Dog Friendly Restaurants in Memphis

Slow-cooked barbecue meats and aromatic dry rubs can be smelled on every corner in Memphis. But this barbecue hub in the US has plenty more to offer than just grilled meat. So, leash up your pet and set off on a food tour of Memphis to discover its vibrant food scene that’s also friendly towards pets. From cultural dining ranging from Greek to Asian to notable locations that’ve won awards and featured on TV, it’s a city you don’t want to take a dog nap on.

Elwood’s Shack

An unassuming shack house found off I-40 holds Elwood’s Shack, one of the best pet-friendly restaurants in Memphis. From its bbq to its sandwiches to seafood dishes, something caters to everyone’s taste. The outdoor dining area has plenty of picnic seats for you and your pet to get settled in and enjoy some finger-licking food.

Elwood’s Shack is open daily, so you’ll quickly find your favorite time to visit. It’s open as early as 7 AM for a simple country breakfast, or swing by on the weekends for brunch. And you never know when you’ll come by for lunch and find live music entertainment.

Everything on the menu is made from scratch. The famous Memphis Style ribs slide off the bone when you pick them up. Brisket sandwiches start with tender pieces of brisket covered with barbecue sauce and put on a bun. The cooks make the popular trout tacos with fresh steelhead trout on a crunchy shell. The crab po’ boy, a southern classic, is best experienced with a side of Maytag blue cheese slaw.

Amenities and More:Offers Takeout, Vegan Options, Accepts Credit Card

Address:4523 Summer Ave., Memphis, TN 38122

Memphis Mojo Café

The Memphis Mojo Cafe draws a lot of inspiration from the city—a jazz-inspired logo and using only local ingredients for its food. It’s time for you and your pet to get your mojo back with comfort food worth wagging your tail about.

Get ready to taste some of the best burgers in Memphis. The simple Mojo Burger is always a go-to, whether you’re a first-time diner or you’ve been a frequent customer since it opened in 2014. For more exquisite burgers, imagine yourself sinking your canines into the melted gouda cheese and candied bacon on the smoked cheeseburger.

There are plenty of sides to join your burger. Crunch your way through the basket of Mojo tots or feel the flavors of the bite-sized Elvis dippers dancing on your taste buds.

Memphis Mojo Cafe treats you and your pet with southern hospitality. It has a pet-friendly outdoor dining space to sit in after ordering your food inside.

Amenities and More:Takes Reservations, Many Vegetarian Options, Accepts Apple Pay, Accepts Android Pay, Wheelchair Accessible, Offers Military Discount

Address:7124 Hwy 64 Ste. 101, Bartlett, TN 38133

Grecian Gourmet Taverna

Since Nashville has a replica of the Parthenon to showcase Greek architecture, Memphis introduces the Grecian Gourmet Taverna to spotlight the sensational flavors from Greece. This family-owned restaurant makes authentic Greek dishes a priority. It’s a laid back atmosphere where you and your pet will feel at home.

Located in the South Main Arts District, Grecian Gourmet Tavern brings pet-friendly dining to Downtown Memphis. The green awning hovering over the storefront also serves as the covered patio with tables accommodating pet owners. Don’t be surprised when your food arrives faster than you’re expecting! So, even restless pets can have a pleasant dining experience.

The menu is full of Greek and Mediterranean food staples, including Baklava, Moussaka, and Spanakopita—it’s an excellent time to try something new! For those craving more familiar tastes, the lamb gyros and large Greek salad are there to satisfy you.

Amenities and More:Women-owned, Takes Reservations, Accepts Apple Pay, Heated Outdoor Seating, Offers Military Discount

Address:412 S. Main St., Memphis, TN 38103

One & Only BBQ

One & Only BBQ is not alone anymore. Its famous Memphis-style barbecue has expanded its operations to two locations. Let your pet bask in the ambiance of the city’s best barbecue at the River Oaks location.

