In Washington, DC, dogs get presidential treatment when dining at its many pet-friendly restaurants. No Secret Service is needed to get them inside because these restaurants carved out designated spaces for them to relax while you enjoy food ranging from casual cafes, trendy eateries, and chef-designed dining experiences.

Washington, DC, will always have your vote for favorite places to eat with your pet since there’s something for everyone’s taste.

Atxondo

Although established in 2020, Atxondo is a pet-friendly restaurant that’s been long in the making. Its head chef, Rufino Bautista, gained experience training under chefs and working in a prestigious DC restaurant before setting off on his own. Now, all that experience culminates in one of the area’s best Spanish restaurants.

Authentic tastes from Northern Spain’s Basque region are expertly prepared in the kitchen at Atxondo. It creates an exquisite dining experience in a casual setting with favorites like seafood paella, grilled octopus, Spanish risotto, and gambas al ajillo. It also has several pinchos (or regional tapas) for sharing amongst large groups.

Atxondo is open from Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner only. Pets are allowed on the outdoor covered patio, with heat lamps to warm the space. Happy hour is a popular time to visit with specialty cocktails made with Spanish gin and other imported spirits.

Amenities and More: Latinx-owned, Takes Reservations, Accepts Apple Pay, Vegan Options, Waiter Service, Happy Hour Specials, Wheelchair Accessible

Address: 4724 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20011

La Tejana

To many, breakfast tacos are a necessity of life. And thanks to La Tejana, you don’t have to live without them. It recreates everything you love about these Mexican-style eateries, from the food to the street-side dining. It started as a pop-up restaurant when it first opened in 2020 but now enjoys a storefront right in the heart of Mt. Pleasant.

Heads up—weekends are always busy at La Tejana! A line extends from the sidewalk order window, and it’ll be a dog fight to snag one of the patio tables. But with food this good, it’s worth putting yourself to the challenge, so bring your patience.

La Tejana opens early for breakfast at 7:30 AM. The kitchen is already busy before the sun comes up preparing its homemade tortillas. It specializes in breakfast tacos, each made from scratch and served individually or in sets of three or six. It has themed tacos like Two willie, Super Migas, La Choripapa, and el frijolito. Don’t forget your cup of salsa!

Amenities and More: Women-owned, Latinx-owned, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Credit Cards

Address: 3211 Mt. Pleasant St NW, Washington, DC 20010

Grand Duchess

There are plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from in the Adams Morgan district. However, Grand Duchess takes the cake when it comes to dog-friendly dining in Washington, DC. An elegant name for a restaurant becomes a hot spot for happy hour and nightlife crowds.

Avoid the crowds by treating you and your pet to an early dinner. You can listen to music from the retro jukebox audible on the outdoor patio and watch 18th St. come alive as the day winds down. Whether grabbing drinks at the bar or ordering your food tableside, you’ll have friendly servers and bartenders making sure your evening is all you hoped for.

Grand Duchess has several pub grub favorites like chicken tenders, grilled cheese paninis, avocado chicken salad, and even Philly cheesesteak empanadas. Snack on a plate of gnocchi or potato wedges seasoned with truffle and parmesan cheese.

Amenities and More: Heated Outdoor Seating, Waiter Service, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards

Address: 2337 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Present Company Public House

Just a few blocks from DC’s Chinatown, you’ll find Present company Public House, established in a former firehouse building. It’s a popular gathering place for those who like to be social and pets who enjoy compliments and friendly rubs from strangers.

Present Company Public House has multiple stories, but why waste a nice day inside? Pick a table on the heated patio with plenty of room, even for large groups. Chatter fills the space, and servers diligently wind between the tables, promptly delivering food and drink orders. Happy Hour is a popular time to eat at the restaurant, although many stay well into the dinner hours. So, come hungry to enjoy the good food it serves all night.

Diners can enjoy mixed cuisines catering to the diverse crowds who eat here. There are plenty of poultry options like Nashville Hot Chicken and chicken wings. Vegan eaters can enjoy a veggie burger or Vegan curry. It serves large portions, so don’t overstuff yourself.

In addition to food, Present Company Public House keeps the evening sociable with beer, wine, or mimosas during weekend brunch.

Amenities and More: Women-owned, Takes Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards, Many Vegetarian Options, Waiter Service, Wheelchair Accessible

Address: 438 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

Ahra Café

Morning dog walks before heading to work are the perfect time to stop by Ahra Cafe since it’s only open during the week from 7 AM to 2 PM. So, go for a quick bite with your pet tagging along, and its healthy food will be the boost you need to take on the week!

Ahra Cafe sits at the bottom of an office building, making it a frequent spot for DC’s busy politicians who need something tasty and fast. With enough visits, you and your pet will become familiar faces, and the servers will even remember your order. It’s one of the small service touches that make it a frequent, if not daily, breakfast and lunch spot.

If you’re impressed by the speedy service, wait till you taste the food. It makes each of its dishes with fresh ingredients to ensure quality flavor every time. It specializes in healthy bowls, salads, sandwiches, quesadillas, tacos, and soups. From the veggie-filled super bowl to the steaming curry rice bowl to the thick Reuben sandwich, it’s something you can look forward to every morning.

