Five Oakland Restaurants with Outdoor Patios to Dine with Your Dog

by loakavore, Oakland Local (9/16/14)

While many local restaurateurs have long allowed pooches on their patios, they’ll soon be able to do so without fear of being cited, thanks to a bill recently signed by Governor Jerry Brown. Beginning in January, it will be perfectly legal to dine with your dog–providing your well-mannered Fido is appropriately leashed with you in an outdoor-seating area.

Just because a restaurant can legally allow dogs, however, doesn’t mean that every outdoor venue welcomes your four-legged friend. Here are five Oakland dining destinations that encourage you and your canine companion to sit and stay awhile.

Homeroom
400 40th Street, (510) 597-0400
Open Sunday through Saturday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Closed Monday.
Neighborhood: Temescal
homeroom510.com

“Lots of pet owners sit outside with their dogs here,” says Erin Wade, co-owner of Temescal’s mac and cheese mecca, Homeroom. That may be in part because the staff dole out water and treats to canine diners and passersby alike, although Wade points out that the treats disappear “crazy fast” with so many dog owners stopping by the busy neighborhood corner. To illustrate the point, Wade shares the story of a neighbor who walks by with his dogs every day. “When one of [his dogs] passed away,” she says, “he sent us a postcard saying how much he appreciated that we gave his dog a treat every day and how much his pet loved coming to our restaurant.” Although there’s no dog-friendly mac and cheese on the menu, customers have been known to order bacon on the side for their pooches. Restaurant co-owner Allison Arevalo has a cute Jack Russell mix named Ema.

Haven Oakland
44 Webster Street, (510) 663-4440
Open Sunday through Thursday 5 – 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5 – 10:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Closed Monday.
Neighborhood: Jack London
havenoakland.com

“We love dogs around here,” says Haven’s General Manager Bobi Adle, himself the owner of a Pomeranian. It’s not uncommon to find dogs sprawled on the patio of this sleekly designed modern American restaurant in Jack London Square, ideally situated next to a large lawn. Several Haven employees are dog owners, and before the restaurant opens, you’re sure to see some very happy pets trailing their owners in the office and on the patio. Expect to find water bowls and plenty of affection for dogs who find their way to Haven.

“We love dogs around here,” says Haven’s General Manager Bobi Adle, himself the owner of a Pomeranian. It’s not uncommon to find dogs sprawled on the patio of this sleekly designed modern American restaurant in Jack London Square, ideally situated next to a large lawn. Several Haven employees are dog owners, and before the restaurant opens, you’re sure to see some very happy pets trailing their owners in the office and on the patio. Expect to find water bowls and plenty of affection for dogs who find their way to Haven.

Toast Kitchen + Bar
5900 College Avenue, (510) 658-5900
Open Saturday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., Tuesday 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m., and Wednesday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. Closed Monday.
Neighborhood: Rockridge
toastoakland.com

This casual yet stylish neighborhood restaurant has a large patio with ample room for your dog to stretch out while you sip a glass of wine and nosh on fresh, seasonal small plates. For chilly days, Toast has patio heaters and woolly throws to make your time outside with Fido and friends more comfortable. Expect to find water bowls, the occasional dog treat, and friendly service.

Rudy’s Can’t Fail Café
1805 Telegraph Avenue, (510) 251-9400
Open every day 7 a.m. – 1 a.m.
Neighborhood: Uptown
iamrudy.com

Rudy’s is one of a handful of Uptown locations with sidewalk seating, making it an ideal people-watching spot for you and your dog. Consistent with Rudy’s philosophy of being “everyone’s place,” you can expect dog-friendly service and a wide range of classic American diner offerings. This lively eatery is open from morning ‘til night and serves breakfast all day.

Barlago
550 Grand Avenue, (510) 836-2424
Open Tuesday through Friday 11:30 a.m. – 11 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Neighborhood: Adams Point
barlago.biz

With winsome views of Lake Merritt and heated outdoor seating, Barlago is molto bene for dog owners who like fancy rustic Italian fare. Barlago offers locally-sourced Italian comfort food, house-made pasta, happy hour appetizers, and wine and craft cocktails in a comfortable exposed brick and reclaimed wood setting featuring vintage photos of the lake. Proprietor Philip Raskin is dad to a newly-adopted rescue dog and a longtime dog owner, so expect to find water bowls and biscuits for your pooch. Raskin also owns the tiny neighborhood restaurant Filippos in Rockridge, which is likewise dog friendly.

This is of course not an exhaustive list. What’s your favorite dog-friendly restaurant? Leave us a comment below!

New & Noteworthy

Café Underwood, a collaborative work space/beer garden/wine bar with a friendly neighborhood vibe is newly open on Broadway at 41st Street. Underwood offers a hearty, house-made café menu, free WiFi, pretty patio seating and a rentable loft space that can accommodate about 20 people. Dog-friendly, too! Open Monday through Thursday 7 a.m. – 10 p.m., Friday 7 a.m. – 1 a.m., Saturday 8 a.m. – 1 a.m., and Sunday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. It’s located at 308 41st Street (at Broadway), (510) 995-6660.

Next door to Café Underwood at 4101 Broadway, TrueBurger is still under construction, but is slated to open in mid-October. The local burger joint will share Underwood’s patio space.

Uptown’s lush new tiki-style bar, Longitude, opened in August. Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday 4 p.m. – midnight, and Friday and Saturday 4 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. It’s at 347 14th Street, (510) 465-2008.