Not even the large glass windows can keep the mouth-watering scent of barbecue grilling in the kitchen. Don’t fall for their puppy eyes when watching you walk back to the table with platters full of incredible barbecue.

The smoky pulled chicken and barbecue sauce combination are a match made in heaven. Or order a half rack of dry rub ribs to keep your fingers from getting too saucy. As good as the meat is, there’s something about the fluffy Texas toast that melts in your mouth that’s always a meal highlight.

Don’t forget about dessert! One & Only sends you home with a smile on your face with a slice of homemade pecan pie. Ask for an extra fork because someone’s sure to ask for a bite.

Amenities and More:Offers Military Discount, Offers Takeout, Many Vegetarian Options, Wheelchair Accessible, Waiter Service

Address:1779 Kirby Pkwy Ste. 1A, Memphis, TN 38138

SideStreet Burgers

Memphis is just a 15-minute drive to the Tennessee-Mississippi border. The interstate adventure to eat the award-winning burgers at sideStreet Burgers will be worth it! And the best part is sharing the journey with your pet because they’re more than welcome when you reach your destination.

Pets will easily fit into the lively atmosphere on the front porch of SideStreet Burgers. Place your order, and Chef Mah will put his expert burger-making skills to work. Seasoned visitors know that the best way to wait for your food is with a brew right next door at the Mississippi Ale House.

SideStreet Burgers have burgers of all types—beef, turkey, the Mother Clucker, its popular chicken sandwich, and even spinach. The hearty burgers come with six ounces of seasoned meat that are still juicy after cooking.

It’s easy to settle on a burger, but the diverse menu will make you reconsider. You’ll get everything from Southern classics like the Blackened Shrimp Po’Boy to a Korean-inspired Fat Panda sandwich.

Amenities and More:Offers Takeout, Offers Military Discount, Accepts Android Pay, Accepts Apple Pay

Address:9199 Old Hwy 78, Olive Branch, MS 38654

Babalu

Tapas, tacos, and tail-waggers! A trio that always leads to a good night. Babalu specializes in Latin cuisine serving everything from gourmet tacos to Spanish-inspired tapas. This is one of the most eccentric restaurants in Memphis. It’s a venue setting its own trends with a bright teal blue paint job on the exterior, an industrial-style interior, and a pet-friendly outdoor patio.

However, no gimmicks are necessary because the quality of the food speaks earns its own reputation. Its menu is made fresh daily using locally sourced ingredients. And, of course, adding its own southern flair to each dish.

Order a set of four tacos served on a well-designed metal sheet, holding them right-size up to keep in the toppings. Order one of each to fill the rack—pork belly, redfish, duck, and veggie. The Baba Burger house specialty has an avocado surprise waiting when you bite into it.

The diversity of flavors doesn’t stop at the food. There’s also a full bar serving your favorite cocktails. The sangria flight will give you something new in every sip. Or make it a night to (ideally) remember with tequila shots.

Amenities and More:Offers Takeout, Many Vegetarian Options, Takes Reservations, Waiter Service, Full Bar, Wheelchair Accessible, Offers Military Discount

Address:2115 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38104

LUNCHBOXeats

Remember the days of opening your lunch box and trading snacks in the cafeteria for anything you didn’t like? Now, you can personalize your meal to get precisely what you want at the LUNCHBOXeats.

School is back in session at LUNCHBOXeats. Ordering inside is like standing in a classroom. Decide what to order from the menu scribbled on a chalkboard and see the large shelves lined with books and board games you’re welcome to play with. Once you get your food, it’s time for recess—go outside and enjoy your food on the pet-friendly patio!

You’ll feel tons of grade-school nostalgia at LUNCHBOXeats. Even the sandwich menu follows the school theme. Start your day in the Homeroom Chicken & Grits. If you’re hangry, discipline your taste buds with the Principals Office Link sandwich. Reward your belly with the Graduation Burger. Not to mention everything served on bright red cafeteria trays.