Amenities and More: Takes Reservations, Women-Owned, Asian-Owned, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wi-Fi

Address: 2020 K St. NW, Washington, DC 20006

Nina May

The trendy Logan Circle neighborhood is fun to explore on foot with your pet. Amongst the boutique shops and brownstones, you encounter the Nina May restaurant. The casual outdoor patio looks almost too comfortable to walk past, so it’s worth giving the paws a rest and enjoying a bite to eat.

Nina May fits right into the neighborhood with its contemporary American cuisine attracting DC’s hippest brunch crowds and pet owners. The patio is a spacious area shaded by giant umbrellas, or you can sit out and enjoy the sun. Servers do the honor of taking your order and serving your food hot and ready to eat.

Brunch is only available during the weekend, but the dinner menu is served daily except when it closes on Monday. Everything you see is curated by the restaurant’s head chef, providing a unique dinner for pet-owning foodies. Its eclectic bites include entrees like Lemon & Thyme Roasted Pennsylvania Chicken, Heirloom Carrot and Brown Butter Cavatelli, and Fricassee of Maryland Farmed Mushrooms.

For an even more exclusive dining option, order the Chef’s Choice for a hand-selected multi-course meal taking you through a culinary journey from appetizer to dessert.

Amenities and More: Takes Reservations, Vegan Options, Accepts Credit Cards, Waiter Service, Wheelchair Accessible, Happy Hour Specials

Address: 1337 11th St. NW, Washington DC, 20001

Sudhouse

The atmosphere at Sudhouse is drastically different depending on what time you come. Plan to arrive in the late afternoon when it first opens for the day, and you’ll have the best chance at one of its patio tables. Because the later it gets, the more crowds you can expect until it transforms into an all-out bar scene closing as late as 3 AM on the weekends.

Don’t let the endless flow of drinks overshadow the quality food you can get here. And amongst the crowd, there are always a few pets that join their owners on the patio tables. So, grab a seat before the tables clear out to make room for the nightlife party.

Sudhouse has food for all appetites. It serves finger foods if you need something light. Alternatively, make it an entire meal with traditional American bar food favorites like fish tacos, pulled pork sliders, chicken tenders, or chicken avocado wraps. It’s even open on Sunday when it has price specials on its wings to fill up your basket.

Amenities and More: Covered Outdoor Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Waiter Service, Free Wi-Fi, Accepts Credit Cards, Happy Hour Specials

Address: 1340 U St. NW, Washington, DC 20009

RASA

Everybody comes outside when the weather is nice in Washington, DC. If your pet has been cooped in the house for too long, head out to Mt Vernon Triangle to eat together at RASA. This vibrant restaurant will brighten your day even more with its colorful bowls and decor to match.

Ever been to Chipotle? Well, RASA is the exact same, except bringing the rich flavors of India to its food line. Customers follow their server while customizing their Indian food bowl with protein, vegetables, sauce, and more. You did it right if it comes out as colorful as their logo hanging above their storefront. There are even options for vegan and alternative dietary needs.

RASA has a beautiful outdoor seating area in front. It rolls up its garage-style storefront door and lets the seasoned smell of curry and tikka waft all the way to the seats on the opposite side of the sidewalk. Now that’s an experience worth taking a sip of a refreshing Taj Mahal Beer.

Amenities and More: Vegan Options, Accepts Apple Pay, Accepts Credit Cards, Free Wi-Fi, Wheelchair Accessible

Address: 485 K St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Carving Room NoMa

It’s not deja vu that you’re experiencing when stepping inside the Carving Room NoMa. In fact, many people have already seen it on the Food Network when it was featured On Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives with Guy Fieri. But even if you don’t have your own show, you and your pet will get the same celebrity treatment as you’re served incredible food from its Mediterranean-inspired menu.

The outdoor patio is kept in tip-top shape, so you won’t even know that countless pets came before you. And make sure to keep their fur groomed because you never know when the cameras will be back here again and give your pet its 15 seconds of fame.

But the true star of the experience is the food that needs no introduction. It’s famous for its flatbread creations, topped with ingredients like pork and sausages made from brisket ground in-house. No lighter is needed when you order the classic cigars—a fried spring roll dish filled with Moroccan meat. It also has small bites like skewers and salads.

Amenities and More: Takes Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards, Waiter Service, Happy Hour Specials, Wheelchair Accessible

Address: 140 M St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Residents Café and Bar

People and pets from all over the world visit Washington, DC. Residents Cafe and Bar has created a menu inspired by global cuisines to cater to these globetrotting pets.

Pets owners won’t be alone trying to snag one of the coveted outdoor patio seats because it’s everyone’s favorite. However, reservations can ensure you and your pet gets accommodated when you arrive. Relaxing lounge music serrated the patio that might lull your furry brunch date to sleep, leaving you to eat in peace. The decor is so nice you’ll actually want to become a resident here. Whether coming for the weekend brunch or enjoying an evening dinner, the stylish space will impress you almost as much as the food.

Residents Cafe and Bar has new-age brunch specials like smashed avocado toast and seasoned Turkish eggs. Dinner entrees include charred octopus, carbonara pasta, lamb rags cavatelli, and other dishes you’ll rush to snap photos of before clearing your plate.

Amenities and More: Takes Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards, Vegan Options, Waiter Service, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wi-Fi

Address: 1306 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20036