Which restaurants in Charlotte are dog-friendly? Here’s where you can eat with your pup
Summer is a great time to enjoy a meal or a drink with your pup in Charlotte.
The North Carolina Food Code prevents pets from accompanying restaurant patrons in indoor dining areas. But they are allowed in outdoor dining areas, as long as they’re “physically restrained, and do not pass through any indoor areas of the food establishment,” according to the food code.
Fortunately for pet owners, many restaurants in Charlotte have outdoor patios where your dog can hang out (and maybe even enjoy their own meal) while you eat.
Here’s a list of bars and restaurants in Charlotte that are dog-friendly.
Note: Many of Charlotte’s breweries are dog-friendly, but they’re not included in this list. You can use our interactive guide to find a brewery near you. And if we missed your pooch’s favorite hangout spot, let us know at charlottefive@charlottefive.com.
Angry Ale’s
Location: 1518 Montford Dr., Charlotte, NC 28209
What to know: Angry Ale’s offers a menu specifically for canines that includes a grilled burger patty, grilled chicken tenders, bacon and, of course, water for those hot summer days on the patio.
City BBQ
Location: 11212 Providence Rd. W, Charlotte, NC 28277
Location: 1514 Galleria Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28270
Location: 8948 J M Keynes Dr. #420, Charlotte, NC 28262
Location: 15425 Hodges Cir., Huntersville, NC 28078
What to know: Bring your pup along and sample some of City BBQ’s award-winning smoked brisket, and be sure to pair with mouth-water sides, like macaroni and cheese, collard greens with pork or a basket of fried pickles.
JackBeagle’s
Location: 3213 N Davidson St., Charlotte, NC 28205
What to know: As the name implies, your furry friends are more than welcome at the JackBeagle’s NoDa location. Head there for breakfast and get a hearty biscuit or omelet, or choose from nearly 20 burgers and sandwiches at dinner.
Lucky Dog Bark & Brew
Location: 2220 Thrift Rd., Charlotte, NC 28208
Location: 13835 South Lakes Dr., Charlotte, NC 28273
Location: 19607 Statesville Rd., Cornelius, NC 28031
What to know: All Lucky Dog locations feature spacious indoor and outdoor play yards with plenty of room for dogs to roam while you enjoy a huge selection of craft beers. The bars do not serve food, but outside food is allowed. All dogs who enter the facilities must be spayed/neutered unless they are younger than six months, up-to-date on all shots and vaccinated against rabies.
McKoy’s Smokehouse and Saloon
Location: 4630 Old Pineville Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217
What to know: McKoy’s is best known for its home-cooked meats, but it’s also a prime spot for those looking to dine with their dogs. You can chill with your pup on the patio while enjoying a pulled pork sandwich paired with a craft cocktail.
Moo & Brew
Location: 1300 Central Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205
What to know: Moo & Brew’s outdoor patio is the perfect place for you and your dog to unwind. If you’re a first-timer, try the Moo & Brew Burger, topped with onions, chili, cheese and mustard, and wash it down with one of more than 40 beers on draft.
Optimist Hall
Location: 1115 N. Brevard St., Charlotte, NC 28206
What to know: Treat yourself to a chicken sandwich at Boxcar Betty’s, or a delicious milkshake from Honeysuckle Gelato while you and your pup relax at one of the food hall’s many outdoor spaces.
Seoul Food Meat Co.
Location: 1400 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203
What to know: The Korean BBQ restaurant’s South End location features a sizable patio with a fenced-in dog park, perfect for enjoying dishes like crispy pork belly, hickory pulled pork and soy pork spare ribs with your furry friends.
Sir Edmond Halley’s
Location: 4151 Park Rd., Charlotte, NC 28209
What to know: You and your dog can beat the heat this summer at the restaurant’s shaded patio while enjoying classic British fare such as shepherd’s pie, and fish and chips.
Skiptown
Location: 222 Rampart St, Charlotte, NC 28203
What to know: Skiptown offers guests over 20,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space for pet owners and their furry friends. The location also features local food trucks and 24 beers on tap, which can be enjoyed by pet owners while their pups enjoy hours and hours of unbridled, off-leash fun.
The Dog Bar
Location: 3307 N. Davidson St., Charlotte, NC 28205
What to know: At Dog Bar, off-leash playtime comes with beer, wine, cocktails and roomy, social-friendly patios. There is an annual membership fee of $10 per dog. The bar doesn’t serve food, but food from other restaurants is allowed.
The Penguin Drive-in
Location: 1531 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203
What to know: You can grab a delicious burger or elegant cocktail and relax for a while at The Penguin’s covered, dog-friendly patio, right in the heart of Dilworth.
VBGB
Location: 920 Hamilton St., Charlotte, NC 28206
What to know: With one of the largest patios in Charlotte, VBGB is the perfect place for your dog to play with other pups. Stay for a while and enjoy more than beers on tap, as well as plenty of games like cornhole and ping pong.
This story was originally published July 6, 2023 at 6:00 AM.
