As a pet owner, you know that the best establishments in town are those that don't discriminate between two-legged and four-legged patrons. While Denver's laws prohibit pets other than service animals from entering retail food and drink establishments, many locations have easily side-stepped this rule by providing a welcoming area for pets outside. You'll find spacious patios, cozy firepits, and even on-site dog parks, making your pets feel welcome at some of the tastiest restaurants in the city.
We've rounded up some of the best dining options in Denver for pet owners. Try these hot spots the next time your stomach is rumbling while you're out with your pup. You'll find that your furry friend is more than welcome.
Stella's
Stella's is a charming gourmet coffee shop known for its friendly atmosphere. Guests love to gather around the outdoor fire pits and strike up a conversation, even with strangers. When you bring your pup along, you won't be a stranger for long. Stella's loves dogs and welcomes furry friends on the patio. Your dog can even munch on complimentary dog biscuits while you enjoy your own tasty fare.
Coffee is the primary focus at Stella's, where you can order from the standard menu or ask your barista about their own intriguing creations. You'll find an abundance of espresso drinks ranging from lattes and mochas to the chagaccino latte and dirty chai. You can also enjoy non-coffee beverages, such as hot chocolate, golden lattes, matcha, and dream tea. The food menu includes a selection of pastries and packaged snacks to keep your stomach happy.
Location: 1476 S. Pearl St., Denver.
Hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Ugly Dog Sports Cafe
Ugly Dog Sports Cafe offers the ultimate pet-friendly dining experience. This sports bar features its own outdoor dog park, so you can let Fido roam while you enjoy a beer and a bite. Your pup can also enjoy dinner at the cafe, thanks to an exclusive dog menu that includes gourmet dog food and the Ugly Dog signature bowl of chicken or beef.
For its human diners, Ugly Dog offers plenty of hearty picks such as burgers, wings, brats, tacos, and mile-high nachos. You'll also find some intriguing takes on classic dishes, such as the Mexican prime rib sandwich that's topped with queso and jalapenos. If you're in the mood for a different kind of dog, you can indulge in a hot dog or brat made New York-style, Chicago-style, or topped with chili and cheese. Ugly Dog even has a kids’ menu, so you can bring the whole family as you settle in for the game.
dog menu
Location: 1345 Cortez St., Federal Heights.
Hours: 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Tuesday and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
Blue Moon Brewing Company
The spacious patio at Blue Moon Brewing Company is dog-friendly, so you can bring your pup along as you settle in for a brew. There are 24 daily beers on tap, providing plenty of options. Look for distinctive drinks such as the German-style orange blossom honey Kolsch, the Czech pilsner, and the Snap, Crackle, Pop American lager. If you're not in the mood for a beer, you'll also find kombucha, coffee, Pepsi products, lemonade, iced tea, and Truss CBD sparkling water.
The in-house menu includes plenty of mouthwatering options such as Ahi tuna wontons, pork green chili cheese fries, bison burgers, bourbon and maple-glazed pork chops, and beer mac and cheese. The kitchen closes on Sundays and Mondays, and a rotating selection of food trucks roll up to serve hungry customers streetside, providing an ideal option for those with pets.
Location: 3750 Chestnut Place, Denver.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday and Monday.
Highlands Cork & Cafe
Highlands Cork & Cafe features a spacious, comfortable patio with plenty of room for patrons to kick back and relax. The regulars have dubbed the warm afternoon time "Puppy Hour" because so many furry friends gather on the porch to enjoy the weather. Highlands offers water dishes and dog treats to ensure your canine companions feel as welcome as their human counterparts.
This is a great place to pop in for breakfast while you're on your morning walk. The menu includes hearty options such as Hector's breakfast panini piled high with egg, cream cheese, provolone, smoked ham, and basil pesto. The breakfast tacos feature egg, green chili, cheese, homemade salsa, and fresh lime. For lunch, you'll find sizable salads, paninis, and specialty sandwiches. Highlands also serves "pizzettas," a skinny take on pizzas featuring a grilled pita bread crust. With so many delicious options, it's easy to become a regular.
Location: 3701 W. 32nd Ave., Denver.
Hours: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Shells and Sauce
Bring Fido on your next date night! Shells and Sauce is a cozy Italian bistro located in Denver's Congress Park neighborhood. The intimate dog-friendly patio is ideal for calmer pups who want to lay back and enjoy the ambiance.
The Italian-American menu includes seafood, flatbreads, and rustic pastas, with a lasagna that the restaurant boasts is as good as homemade. For dessert, there is a house-made menu that includes tiramisu, chocolate chip cannolis, and tempting gluten-free options like flourless chocolate cake and chocolate-caramel pot de creme.
To accompany your meal, there is a selection of affordable wines and signature martinis, including a "Pearfect Martini" with Grey Goose Le Poire, pear puree, lemon, and prosecco.
Location: 2600 E 12th Ave, Denver, CO 80206
Hours: 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Closed Sundays and Mondays.
Image by Sorin Gheorghita is licensed with Unsplash License
