The Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Jacksonville, FL
If you live in Jacksonville, you already know that having a dog here can feel like having another member of the family along for just about everything. From morning walks along the coast to afternoon trips to the park, Jacksonville offers plenty of opportunities to get outside and enjoy time with your four-legged companion. And when it is time to grab a bite to eat, you do not always have to leave your dog at home.
Jacksonville is especially appealing to pet owners because of its combination of outdoor spaces, walkable neighborhoods and miles of beautiful coastline. The Beaches communities of Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach and Jacksonville Beach are particularly popular with dog owners because there are so many places to walk, explore and enjoy the coastal lifestyle. Jacksonville is home to 22 miles of beaches, and several areas welcome dogs under specific local rules.
Of course, being a dog-friendly city does not mean that every restaurant allows pets inside. In Jacksonville, dog-friendly dining generally means enjoying your meal with your dog in an approved outdoor dining area or patio. That makes the Beaches a great place to start when you are looking for a restaurant where you can bring your pup along.
So, if you are looking for a place to grab lunch, dinner, brunch or a casual drink without leaving your best friend behind, here are some of our favorite areas and restaurants to explore.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Atlantic Beach
Poe's Tavern
Located on Atlantic Boulevard, Poe's Tavern is a longtime Beaches favorite known for its burgers, pub-style food and fun Edgar Allan Poe theme. Its outdoor patio makes it a popular choice for people who want to enjoy a casual meal with their dogs.
It is an especially good option when you are looking for something relaxed after spending time around the Beaches Town Center area. Grab a burger, find a spot outside and let your dog enjoy the people-watching.
Flying Iguana
If tacos and a colorful beach atmosphere sound like your idea of a good time, Flying Iguana is another Atlantic Beach option worth checking out. Visit Jacksonville includes Flying Iguana among its Beaches restaurants with outdoor patio seating that is popular with dog owners.
The casual atmosphere makes this a good choice for a laid-back lunch or dinner when your dog is tagging along.
ABBQ Meat & Drink
Barbecue and dogs seem like a pretty natural Jacksonville combination. ABBQ Meat & Drink on Atlantic Boulevard is another pet-friendly option in Atlantic Beach, with outdoor seating where you can enjoy a meal with your pup. Visit Jacksonville specifically lists ABBQ among its pet-friendly Jacksonville restaurants.
If you are craving Texas-style barbecue while your dog enjoys some fresh air, this is one to put on your list.
Beach Diner
For a more casual breakfast or lunch, Beach Diner in Atlantic Beach is another option to consider. Visit Jacksonville lists the restaurant among its Beaches establishments with outdoor patio seating.
It is the kind of spot that works well for a relaxed morning after a walk or a casual meal before heading home.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Neptune Beach
North Beach Fish Camp
If you are looking for seafood near the ocean, North Beach Fish Camp is a great Neptune Beach option. Located just steps from the beach in the Beaches Town Center area, the restaurant serves seafood along with Southern-inspired comfort food and offers outdoor dining.
Even better for dog owners, Visit Jacksonville specifically lists North Beach Fish Camp as pet friendly.
This is a great choice when you want a more substantial meal while still enjoying that relaxed Jacksonville Beaches atmosphere.
Sliders Oyster Bar
Sliders Oyster Bar is another Neptune Beach favorite with outdoor seating and a casual coastal atmosphere. The restaurant specializes in seafood and offers everything from oysters and other fresh seafood to a variety of other menu options.
Visit Jacksonville lists Sliders as pet friendly and notes its outdoor seating, making it another good choice for dining with your dog.
For a casual meal after spending time near the ocean, Sliders is a natural fit.
Southern Grounds
Sometimes you are not looking for a full restaurant meal. Maybe you want coffee, breakfast or a light lunch while your dog sits beside you. Southern Grounds is a neighborhood café with outdoor seating and locations throughout Jacksonville, including Neptune Beach.
Visit Jacksonville includes Southern Grounds among its dog-friendly Jacksonville options.
It can be a great stop for a morning coffee and a little time outside with your pup.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Jacksonville Beach
Salt Life Food Shack
Salt Life Food Shack is practically made for the Jacksonville Beaches lifestyle. Located just a few blocks from the ocean, the Jacksonville Beach location offers seafood, sushi and a casual open-air atmosphere.
Visit Jacksonville lists the Jacksonville Beach location as pet friendly and specifically notes its outdoor seating.
It is a fun choice when you want to combine a beach outing with lunch or dinner and do not want your dog waiting at home.
Dockside Seafood Restaurant
For a more relaxed seafood experience, Dockside Seafood Restaurant in Jacksonville Beach is another option to explore. It is located along the Intracoastal Waterway and offers outdoor seating with a laid-back coastal atmosphere.
Visit Jacksonville includes Dockside among its dog-friendly Beaches restaurant recommendations.
It is particularly appealing if your idea of a perfect Jacksonville afternoon includes seafood, a view and your dog sitting beside you.
Angie's Subs
Sometimes the best dog-friendly meal is the simple one. Angie's Subs is a Jacksonville Beach favorite for casual sandwiches, and Visit Jacksonville includes it among its dog-friendly restaurant options.
The restaurant offers patio dining, or you can grab your food to go and find another outdoor spot to enjoy your meal with your dog.
A Few Things to Remember When Dining Out With Your Dog
Before heading out, it is always a good idea to confirm that the restaurant's pet-friendly outdoor seating is available that day. Policies can change, and not every outdoor table is necessarily designated for guests with dogs.
Keep your dog leashed, make sure your pup is comfortable around other people and dogs, and bring water if the restaurant does not provide it. A well-behaved dog makes the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
It is also important to remember that Jacksonville's beach rules vary by location and season. For example, Jacksonville Beach allows dogs on the beach at any time from October 1 through March 31, while from April 1 through September 30, dogs are restricted from the beach between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Dogs must be leashed and other rules apply.
Jacksonville Really Is a Great Place to Be a Dog
One of the things that makes Jacksonville special for pet owners is that you do not have to choose between enjoying the city and spending time with your dog. With beaches, parks, walking trails, outdoor patios and plenty of pet-friendly businesses, there are many ways to include your four-legged family member in your day.
The Beaches are especially easy to enjoy with a dog. You can start with a morning walk, stop for coffee, grab lunch on a patio and finish the afternoon with a stroll through one of the coastal neighborhoods. Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach and Jacksonville Beach each have their own personality, but they all offer that relaxed, outdoor lifestyle that Jacksonville is known for.
For Jacksonville dog owners, that means more opportunities to make memories together—and sometimes the best part of going out to eat is having your best friend sitting right beside you.
Before You Go
Restaurant pet policies and outdoor seating availability can change, so it is always smart to call the restaurant before visiting with your dog. When dining outdoors, be considerate of other guests and make sure your pet has access to shade and water, especially during Jacksonville's warmer months.
Have a favorite dog-friendly restaurant in Jacksonville that we missed? We'd love to hear about it!