City locations, one near Central Park and the other along the waterfront in Dumbo. Both places allow you to bring dogs of any size for no extra fee. Their pup loving staff will give you everything you need to make your pooch feel right at home including beds, bowls, treats, poop bags, and healthy food. Not to mention, lots of love and petting. The hotel's Concierge team will give you information about the best dog parks, pet stores, and grooming salons in the area. Plus, they can also help you arrange pet-sitting or walking services during your stay. The 1 Hotel is located at 1414 6th Avenue, New York, NY, and 60 Furman Street, Brooklyn, NY.
