The ‘City of Bridges’ will soon become the ‘City of Barks’ as Pittsburgh continues to make the city more pet-friendly. Pet-friendly restaurants can be found in many of Pittsburgh’s top districts—Downtown, the Strip District, Shadyside, etc. Now, your pet can tag along while you explore Pittsburgh because you’ll always be welcome somewhere when you’re ready for a bite to eat.

Pittsburgh has something to do for all pet types. Active pets can run around Riverview Dog Park, while lazy pets can hang out in pet-friendly beer gardens at local breweries. However, all dogs will enjoy the outdoor patios at these top local dog-friendly restaurants.

Dog Daze Café

Dog Daze Cafe is one of the most unique pet-friendly restaurants near Pittsburgh. It’s the latest addition to the BIG EASY Animal Hospital that gives you and your pet something to look forward to after their check-up.

Your pet deserves a treat after being a ‘good boy during their doctor’s visit. However, you don’t need an appointment to stop by the laid-back cafe catering to patrons with two and four legs. It has an elevated outdoor deck for eating next to your pet or letting them hang out in the dog daycare while you eat.

Tropical vibes come alive on the deck with live music and a menu inspired by Cuba. It opens as early as 6 AM to wake early risers up with Cuban toast and a cup of Joe decorated with dog art. Afternoon cafe-goers can enjoy the signature Cubano sandwich paired with pickles. Even dogs can get their cafe fix with pet-friendly popsicles.

Amenities and More: Accepts Apple Pay, Accepts Android Pay, Wheelchair Accessible

Address: 12 McCandless Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15201

Arepittas

Experience a taste of Latin America in the heart of Downtown Steel City. Arepittas serves its most famous dish, the arepa, and many other regional specialties, like empanadas and the pabellón criollo, the national dish of Venezuela.

The owners of Arepittas emigrated to the US via Venezuela and arrived with generation-long recipes from their homeland. The restaurant opened its doors in 2019 to make their country feel a bit closer with every bite.

The arepa is a traditional Venezuelan dish made with stuffing meat, beans, veggies, and other ingredients inside a tortilla. The sandwich meal makes it easy to take to go on a dog walk or enjoy it on the pet-friendly tables in front of the restaurant.

Arepittas serve many of the famous arepas hailing from the Latin country. You’ll find authentic styles on the menu—the arepa Reina pepiada and the arepa pabellón. You can also order the arepas as vegetarian or go with alternatives like the arepa vegan chorizo. And you can never have enough cilantro sauce to pour over your food.

Amenities and More: Latinx-owned, Many Vegetarian Options, Accepts Credit Cards

Address: 412 Cherry Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Istanbul Grille

Latin food isn’t the only international cuisine you’ll sniff out in Pittsburgh. Istanbul Grille is a Mediterranean restaurant with multiple locations, so you’re never too far of a dog walk away.

Istanbul Grille is open daily except on Tuesdays. Even before walking in, Istanbul Grille welcomes furry guests with water bowls outside. Sit on the outdoor patio space set in the shade of the downtown skyscrapers—quite a backdrop for a dinner date with your pet! Or check out the location in Regent Square for a quieter setting.

Everything is authentically Middle Eastern at Istanbul Grille, from the accents of the servers to the flavor-rich meals lining the menu. The tapas platter is excellent for sampling ten toppings to dip your pita bread into. Sample the various entrees with the mix grill—a hearty plate full of meat, vegetables, and rice that you can easily share.

With the large plates served at Istanbul Grille, you may need a doggie bag to go when you’re full.

Amenities and More: Vegan Options, Wheelchair Accessible, Waiter Service, Accepts Apple Pay, Accepts Android Pay

Address: 1103 S Braddock Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15218

The Coop Chicken and Waffles

Southern comfort food rolls into Pittsburgh on The Coop Chicken and Waffles food truck. It’s a food truck success story whose popularity landed it a new brick-and-mortar location in the Strip District.

The Coop food truck is the reason why the chicken crossed the road. Its award-winning recipes have attracted crowds of pet owners lining up to taste its signature chicken and waffles meals. Coat your juicy chicken tenders with the house hot sauce and drip sriracha maple syrup over the golden Belgian waffles. It also has specialty foods like the cinnamon roll waffle.

The Coop food truck looks like a chicken coop on wheels. And you don’t have to worry about your dog ruffling a few feathers because this coop welcomes pets. The food truck sets up in different locations around Brighton Heights, where you eat at nearby tables with your pet.

Amenities and More: Wheelchair Accessible, Many Vegetarian Options, Accepts Credit Cards, Accepts Apple Pay

Address: 401 E Ohio St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

The Pub in the Park

Bring your pup to The Pub in the Park! For more than two decades, this neighborhood Irish pub has brought the local community together with good food, entertainment, and a welcoming smile, even for pets that show up for mealtime.

Signs mark the dog-friendly patio at the Pub in the Park. This outdoor space is enclosed with a fence to keep all the fun (and pets) close by. In addition, it has waiter service to ensure you and your pet are well taken care of while eating.

Pub in the Park has traditional pub food favorites. Sinking your teeth in a juicy pub cheeseburger, stuff your mouth with bite-sized pierogis, indulge in a plate of fish tacos, or try the pub’s famous dumpster sauce on the chicken wings. There are more than 14 beers on draft.

There’s always something exciting happening down at the pub. It has activities like karaoke and trivia nights throughout the week. And it goes over the top for holidays such as St. Patty’s Day.

