There are “dog-friendly” restaurants. Then there are the spots that deserve a stronger pedigree, where staff members fawn over your four-legged friend, pups get their own water dish and their own menu, and multiple canines seem to populate the premises at any given time.
Maybe we can call them dog-heavenly? Dog-obsessed? Dog-possessed? Dog-wild?
For a country where the American Veterinary Medical Association estimates the citizenry keeps as many as 89 million dogs as companions — about 45% of U.S. households having at least one dog — you’d think we’d have it sniffed out.
Or maybe we can set that aside for now, and focus on places that fall deeply for dogs.
That’s the reality with these venues. They appear here in alphabetical order, stretch across five cities and make hospitality a howl.
Feature photo by Mark C. Anderson
57 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey
(831) 373-1851,
Abalonetti has many humans hooked for the best calamari program in the area, and their historic perch on Old Fisherman’s Wharf doesn’t hurt either. All the squid for the calamari Siciliano, calamari over eggplant (the Marty Special), calamari Buffalo and calamari filets is cleaned in house, a shockingly rare reality in the area—most kitchens ship it to China and back because that’s cheaper. It also does an all-day happy hour, an outstanding antipasto bar and, yes, is dog adept. The outdoor seating is wind-screened, on the water and sizable for the historic wharf. Bowls of water come standard, and doggos get their own menu in short but satisfying format: char-grilled diced hamburger or roasted and chopped chicken, served in a souvenir frisbee for $4.95.
Mission Street and 7th Avenue, Suite 112, Carmel Plaza, Carmel-by-the-Sea, (831) 293-8621
426 Alvarado St., Monterey, (831) 293-8621
1315 Dayton St., Suite E, Salinas, 831-800-3332
This one’s a triple win, as these three outposts of the community institution all share Great American Beer Fest medal-winning beer, elevated pub eats, and dog enthusiasm. Moving west to east: At Carmel’s ASB Bistro, a large patio occupies the bottom floor of well-appointed Carmel Plaza, the “pup patty” is popular with the whiskered population, and five different dogs joined the scene on a recent weekday lunch, where Howl-oween fashion shows have also taken place; at downtown Monterey’s beer garden space, almost as many dogs as humans frequently laze and graze among the picnic tables out back; and at Salinas’ production space/tap room, the airy working brewery loves your best friend (and rotating food trucks) almost as much as you do.
Cypress Inn, Lincoln Street and 7th Avenue, Carmel
(831) 620-7454
It’s not uncommon to look around the cozy confines of Terry’s Lounge and see a canine seated at the table, whether Great Dane or pocket pitbull. Late great Doris Day helped make the place famous with her own star wattage (she co-owned The Cypress Inn, which the restaurant is part of), but also her dedication to doggies by way of advocacy — she founded the Doris Day Animal Foundation, Doris Day Animal Foundation and Doris Day Animal League and lobbied for humane legislation — and hospitality: Terry’s furnishes bowls, allows dogs everywhere, including Thursday-Sunday live music sessions and the popular cocktail zone, plus a doggie menu with items like chicken breast and beef patties. When it comes to canine identity, this is the area’s alpha dog.
1188 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove
(831) 372-5325
Chef Soerke Peters throws down an incredible resume — he’s long been a leader in sustainable practices and the local chapter of the American Culinary Federation — and an incredible spread of authentic Italian. The powerhouse lineup of pastas, mozzarellas, gelatos and smart cocktails, all made in house, rival any in the area. More importantly for the purposes of this guide, he and his team love to prep any pup a special treat upon request. On my last visit, that was slobber-worthy prosciutto served hand-to-muzzle by dapper GM Freddy Ortiz on the sidewalk patio.
12 Del Fino Place, Carmel Valley
(831) 594-8282
Carmel Valley’s tasting room boom comes accompanied by divine dog accommodations. Many of its 25+ wine venues have outdoor spaces befitting the sunny valley escape, including the adorable converted milk barn at Cima Collina and bocce garden shared by Blue Fox Cellars and Cowgirl Winery. Twisted Roots, which sits across the street from them, completes the pro-puppy geometry, with a newly renovated dog-approved patio, a supply of staff-supplied treats and reliable swooning over any and all fur babies. They may even post a pic of your pal on social media, which you can toast with some tasty Brut Rosé or Old Vine Zinfandel from the three-generation family operation.
2999 Monterey Salinas Highway, Monterey
(831) 647-1444
The historic and majestic property here brings to bear great adult concoctions (and wine list) and a very worthy menu starring gems like smoked pork chops and artichoke-and-mushroom chicken. It also boasts a huge stone patio for your best buddy, whether golden or chocolate, and situates next to a grass-encircled pond for a pre-, mid- or post-meal stroll. Better yet, a portion of Patio Pet Menu proceeds go to area nonprofits Peace of Mind Dog Rescue, Max’s Helping Paws Foundation and Animal Friends Rescue Project. Woof woof.
