Dog-Friendly Spots in the City

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Updated: April 15, 2009

While we cringe at the Paris Hilton-style toting of rat-faced pygmy-dogs in Hermes handbags, we do agree that most experiences are better (from sun bathing at Dolores Park to having a beer at Amber) with man's best friend. For the most dog-friendly neighborhoods, head to Castro, Bernal Heights, Mission or Cole Valley, and for a list of places to eat, drink, walk and overnight with your pup, try these Fido-friendly spots.

On this page:Parks, Hotels, Bars, Restaurants.

Parks

  1. 1 H&R Block
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    5110 Pacific Ave, Stockton, CA 95207 (map)

    The hordes of people that populate the rolling hills of this picturesque Mission park on sunny days are testament to its appeal--dogs, and to a lesser extent kids, are welcome any time.

  2. 2 4 Star Rating: Recommended Fort Funston
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    500 Skyline Blvd at John Muir Dr, San Francisco, CA 94101 (map)

    Bird watchers, hang gliders, hikers, picnickers and dog walkers all share this cliffy beach area--one of the best (yet lesser known) places to enjoy the fresh air with your off-leash pooch.

  3. 3 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Ocean Beach
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    Great Hwy and Fulton St, San Francisco, CA 94121 (map)

    Much of the beach is reserved as an on-leash zone, but Ocean Beach between Beach Chalet and the Cliff House is a delightfully off-leash area where dogs are free to run through the surf.

Hotels

  1. 4 3 Star Rating: Average Powell Hotel
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    28 Cyril Magnin St, San Francisco, CA 94102 (map)

    If you're traveling with a small dog, rest your head at this Union Square hotel. Doggies under 25 lbs stay free, but a $150 deposit is required to cover any potential damages made while you're out.

  2. 5 4 Star Rating: Recommended W San Francisco
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    181 Third St, San Francisco, CA 94117 (map)

    Not only does this SoMa luxury hotel welcome your pets, but they go out of the way to ensure you and your pup both have a fabulous stay. But for star treatment, you'll have to pay $25 above the room rate, plus a non-refundable $100 cleaning charge.

  3. 6 3.5 Star Rating: Average The Westin St. Francis
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    335 Powell St, San Francisco, CA 94102 (map)

    For a prestigious hotel, this one is known for its dog-friendly policy: pets 40 lbs and under stay free and well-pampered (blankets, water bowls, treats, etc. are provided), just don't think of bringing Sparky when you head downstairs to Michael Mina for dinner.

Bars

  1. 7 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended O'Rourke's Bar
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    540 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118 (map)

    This Inner Richmond dive has some killer late-night happy hour specials--like $1 well drinks on Mondays 10pm-midnight--that regulars enjoy with friends and pets alike. There's a patio out front, but dogs are welcome inside as well.

  2. 8 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Amber
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    718 14th St, San Francisco, CA 94114 (map)

    This Castro bar allows smoking and dogs, making it pretty much like sitting in your living room at home but with a better alcohol selection and more room for friends.

  3. 9 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended ELIXIR
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    3200 16th St., San Francisco, CA 94103 (map)

    While you may want to leave your furry pal at home after dark (when this place can get more than a little crowded), this Mission bar makes an ideal destination for quality afternoon or happy hour drinks in a very neighborly--and dog-friendly--environment.

  4. 10 4 Star Rating: Recommended Molotov's
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    582 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117 (map)

    Punk rock and pitbulls go hand-in-hand, so it's no surprise that this Lower Haight dive welcomes your furry friends to sit on the floor while you enjoy your PBR and pinball.

  5. 11 4 Star Rating: Recommended Ottimista Enoteca-Cafe
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    1838 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94123 (map)

    Perch yourself on the heated patio of this Cow Hollow wine bar for primo people watching and a comfy spot to relax with your pup. Bonus: they serve Italian-inspired small plates, weekend brunch and desserts as well, so plan on staying awhile.

  6. 12 3 Star Rating: Average Uptown
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    200 Capp St, San Francisco, CA 94110 (map)

    Dogs big and small regularly roam from couch to couch at this dark Mission bar, looking for stray hands that could be used for petting. If that's not your thing, you may want to steer clear.

Restaurants

  1. 13 4 Star Rating: Recommended Flippers Gourmet Burgers
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    482 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94102 (map)

    Sure, you could sit inside this Hayes Valley hamburger joint (with nearly 20 gourmet variations), but why would you bother when the outdoor seating is generally sunny, unbelievably spacious and perfect for dining with your dog?

  2. 14 3.5 Star Rating: Average Grove Fillmore
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    2016 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115 (map)

    Pacific Heights is a another notoriously dog-friendly neighborhood--stop by for comfort foods like poached eggs and fresh-squeezed OJ or mac 'n' cheese and an Arnold Palmer on the covered patio out front of this Fillmore Street cafe. Seating outside is fairly limited, so avoid busy hours if you've got Fido in tow.

  3. 15 3 Star Rating: Average Park Chalet Garden Restaurant
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    1000 Great Hwy, San Francisco, CA 94121 (map)

    While upstairs neighbor Beach Chalet is strictly off-limits to four-legged friends, this lovely open-air resto at the beach edge of Golden Gate Park is extremely dog-friendly. In fact, it's not uncommon to see more pups and kids than adults at the grassy patio tables on a sunny day.

  4. 16 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Park Chow's Restaurant
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    1240 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122 (map)

    Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, this Inner Sunset spot with plenty of (heated) sidewalk patio seats is a comfortable place to dine with your doggie after a jaunt through Golden Gate Park.

  5. 17 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Polly Ann Ice Cream Inc
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    3138 Noriega St, San Francisco, CA 94122 (map)

    This Outer Sunset ice cream parlor rivals the likes of Bi-Rite and Mitchell's with their home-made creations, and they sweetly offer free treats (mini cones filled with vanilla soft-serve) for canine friends waiting patiently on the sidewalk.

  6. 18 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Zazie
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    941 Cole St, San Francisco, CA 94117 (map)

    This Cole Valley resto is most famously known for its brunch, but the Cal-French dinner options are equally impressive. Monday is "Bring Your Doggy to Dinner" night, so pet owners can enjoy a prix fixe on the back patio with their pooches and get $10 off a bottle of Mutt Lynch's "Portrait of a Mutt" zinfandel.