LUNCHBOXeats is in Downtown Memphis. It’s only a few blocks from the FedEx Forum, home of the Memphis Grizzlies, so the area is especially active to hang with your pet after eating on a game day.

Amenities and More:Takes Reservations, Vegan Options, Women-owned, Wheelchair Accessible

Address:288 S. 4th St., Memphis, TN 38126

Toms Barbecue

Memphis is one city where no one looks at you weirdly for craving barbecue food at 9 AM! While on your morning dog walk, detour at Toms Barbecue to settle your growling stomach.

The popularity of Toms Barbecue skyrocketed after being featured on the Food Network. However, it’s been a longtime favorite for the locals since 1982. It’s located in Oakhaven near the Memphis International Airport. Make it a must-visit, even if you’re only in town for a few days.

Toms Barbecue is a casual restaurant that allows pets in the inside dining hall. Be sure to check out its walls decorated with tons of archives and memorabilia recounting the past four decades.

Every hour is barbecue time at Toms. The saucy rib tips save you the precious time of having to chew around the bone. The stringy pulled pork sandwich is tender and juicy. Tag team the giant turkey leg—you eat the smoky meat and save the bone for your pet later.

Amenities and More:Offers Takeout, Vegan Options, Accepts Apple Pay, Offers Military Discount

Address:4087 Getwell Rd., Memphis, TN 38118

Tamboli’s Pasta & Pizza

Pasta and pizza are the cornerstones of Italian cuisine, and Tamboli’s has them both. Bring your ‘bella’ pet to the Memphis Farmers Market in Midtown for weekly specials on all your favorite Italian dishes.

The artwork-lined walls make Tamboli’s feel like an art gallery. But even these artistic creations can’t compare to the pizza masterpieces crafted in the kitchen. Grab your food inside and sit at the outdoor tables set beneath illuminated string lights. The mild Memphis evening weather is perfect for your pet to hang around for dinner.

The wood-fired cooking adds the perfect crisp to the crust. Grab a cheesy pie overflowing with pepperonis. See if you can handle the spicy Italian sausage pizza. Or even more spices on the Dancing Pigs BBQ Chicken Pizza covered with Memphis Buffalo Sauce. It even offers a vegan pizza made with dairy-free cheese. Homemade pasta dishes like the fettuccine Alfredo and shrimp pasta are also menu favorites.

Make your dinner even better with a glass of savory Sangiovese red Italian wine and a zoo mate gelato for dessert.

Amenities and More:Offers Military Discount, Offers Takeout, Vegan Options, Accepts Apple Pay, Accepts Android Pay, Happy Hour Specials, Wheelchair Accessible

Address:1761 Madison Ave., Memphis, TN 38104

Good Fortune

The 3-mile Memphis Riverwalk along the Mississippi River will tire even the most energetic pets. Rejuvenate your energy at the Good Fortune in Downtown Memphis, just a few paw steps from the riverwalk. You’re in luck because it’s pet-friendly, so your pet can rest and regain its energy too.

The back porch gives you and your pet a refreshing ambiance with a fan blowing above and the afternoon breeze. Wind down with one of the fine imported spirits from Thailand, India, and other Asian countries.

You’ve earned a good meal after completing the loop trail. You’ll get a sweet deal on the sweet and spicy GFC wings. Accent the fried shrimp dumplings flavor, prepared fresh daily, by dipping them in soy sauce. Vegans also have options like the Impossible Meat dumplings and the coco curry bowl, made with fried tofu.

If you’re lucky enough to have room for dessert, walk out with a matcha vanilla swirl inside a warm, chocolate-filled waffle cone.

Amenities and More:Latin-owned, Women-owned, Heated Outdoor Seating, Waiter Service, Vegan Options, Happy Hour Specials

Address:361 S. Main St., Memphis, TN 38103