The 5 Best Dog Friendly Restaurants Near Highlands Ranch

A dog standing next to a sign saying "dog friendly restaurants", representing pet friendly dining spots in Highlands Ranch
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Highlands Ranch is a dog lover's paradise, complete with an assortment of dog friendly restaurants to choose from. If your looking for a great dining experience that you can share with your furry friend, you’re in this right place. Our list of dog friendly restaurants near Highlands Ranch showcases establishments with amazing food, great ambiance, and comfortable outdoor seating where you can sit back, relax, and, best of all, share the moment with your furry best friend!

1. Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar

  • Location: 43 Centennial Blvd, Highlands Ranch, CO
  • Highlights: American cuisine; an extensive food and drinks menu; a dedicated dog menu; complimentary water for pups, dog friendly patio; an enclosed, covered patio; a patio with heaters and a fire pit

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar is an American casual dining restaurant chain with multiple locations spanning various states. They offer a cozy and inviting lodge-like atmosphere in all of their restaurants. Including their dog friendly restaurant in Highlands Ranch. 

Lazy Dog’s extensive menu boasts an array of delectable options, including mouthwatering burgers, salads, noodles, pot roast, and much more. In addition, this dog friendly restaurant in Highlands Ranch also has an extensive bar menu that includes wine, mules, margaritas, and more. Diners here are never at a loss when it comes to options.

If  you’re looking to check this restaurant out with your pup, Lazy Dog’s dog-friendly patio has plenty to offer. The space is enclosed and has a fire pit and heaters for colder months.* Their patio is also covered in most areas and has comfortable outdoor seating, perfect for a relaxing outdoor dining experience.

Last but not least, Lazy Dog goes the extra mile to make our furry friends feel welcome. They provide a complimentary bowl of water for dogs, and even have a dog menu that features options like a grilled burger or a succulent chicken breast.*

*Pet policies and outdoor seating conditions can be subject to change. Please double-check with these dog friendly restaurants before visiting with your pup!

The grand opening of Lazy Dog Restaurant in Highlands Ranch, one of the best dog friendly restaurants in Highlands Ranch
Sourced from: www.facebook.com/LazyDogRestaurants

2. Postino WineCafe

  • Location: 1497 Park Central Dr, Highlands Ranch, CO
  • Highlights: choice local and international wine; delicious Italian dishes; dog friendly patio; enclosed and covered patio, heated patio

Postino WineCafe is a dining spot that is perfect for wine enthusiasts and dog lovers. This dog friendly restaurant and winebar in Highlands Ranch offers choice wine (from local and international suppliers) as well as savory Italian dishes like prosciuttos, paninis, brushcettas, and more! Patrons get to enjoy great wine and rich food while relaxing in a laidback, hip, and warmly lit ambience. 

If you’re thinking of bringing your pup along, Postino WineCafe has a comfortable, dog friendly outdoor seating that is enclosed, covered, and heated during cold weather.* This kind of all-weather patio makes for a great outdoor dining experience with Fido any time of the year. 

*Pet policies and outdoor seating conditions can be subject to change. Please double-check with these dog friendly restaurants before visiting with your pup!

3. The Lake House Kitchen & Tavern

  • Location: 8026 W Bowles Ave, Littleton, CO
  • Highlights: American cuisine, seafood specialties; an enclosed, covered patio areas and shaded patio areas, heated patio, stunning lakeside views

Up next on our list of dog friendly restaurants near Highlands Ranch is one the best lakeside restaurants in the area. It’s none other than The Lake House Kitchen & Tavern, a casual, full service restaurant known for their delicious fried chicken, burgers, sandwiches, and seafood dishes. Whether you’re seated inside or on the patio, this restaurant exudes serenity. The interiors are fresh and minimalist — while the patio has amazing lakeside views.

Another benefit of dining on the patio of The Lake House Kitchen & Tavern is that you get to bring your pup along! They have a dog friendly patio that is covered in some areas and shaded with patio umbrellas in others.* Outdoor seating is comfortable and the area is heated during cold weather.* Most of the tables outside offer a stunning view of the lake, creating an experience that marries casual dining with a momentary lakeside vacation — it’s the perfect setting for making memories with your furry friend!

