One of the main reasons we chose Portland, OR as our west coast base was due to the massive amount of dog friendly coffee shops, bars, restaurants, wineries, boutiques…and the list goes on. After traveling with the dogs pretty extensively west of the Rockies, I can confidently say that no state will welcome your dog in quite as many places.
This is by no means an extensive list, but I’ve pulled together my favorite places that don’t mind my massive dogs’ tails endangering every drink within 5 feet of them.
BARS
- Cellar Dog: The best dog centered bar in Portland! Dogs are allowed indoor and outdoor at their Milwaukie location and the majority of the wines donate proceeds to dog, women, and LGBTQ organizations. Plus the owners and their resident pups are amazing!
- The Garrison: Our local haunt in St Johns, dogs allowed indoors (pre-COVID) and on the patio next to the fire pit. Usually quite a few dogs there so also a great option if you just want to pet more dogs. Great cocktails and tons of food options to pick from.
- Leisure Public House: Leisure became even more dog friendly once the pandemic forced all seating outside. Make sure to get there early as tons of regulars (dogs and people) like to settle in for hours!
- Victoria Bar: Even pre-pandemic, Victoria had one of the best heated patios for yappy hour in town. Now they’ve extended their covered tables to the street for even more options. With fun drink specials like Butterbeer and vegan brunches, you can’t go wrong.
- Someday: After working in some of the best bars in Portland and NYC, the lovely owners opened up Someday just 2 months before the pandemic hit. Fortunately, the covered patio allowed them to continue serving interesting wine and old school cocktails. Dogs are welcome and there are multiple food carts to choose from. The owners recently got a little bar pup, Sir, to add to the mix!
- The Rambler: This is the location where Henry got his first hangover…just kidding, but it was his first Portland bar. Located in North Portland on Mississippi alongside many other dog friendly bars.
COFFEE SHOPS
- Java Hound: A coffee shop in a pet store?! What more could you ask? Get your morning started with a treat for both you and the dogs. Pick up dog food and any missing treats while getting your caffeine fix.
- Cathedral Coffee: The boys and I regularly walk to Cathedral on the weekends for a cold brew and a cappuccino. The friendliest staff will tempt you with house baked fold overs, vegan donuts, and muffins suitable for every time of allergy. Sip your brew with your pup on the large patio, maintaining the required 6 foot distance.
RESTAURANTS
- G Love: GO HERE. This is hands down some of the best food I’ve ever had in my life and they welcome dogs on their sprawling patio. Don’t let the “reverse steakhouse” concept scare away any meat eaters in your group. We’ve taken all of our visitors here and everyone loves it.
- Decibel Drinks: Some of the most delicious nachos in Portland, they pair perfectly with balanced cocktails. I’ve only eaten on the patio with Henry but the indoor dining room is filled with all kinds of records and equipment to keep you entertained all evening.
- Parkside: The closest we’ve found to the feeling of a British local, Parkside serves comforting food with top notch PNW ingredients. They recently set up covered pods to extend their pup approved seating.
- Dimo’s Apizza: A new pizza player in town, Dimo’s is serving New Haven style pizza that I am literally always craving. They’ve already expanded their menu to include a brunch pop up with Taylor ham, egg, and cheese sandwiches – a staple for those who’ve lived in the NYC tri-state area.
We’ll keep adding to the list as we continue to explore!
JULES & THE DROOLERS 