Amenities and More: Many Vegetarian Options, Wheelchair Accessible, Waiter Service, Pool Table, Full Bar, Happy Hour Specials,

Address: 7034 Blackhawk St, Swissvale, PA 15218

Di’Anoia’s Eatery

Di’Anoia’s Eatery is a familiar name in the Pittsburgh dining scene. The Pittsburgh Magazine named it one of the best restaurants in the city and featured on reader polls. Due to its popularity, diners spill out onto the sidewalk with expanded pet-friendly seating. Taste the Italian recipes that keep this restaurant high on the list for hungry pet owners.

The corner side location means you can approach Di’Anoia’s Eatery from either direction during your dog walk through the Strip District. It’s a family-owned restaurant that happily includes pets as part of the family. So, find an open table, take a seat, and your waiter will be right out to take your order.

The authentic Italian menu helped land Di’Anoia’s Eatery high on the list of favorite restaurants. It uses everything from homemade pasta to fresh bread made daily to craft meals worthy of its five-star ratings. Menu favorites include Gnocchi with meatballs, cacio e Pepe rigatoni, and a porchetta sandwich. And the best for last—a slice of tiramisu for dessert.

Amenities and More: Takes Reservations, Vegan Options, Heated Outdoor Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Full Bar, Waiter Service

Address: 2549 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Noodlehead

Your pet will be the one teaching you manners when you eat because it’s hard to resist slurping up the tasty noodles filling up the menu at Noodlehead. Experience Thai-style noodles ranging from street food favorites to more gourmet dishes, all in one place.

Noodlehead is open daily from noon until 10 PM, however, dinner is always the busiest time. Everybody has Thai food on the mind as you walk past occupied tables on the sidewalk dining space. But you won’t have to wait long before you get to sit and enjoy dinner with your pet.

Now is the perfect time to practice using chopsticks. It substitutes rice for noodles in many popular Thai dishes like pad Thai, Chiang Mai curry, and Kee Mao. Pinch your chopsticks together to pick up pieces of the juicy Thai fried chicken, or use your hands to dip your spring rolls in the side sesame sauce.

After so many noodle dishes, you’ll earn the rightful title of being a ‘Noodlehead’ yourself!

Amenities and More: Women-owned, Asian-owned, Many Vegetarian Options, Wheelchair Accessible, Waiter Service

Address: 242 S Highland Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206

Willow Station

Veer off PA-88, and you’ll arrive at Willow Station, one of the newest pet-friendly restaurants near Pittsburgh. It’s a one-stop shop for pet parents who want to eat and drink with their furry companions. It serves traditional American food in a bar setting that’s becoming a favorite for locals.

Willow Station invites pets to its cozy patio space—an enclosed deck with spacious seating accommodating pets of all sizes. Don’t mind getting comfortable with your pet because your friendly waiter will save you from making trips to the bar to order food and drinks.

Ask about daily specials on entrees, drinks, and desserts. Pair a bottle of local PA craft beer with a burger and tater tot basket, or mix up your favorite cocktail to wash down the homestyle grilled cheese and fries. The restaurant has healthier bar food, such as salads and daily vegetable specials.

Willow Station hosts live events on select nights for comedy shows and trivia nights.

Amenities and More: Covered Outdoor Seating, Waiter Service, Happy Hour Specials, Full Bar

Address: 3841 Willow Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15234

Hartwood Restaurant

Shh! Hardwood Restaurant is a unique library-themed restaurant that won’t give you any hush about bringing your pet along. It breaks all the rules for the library because food is allowed, and big groups are encouraged to take advantage of the charming back patio space.

Hartwood Restaurant creates a pub ambiance decorated with several bookshelves full of books to leaf through while waiting to eat. Pets have a special +1 invite to your group lunch plans, and the restaurant has space to accommodate everyone. It sets up large tables on the covered patio or individual tables if it’s just you and your pet.

You don’t have to sneak and eat your food inside the Hardwood Restaurant. Its chefs make it easy to enjoy your food with contemporary American dishes and seafood. Its popular dishes include a bowl of Chef New England Clam chowder for your appetizer and entree favorites like filet mignon, grilled salmon, and asparagus risotto. The Hardwood Cottage Pie is a delicious way to end your meal.

Amenities and More: Takes Reservations, Covered Outdoor Seating, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards

Address: 3400 Harts Run Rd., Glenshaw, PA 15116

Alihan’s Mediterranean Cuisine

Pittsburgh’s cultural district lets you experience the best of culture, including culinary traditions from the Middle East at Alihan’s Mediterranean Cuisine. Show nights are always busy with audiences filling the restaurant’s dining room before they fill up the auditoriums of the local theaters. However, a reservation always gets you and your pet the VIP treatment.

The owner, Alihan, is originally from Turkey. His homeland recipes were fresh in his head when opening in 2013, only a decade after relocating to Pittsburgh. However, recipes are the only secret to making the best Middle Eastern cuisine. He takes a hands-on approach with hand-selected ingredients and homemade dishes to ensure the best quality flavors. The menu includes many regional specialties, like kebabs, gyros, and seafood.

Dine in the best seat in the house–on the outdoor front patio with sidewalk views of the lively downtown Pittsburgh streets. It’s open as late as 11 PM for after-show hours with your pet.

Amenities and More: Takes Reservations, Many Vegetarian Options, Heated Outdoor Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Waiter Service, Accepts Credit Cards

Address: 124 6th St., Pittsburgh, PA 15222