Photo Credit: San Ysidro Ranch
From fast-casual dining to luxurious feasts, Santa Barbara is known for its booming restaurant scene, especially those that are dog-friendly. And what better way to toast to a vacation in California paradise than with your beloved four-legged best friend? Keep this list of dog-friendly restaurants in Santa Barbara handy during your next trip to The American Riviera®; we promise they’re pup-approved.
BARK-WORTHY BREWERIES
All dogs are welcome at Lama Dog Tap Room + Bottleshop, especially its patio, where they offer water bowls and dog treats (and a refreshing pint for you), making for a pitcher-perfect afternoon in The Funk Zone. The dog who started it all, Lama, is a rescue Tibetan Mastiff owned by Pete, the brewery’s founder. Lama is currently a regular at this local’s choice taproom, where you’ll often find him lapping up an ice cold bowl of water or basking on the brewery’s patio. Choose from Lama Dog’s 20 revolving craft beers and four varieties of wine on tap as well as their full bottle shop of beer from around the world.
Another Funk Zone favorite, Brass Bear Brewing & Bistro is the ultimate hangout for dog owners because of its readily available water bowls, beds and treats as well as its fenced-in turf patio (where dogs can safely roam off-leash). It’s the ideal hangout for sitting back and enjoying the brewery’s high-quality craft beer, rotating guest taps, wine and cider. The (human) menu consists of decadent charcuterie boards, tri-tip, chicken and shrimp skewers, burgers and hot toasted sandwiches. All menu items are made with ingredients sourced from Santa Barbara and surrounding counties.
Craft cocktails, an extensive menu featuring a variety of tacos, flatbreads and sandwiches, a happy hour until 7 p.m. and you can bring your pup in tow? The Cruisery in downtown Santa Barbara offers a wide range of amenities for your pooch, including treats, beds, water bowls and a special dog menu, where your dog can dine on rice bowls paired with a beef patty, chicken or steak.
LAID-BACK BITES
Turn your morning latte into afternoon wine between the shared space at Helena Avenue Bakery and Santa Barbara Wine Collective, where you and your pup can lounge on the outside patio and take in the eclectic views of The Funk Zone. Housemade Helena Avenue Bakery dog biscuits made with organic whole wheat flour, puréed squash, smooth peanut butter and eggs are available for purchase and fresh water bowls are provided upon request.
This charming downtown breakfast, brunch and lunch nook boasts menu items made from local, organic ingredients for you and your dog. Equipped with two outdoor patios, Scarlett Begonia offers a wide variety of dishes for your furry family member, including fresh housemade biscuits, grass-fed hamburgers and steak, chicken and scrambled eggs. Just be sure to call ahead of time to let the restaurant know you’re bringing your dog to ensure patio space is available.
This sunny slice of The Funk Zone invites on-leash dogs (and their owners) to its expansive patio, where Shalhoob hamburger patties are available for purchase and fresh water bowls are plentiful. A Santa Barbara staple for over 40 years, Shalhoob’s is best known for its premium custom meat cuts, gourmet beef jerky and barbecue seasonings.
Take classic American fare to the next level at Yellow Belly Tap and Restaurant, where you’ll find gourmet burgers, refreshing salads and an abundance of specialty beer on tap. Dogs are welcome on the patio and fresh water bowls and treats are available upon request.
BY THE SEA
Relatively new to Santa Barbara, this appropriately nautical-themed restaurant boasts incredible views of the harbor and plenty of outdoor seating for you and your pooch. Indulge in local fare from the sea and sip craft cocktails at Anchor Rose Restaurant while you soak in the bustling ambiance of the Santa Barbara Harbor. Water bowls are available upon request.
Another seaside dining experience that has quickly become a local favorite for humans and dogs alike is Reunion Kitchen + Drink, located along the popular East Beach. Dogs are welcomed on the outdoor patio and the restaurant is happy to provide water bowls upon request. Choose from a variety of menu options ranging from comforting dishes to refreshing seafood fare.
ELEVATED dog-friendly DINING
Stonehouse Restaurant at San Ysidro Ranch celebrates local, seasonal ingredients in its dishes, including herbs and produce from the chef’s on-property organic garden. Executive Chef Matt Johnson has crafted an elaborate pet menu for your beloved pooch, including breakfast, dinner, treats and snacks. Treat your pup to a fine dining experience with menu items like peanut butter and bacon pancakes, farm-raised Scottish salmon filet with sweet potato and rice, puppuccinos, pupsicles and more.
La Paloma Café is where old California fare meets Spanish cuisine. This Santa Barbara classic-turned-contemporary restaurant prides itself on bringing past traditions to the present with dishes like grilled local fish, pork shoulder carnitas and vegetable pozole. And La Paloma Café doesn’t forget about its puppy patrons—to utilize every ounce of seafood at the restaurant, the chefs fry up crispy fish skin treats. Water bowls are also available upon request.
Dine on quintessential California cuisine at Opal Restaurant and Bar, with options like fresh seafood entrées, decadent pastas, wood-fired pizza and more, dogs are able to dine in luxury, too. While there isn’t a dedicated pet menu offered, the restaurant accommodates dining requests for chicken, salmon and occasionally filet mignon for human’s best friend.
The wag-worthy fun doesn’t stop here: Read this guide to a perfect dog’s day in Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara also boasts plenty of pet-friendly overnight accommodations for every budget to make planning your next vacation with us a breeze.