*Pet policies and outdoor seating conditions can be subject to change. Please double-check with these dog friendly restaurants before visiting with your pup!

The dog friendly patio of The Lake House Kitchen & Tavern, one of the best dog friendly restaurants near Highlands Ranch
Sourced from: www.facebook.com/LakeHouseKT

4. The Rusty Tapp Colorado BBQ & Catering

  • Location: 311 E County Line Rd Unit A-1B, Littleton, CO
  • Highlights: American cuisine, grilled food, signature sandwiches; dog friendly patio, covered patio, situated next to a dog grooming establishment

Next on our list of dog-friendly restaurants near Highlands Ranch is a local Colorado dining spot that’s serves up delicious slow-smoked meats and hearty traditional American cuisine. It’s none other than The Rusty Tapp Colorado BBQ & Catering. This dog friendly restaurant offers a mouthwatering selection of signature sandwiches like their Prime Rib Philly, Pulled Pork Stacker, and Pork Belly BLT. They also have an assortment of side dishes that pair perfectly with their grilled delights. 

If you love grilled food and quality time with your pup, this is the place to be. The Rusty Tapp Colorado BBQ & Catering offers comfortable outdoor seating where dogs are welcome.* This sidewalk seating is also covered, shielding tables from the elements.* All in all, it’s a great place for a doggy date!

Note:  As of the writing of this article, there is also a dog grooming salon right next to The Rusty Tapp — a convenient spot for pampering your pup before or after checking out this dog friendly restaurant near Highlands Ranch!

*Pet policies and outdoor seating conditions can be subject to change. Please double-check with these dog friendly restaurants before visiting with your pup!

5. Cranelli’s Italian Restaurant

  • Location: 10047 Park Meadows Dr Unit F Lone Tree, CO
  • Highlights: Italian comfort food; an extensive food and drinks menu; may provide complimentary water for pups; dog treats may be given occasionally

Any day is a great day for Italian comfort food and Cranelli’s Italian Restaurant is one of the best spots in town for Italian pasta, strombolis, calzones, and more. Whether you want to check out their take on crowd favorites like pasta marinara, lasagna, bolognese, and carbonara — or  you’d like to try something new — this family-run restaurant is a great place to check out. Along with their extensive food menu, they also have numerous options for wine, beer, cocktails, mocktails, and other beverages.

Good news for dog lovers: Cranelli’s offers a comfortable outdoor seating area where pups are welcome! The tables are placed around the establishment, with some on the sidewalk and others, within an enclosed (railed) space. The tables are equipped with a patio umbrella to provide shade and the outdoor area is heated during cold weather.* Aside from having a dog friendly patio, Cranelli’s staff are welcoming to pups and may provide complimentary water and occasional treats.* It’s truly a pup-tastic al fresco dining experience!  

*Pet policies and outdoor seating conditions can be subject to change. Please double-check with these dog friendly restaurants before visiting with your pup!

The sidewalk patio of Cranelli’s Italian Restaurant, a dog friendly restaurant near Highlands Ranch
Sourced from: www.cranellis.com

Final Reminders Before Going to Dog Friendly Restaurants & Patios

Looking to check out these amazing dog friendly restaurants near Highlands Ranch? Make sure that your furry friend is has current vaccinations based on the standard dog vaccine schedules; this helps ensure their safety and reduces the transmission of common canine diseases. 

In addition, some parasitic infestations pose a threat throughout the year. Therefore, it is highly recommended to administer heartworm and parasite preventives consistently.

For personalized guidance on dog vaccines, parasite preventives, and anything related to your dog’s health, Sploot is here to help! 

Sploot Veterinary Care is a primary & urgent care veterinary clinic in Highlands Ranch. We also have other convenient vet clinics across Denver. All Sploot locations are open 365 days a year, including weekends and holidays, for extended hours.

Easily book an appointment online or through the Sploot Vets app!

Till next time, we’re with you every pounce of the way!