Sip, savor and sit with your pup at these Charlotte bars, restaurants
Spring and summer in Charlotte is the perfect time to grab a meal or a drink with your dog by your side.
While the North Carolina food code prohibits pets from joining diners inside, they are welcome in outdoor dining areas, as long as they are “physically restrained” and don’t enter any indoor spaces.
Luckily for pet lovers, many restaurants around Charlotte offer dog-friendly patios where your pup can relax (and maybe even get a treat of their own) while you enjoy your meal.
Here’s a guide to some of the best dog-friendly spots in the city.
Note: Many of Charlotte’s breweries are dog-friendly, but they’re not included in this list. If we otherwise 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.
Boudreaux’s Louisiana Kitchen
Location: 501 E 36th St, Charlotte, NC 28205
What to know: If you’re a pet owner who craves Cajun cuisine, Boudreaux’s is the place to be. With a dog-friendly patio, you can savor delicious gumbo or a po’ boy while enjoying the lively atmosphere of NoDa.
City Barbeque
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 Barbeque’s award-winning smoked brisket, and be sure to pair with mouth-watering sides, like macaroni and cheese, collard greens with pork or a basket of fried pickles.
The Common Market
Location: 235 W Tremont Ave., Charlotte, NC 28203
Location: 2007 Commonwealth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
Location: 4420-A Monroe Rd, Charlotte, NC 28205
What to know: Head to the patio at Common Market in South End or Plaza Midwood with your pup and enjoy an one of the many local craft beers on tap, or sample a daily special such as the Buffalo shrimp wrap.
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 Goodyear House
Location: 3032 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205
What to know: With a patio located at this 1900s mill home, The Goodyear House is the perfect to enjoy Southern-inspired dishes with your pet. The menu includes entrees such as shrimp and grits, grilled trout and spare ribs.
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.
Mac’s Speed Shop
Location: 2511 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
Location: 2414 Sandy Porter Rd, Charlotte, NC 28273
Location: 142 E John St, Matthews, NC 28105
Location: 8021 Concord Mills Boulevard, Concord, NC 28027
Location: 19601 Liverpool Pkwy, Cornelius, NC 28031
What to know: Relax on the patio with your four-legged friend and try one of the many craft beers on the restaurant’s extensive menu, or pair a BBQ dish with a traditional side, like mac and cheese, baked beans, collard greens, green bean casserole, cheddar grits and creamed corn.
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.
Midwood Smokehouse
Location: 1401 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
Location: 540 Brandywine Rd, Charlotte, NC 28209
Location: 12410 Johnston Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277
Location: 16710 Birkdale Commons Pkwy, Huntersville, NC 28078
What to know: Outdoor seating at all Midwood Smokehouse locations is pup-friendly, which makes them great spots to enjoy barbecue dishes like Carolina pork and prime beef brisket with your pet.
Moo & Brew
Location: 1300 Central Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205
Location: 111 Matthews Station St, Matthews, NC 28105
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.
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.
Rhino Market & Deli
Location: 1500 W Morehead St. E, Charlotte, NC 28208
Location: 2320 N Davidson St., Charlotte, NC 28205
Location: 1414 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28203
Location: 400 S Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Location: 4300 Congress St, Charlotte, NC 28209
What to know: The laid-back deli and market serves delicious sandwiches, a great selection of craft beers, and a cozy atmosphere. With pet-friendly patios at every location, it’s the perfect spot for dog owners.
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.
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 April 9, 2025 at 5:30 AM.
