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15 great dog-friendly patios in Dallas-Fort Worth

Your dog is a very good boy. Or very good girl. Don't you want to let the dog have its day?

We sniffed out the best dog-friendly patios in Dallas, no matter if you've got a lap dog, a napping dog or a struttin' mutt with a fancy haircut.

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Savor/Relish at Klyde Warren Park: Savor and Relish flank the park and provide nice views of the always-busy green space. While you're there, grab a real meal at Savor, a gastropub, or a quicker bite at Relish, a walk-up kiosk. Both are an easy walk to My Best Friend's Park, an off-leash dog park inside Klyde Warren. 2000 Woodall Rodgers Freeway, Dallas.

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Truck Yard: This beer garden is casual — a great environment if you're bringing your dog. 'Cuz you never know if Fido is going to try to stick his nose somewhere he shouldn't, and that can get embarrassing among a more dressed-up crowd. At Truck Yard, humans can order a cold glass of beer or a cheesesteak, dogs get a bowl of water or dog treats. Everybody's happy. 5624 Sears St., Dallas, and 5959 Grove Lane, The Colony.

All of Shake Shack's patios are dog-friendly.
All of Shake Shack's patios are dog-friendly.(Courtesy of Shake Shack)
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Shake Shack: Our favorite Shake Shack patio is the Dallas original, at the Crescent in Uptown. Its sprawling lawn offers lots of spots for you and your pup to sit — and, hopefully, stay. If your dog is an especially good boy or good girl, order a Pooch-ini: a cup of vanilla custard with dog biscuits in it. 2500 N. Pearl St., Dallas. Other locations are in Plano, Preston-Royal in Dallas, Lovers and Greenville in Dallas, Las Colinas and Southlake. New Shake Shacks are expected to open in Addison in fall 2019 and Fort Worth in 2020.

Wilmot and Elizabeth Bonnet and their dog Hattie hang out at Rodeo Goat in Dallas. Dogs are...
Wilmot and Elizabeth Bonnet and their dog Hattie hang out at Rodeo Goat in Dallas. Dogs are welcome on this tucked-away patio.(Michael Ainsworth / Staff Photographer)

Rodeo Goat: This Dallas Design District restaurant is a hidden gem for dog owners. The lovely patio, outfitted with wooden tables, comfy wicker chairs and bar games, is tucked back by the Trinity Strand Trail, making it feel like a quiet respite right in the middle of the city. Servers seem to love dogs as much as their owners do. 1926 Market Center Blvd., Dallas. The other Rodeo Goats in D-FW — in Fort Worth, Plano, Rockwall and Cypress Waters — are also dog-friendly.

Taqueria La Ventana: Tucked behind Meso Maya, near the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, is Taqueria La Ventana and its dog-friendly patio. You'll be able to keep your dog fairly cool, with the misters and shade screens, while you nosh on tacos and margaritas. 1611 McKinney Ave., Dallas. Other La Ventanas — in Addison, on Cedar Springs in Dallas and at the Dallas Farmers Market — are also dog-friendly.

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Nova: You wouldn't think that a restaurant with a screened-in porch would be an ideal spot for you and your furry friend, but co-owner John David "JD" Reid will change your mind. Dogs are allowed here, and Reid will make them feel like family. 1417 W. Davis St., Dallas.

Mutts Canine Cantina: It's technically a dog park first, a restaurant second. There's lots of room for your dog to roam, off leash, in designated big-dog and little-dog parks. The attached restaurant and bar has a surprisingly deep menu of food and drinks, with quick service so you can get back out there to play fetch. Pro tip: Mutts is a great place to go without another human companion. Who knows, you might just meet a single Dog Dad or Dog Mom there. 2889 CityPlace West Blvd., Dallas, or 5317 Clearfork Main St., Fort Worth. Expect more Mutts to open; its co-founder is franchising the business across the country.

Katy Trail Ice House: You go to Katy Trail Ice House to drink a bunch of beergaritas and share a round of jalapeno bottle caps. Somebody in the group brings a four-legged friend and everyone fawns over the dog. It's just what you do. 3127 Routh St., Dallas.

Dot's Hop House and Cocktail Courtyard: If you're in Deep Ellum and looking for an outdoor spot for Spot, Dot's has an expansive backyard and a good atmosphere for daydrinking. They don't have dog treats, but surely your pup wouldn't mind a bite of those delicious duck fat cheese fries. 2645 Commerce St., Dallas.

The Ginger Man in Uptown has a chill atmosphere — just right for a well-behaved dog.
The Ginger Man in Uptown has a chill atmosphere — just right for a well-behaved dog.(Jerry McClure / Special Contributor)

Ginger Man in Uptown: It's an oldie but a goodie. The backyard at the Ginger Man in Uptown is fenced in, with a nice canopy of trees, offering a safe and comfortable place to have a drink with your furry best friend. The front patio is dog-friendly, too. 2718 Boll St., Dallas.

Any restaurant in Trinity Groves: All of Trinity Groves' patios are dog-friendly, and all have large, covered areas that'll keep you out of the oppressive heat. Pick a restaurant — there's sushi, American, vegan, Mexican and much more — and take a seat. 3011 Gulden Lane, Dallas.

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Taco y Vino: Humans will find a short but good selection of tacos and wine at this adorable little house in Oak Cliff. Head out front with your pup, to a patio that's great for people-watching. Note that there aren't trees or shade out there, so go when it isn't too hot. 213 W. Eighth St., Dallas.

Hot Off the Press: New food stand Hot Off the Press, located inside Main Street Garden in downtown Dallas, has all the stuff dog owners want: lots of space, quick access to a dog park and nobody giving you the why'd-you-bring-your-dog look. We're partial to the DMN Lead Story, a panini with black forest ham, blackberry preserves and goat cheese. Finish it off with a snow cone — and share some with your thirsty pup. 1920 Main St., inside Main Street Garden, Dallas.

Dogs on tables? Maybe not the best idea. The point is, your furry friend is welcome at Lee...
Dogs on tables? Maybe not the best idea. The point is, your furry friend is welcome at Lee Harvey's.(Josh Birnbaum / 2010 file photo)

Lee Harvey's: Have we ever seen Lee Harvey's with no dogs outside? No, we have not. This watering hole in The Cedars is the kind of place where you and your dog can stay a little too long. 1807 Gould St., Dallas.

Nearly any coffee shop: You'll want to check before you go, but most coffee shops allow dogs on their patios. Coffee shops seem best suited for lap dogs or sleepy big dogs, since tables tend to be small and seating can be tight. But the beauty of a coffee shop is that if Fido gets fidgety, you can toss back that cup of coffee and head home, having already paid your tab. Good options include Houndstooth Coffee, Tribal All Day Cafe, La La Land Kind Cafe, Ascension and more. Find a big list of shops in D-FW in our ultimate D-FW coffee shop guide.

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What's your favorite dog-friendly patio? Tweet @sblaskovich.

Story updated Sept. 26, 2019, as we're wishing for cooler weather