I got a new puppy!
As a pro restaurant reviewer here in the 925, my immediate thought was: “Where can I take him with me to dine?”
I’ve taken my older dog, Lance, to restaurants around the 925 in the past. But at almost 10 years old, he’s happier lazing on a couch at home than going out.
To figure out the best places to take my new dog, Einstein, I reached out to the community with a post on a local forum. The response was tremendous–over 130 people wrote back.
Some merely wanted to say “Cute dog” (Thanks!). Others wanted to chide me about taking him out before he gets his shots (don’t worry–I’m just gathering info for future visits).
But many shared their dog-friendly restaurant recommendations. And very quickly, some trends emerged. Here are the 8 top restaurants that locals shared–and several bonus ones, too.
1. The Runaway Favorite: Lazy Dog in Concord
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar at The Willows in Concord was by far the most frequently recommended option. The restaurant’s name appeared more than 30 times in the discussion.
Neighbors praised its large, covered patio, shade and central fireplace. Several also mentioned that staff provide water and that the restaurant offers an actual dog menu, rather than merely allowing pets to sit under the table.
That menu currently includes a complimentary bowl of water and $6 bowls made with either a grilled hamburger patty or grilled chicken breast, brown rice and vegetables. The restaurant’s published patio rules require dogs to remain leashed, within reach of their owner and off chairs, laps and tables.
One neighbor said she had visited three times with two dogs and found the other canine guests well behaved. Another recommended making a reservation and requesting the patio to avoid arriving when all the outdoor tables are occupied.
2. Jack’s Restaurant & Bar in Pleasant Hill
Jack’s in downtown Pleasant Hill finished a clear second, with roughly eight mentions in the thread.
The restaurant has a sizable outdoor dining area at Downtown Pleasant Hill. Multiple neighbors specifically described the patio as dog friendly, and one said staff provide water for visiting pups. Jack’s serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, making it one of the more flexible choices for owners who want something beyond a brewery or coffee shop.
I love the food there in general, so I can’t wait to take Einstein.
3. Crumbs in Danville and Pleasant Hill
Crumbs Breakfast, Lunch & Bar earned several recommendations for its locations in downtown Danville and Pleasant Hill.
The restaurant describes itself as pet friendly, and its all-day menu includes a dedicated “Furry Friends” section. That makes Crumbs one of the few options mentioned by locals that goes beyond simply providing a patio. Both locations are open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., making this primarily a breakfast, brunch or lunch outing.
4. Wence’s in Pleasant Hill
Several Pleasant Hill residents recommended Wence’s Restaurant on Oak Park Boulevard. Commenters described its outdoor area as dog friendly and said water is available for pups.
Wence’s is a particularly useful suggestion for dog owners looking for a more traditional sit-down meal. Its seafood-focused menu and full bar make it a dinner alternative to the more casual breweries and breakfast restaurants on the list.
5. Headlands Brewing in Lafayette and Walnut Creek
Beer gardens were another recurring theme, and Headlands Brewing was the most frequently mentioned local brewery.
The Lafayette taproom, located near the Lafayette-Moraga Trail, explicitly welcomes dogs and offers outdoor tables alongside beer, wine, cider and a full food menu. Its outdoor space includes fire pits and dog-friendly landscaping. A commenter also recommended Headlands’ newer Walnut Creek beer garden, which has an expansive outdoor layout, fire pits and an in-house food menu.
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6. Sideboard in Lafayette and Danville
Sideboard was recommended for both its Lafayette and Danville locations. One neighbor highlighted the outdoor seating, water bowls and dog treats.
The restaurant serves breakfast, pastries, coffee and a comfort-food-focused all-day menu. Its Lafayette location faces Plaza Park, while the Danville restaurant is on Railroad Avenue.
I’ve taken Lance there many times in the past.
7. Tutu’s in Lafayette
Another Lafayette resident recommended the patio at Tutu’s Food and Drink, the downtown restaurant and market at 53 Lafayette Circle.
Tutu’s serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and has a courtyard-style outdoor space. It is a good option for dog owners who want a full-service restaurant in central Lafayette rather than a taproom.
8. Side Gate Brewery in Concord
Side Gate Brewery and Beer Garden in downtown Concord is especially accommodating: the brewery says well-behaved dogs are welcome both inside its taproom and in the outdoor beer garden.
Customers can bring outside food, and the brewery regularly hosts food trucks. That makes it a flexible option for owners who want to choose their meal while keeping their dog close.
More Patios Locals Recommended
The discussion also produced a long list of one-off recommendations. In Walnut Creek, neighbors named ButtercuP, Pasta Primavera, Melo’s, California Fish Grill, Burger Lounge and The Cheesecake Factory. Lafayette suggestions included The Breakfast Club and Pizza Antica. Other recommendations included The Courtyard in Alamo and Urban Plates, Crescent Bistro and T’zunun in Pleasant Hill.
Not every restaurant publishes a pet policy online, so these should be treated as leads rather than guarantees. A quick call before leaving home can prevent an awkward arrival, especially during hot weather or when a restaurant has only a handful of outdoor tables.
Danville dog owners have an unusually helpful additional resource: the town maintains an official Dog Friendly Danville directory of restaurants with pet-friendly patio seating. Crumbs and Sideboard are on the list, along with dozens of other downtown businesses.
What California Law Actually Allows
An outdoor patio does not automatically mean dogs are permitted.
Under California Health and Safety Code Section 114259.5, a restaurant owner may choose to allow pet dogs in an outdoor dining area if several conditions are met. Dogs must enter the patio without passing through the restaurant, remain leashed or in a carrier and stay under their owner’s control. They cannot sit on chairs, benches or other restaurant fixtures.
The key phrase is that the restaurant owner must elect to allow dogs. Outdoor seating makes dog-friendly dining possible, but it does not make it mandatory. Service animals are covered by separate rules and are not subject to a restaurant’s ordinary pet policy.
