7 pet friendly restaurants in NYC: eating together

Travelling with your four-legged best friend? Good news: New York City is one of the most dog-friendly destinations in the world and its culinary scene is catching up fast. Far beyond a trend, exploring pet friendly restaurants in NYC has evolved into a full-blown lifestyle. Now, cafés and restaurants dish out full menus for pups, offer off-leash play zones and design environments that treat dogs like VIP guests.

Whether you're strolling SoHo’s charming lanes or diving into the electric café culture of the East Village, dining with your dog is not only feasible – it’s easier than you think. This guide highlights five of the best dog friendly restaurants in NYC, spotlighting pet-focused menus, dog-friendly interiors and health-department–approved indoor dog cafés. Here’s to memorable meals and plenty of happy tail wags.

A Greenwich Village institution, Judy Z’s isn’t just dog-accommodating – it actively celebrates canine guests and has become a local landmark in the dog friendly restaurants NYC scene. Its iconic ‘Furbaby Café’ menu offers dishes like Mutt-Loaf (lean beef, peas, carrots, rice and panko), The Grrrrrilla (grilled chicken with sweet potatoes and string beans), Saluki Tzu (Alaskan salmon with rice and veggies) and whimsical drinks such as Dog‑Pawrignon, Pooch Hooch and Fetchme Grigio.

The restaurant’s cavernous outdoor seating is designed for year-round comfort, with heating and overhead covers ensuring dogs and owners dine cosy no matter the season. With flat-screen sports TVs, lively trivia nights, open-mic comedy and brunch specials with cheeky names that are sure to get a chuckle, Judy Z’s mixes canine hospitality with creativity.

Customers rave about the cheerful staff and bedecked pup treats, making it a must-visit for dog-travellers craving an authentic NYC tavern vibe.

New York’s first indoor dog friendly cafe in NYC that's fully approved by the Department of Health, Boris & Horton is a canine community magnet. With locations in the East Village and Williamsburg, this café offers a leash-free zone where dogs roam amid pup-approved amenities such as photo booths, boutique treats and toys. At the same time, humans can enjoy espresso, pastries, beer and wine.

Frequent social events like dog birthday parties, trivia nights, pup portraits and adoption pop-ups make this more than a cafe: it's a hub for canine culture.

The dog-friendly layout, where pups are welcome in all seating areas, reflects its canine-first ethos, while its health department approval ensures peace of mind while dining. Whether you're settling in with a cappuccino or taking photos with your best friend, Boris & Horton is a top-tier pet friendly cafe in NYC. Travellers say it feels like a second home – even on your first visit.

Located just steps from Madison Square Garden, The Wilson elevates dining for dog-owners to downright luxe. This refined spot is known among the best dog friendly restaurants in NYC for its full dog menu. It boasts choices like 16-ounce steak, grilled chicken breast and even a mini burger, all paired with steamed vegetables. To finish, there’s the viral ‘pupsicle’ (frozen pumpkin, banana, peanut butter and yoghurt), mixed berries or a house biscuit, making it clear dogs are considered diners, not afterthoughts.

For humans, the culinary take is no less impressive – think seasonal, creative comfort food served in a sleek indoor-outdoor setting. The sidewalk patio is especially popular for a break from Chelsea’s bustle, offering space to sip wine, indulge in seafood or simply soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Service is known to be especially attentive to canine guests and the ambience makes it shine among pet friendly restaurants in NYC for those seeking a more sophisticated evening.

Looking for a relaxing brunch spot uptown? For those exploring the uptown side of Manhattan, Avoca is a hidden gem that seamlessly merges pet-friendliness with classic brunch culture. Located just blocks from Carl Schurz Park, this cosy spot features an intimate patio where dogs are not only allowed but genuinely welcomed.

Owners can indulge in bottomless mimosas, hearty egg dishes and freshly baked scones while their pups relax on plush dog beds provided by the staff. The ambience is relaxed and friendly, making it ideal for travellers seeking a quieter corner of NYC to unwind with their pets. As word has spread among local dog owners and travellers alike, Avoca has built a solid reputation as a brunch go-to in the Upper East Side’s growing pet-friendly scene.

Venture to Astoria and you’ll uncover Château le Woof – a café, grooming centre, boutique and off-leash play zone all rolled into one. It’s considered one of NYC’s most unique indoor dog-friendly restaurants and offers an unforgettable communal experience. At its heart is a full-service coffee bar and brunch menu, with pups running free in a supervised indoor play area, making it more of a canine playground.

It’s not just a place to sip your latte – it’s a full-on social experience. The café often hosts community events like adoption drives, dog yoga and breed-specific meetups. Even without a dog, many customers find entertainment in watching pups play while sipping single-origin coffee. It’s a social haven for dogs and humans alike – offering grooming, shopping and relaxation in one delightful package.

Shake Shack is a dog friendly café in NYC’s iconic Madison Square Park that blends iconic eats with dog-friendly hospitality. Located in one of Manhattan’s most beloved green spaces, this original Shake Shack location is not only famous for its mouthwatering burgers and crinkle-cut fries but also for its warm welcome to four-legged guests. After a stroll through the leafy paths of Madison Square Park, you and your pup can relax at the ample outdoor seating area, where dogs are not only allowed – they’re adored.

The specially crafted ‘Woof’ menu includes treats like the Pooch-ini, a delightful frozen dessert made with ShackBurger dog biscuits and vanilla custard. For take-home treats, there's the Bag O’Bones, a pouch of dog-friendly biscuits from local favourite Bocce’s Bakery.

It’s the perfect pit stop for travellers looking to share a classic New York experience with their canine companion. Whether you're planning a full afternoon in the park or just need a delicious break during your city adventures, Shake Shack offers a relaxed, pet-friendly vibe that both you and your dog will love.

For travellers seeking a slice of classic New York with their pup in tow, Veselka in the East Village offers a warm, dog-welcoming experience that blends old-school charm with modern pet-friendly sensibilities.

This legendary 24-hour Ukrainian diner has been serving comfort food since 1954, and while its pierogi and borscht are the main draw for hungry humans, its casual outdoor seating and accommodating staff make it a standout for dog owners exploring the city. Dogs are welcomed with water bowls, shade and friendly attention from staff and patrons alike – especially during warmer months when sidewalk seating is in full swing.

What sets Veselka apart for pet-loving travellers is its unbeatable location and authentic atmosphere. Situated near Tompkins Square Park – a neighbourhood hotspot with a dedicated dog run – it’s an ideal stop after a morning of off-leash play or people-watching in the East Village. Veselka offers something rare: a sense of place. It’s the kind of no-frills, reliably delicious spot where locals linger, stories are shared over plates of stuffed cabbage and dogs doze under the table as the city moves around them.

There’s never been a more exciting time to explore New York’s culinary landscape with your dog. Whether you're grabbing brunch in the East Village, sipping wine in Chelsea or spending a relaxed afternoon in Queens, NYC has a table waiting for you – and a bowl for your best friend. So leash up, dig in and make the most of New York’s booming dog‑friendly dining scene.