Get Your Pup’s Grunge on at These Dog-Friendly Seattle Spots

Whether you moved to Seattle recently for its truly stunning nature or have been here since the glory days of Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, and Nirvana, one thing has always been true about this town: It loves dogs. And while the original home of Starbucks has gone through some major changes in recent years, a May 2023 survey by CoworkingCafe confirms what we all already suspected: Seattle is literally the best city for pets. Case closed. 

Die-hard Seattleites will do basically anything for coffee, beer, and Brandi Carlile, and the same goes for their dogs. More than mere pets, they’re simply an essential fact of life in the Pacific Northwest. That said, keep reading below for a non-exhaustive list of the best bars, cafes, breweries, parks, and hotels that are probably just as obsessed with your dog as you are.

Cafes and Eateries 

Seattle has a long-standing reputation as a town for excellent coffee, beer, and grunge music, but in recent years it’s also become a verifiable foodie’s paradise. But it’s not just about the arrival of some James Beard award-winning chefs — it’s also just as much about the tried and true local favorites (Seattle dog, anyone?) — and the always important factor of whether or not you can bring the dog. 

Proper Fish

112 Madison Ave. N, Bainbridge Island
@proper.fish 

Lauded as the best fish and chips in Seattle by the likes of Forbes Magazine and the Seattle Times, Proper Fish is located just across Elliot Bay on scenic Bainbridge Island. A newly renovated dog-friendly patio makes it extra worth the trip. 

Volunteer Park Cafe & Pantry

1501 17th Ave. E, Seattle
@cafeandpantry

Volunteer Park’s namesake is a cozy neighborhood haunt serving up what is probably the best egg and cheese sandwich you can find in Seattle. Oh, and your dog will be happy to hear that it’s also surrounded by three excellent parks. Win-win. 

The Whale Wins

3506 Stone Way N, Seattle
@thewhalewins

Renee Erickson’s empire of sea-themed restaurants are all over Seattle, but The Whale Wins — a cozy, open-air cafe in Fremont with a dog-friendly patio — is perhaps the most chill. Besides an excellent menu, they also sell those General Porpoise doughnuts that everyone is obsessed with — while supplies last. 

Red Arrow Coffee

425 NW Market St., Seattle
@redarrowcoffee

Tucked away on the back patio of gastropub Brimmer & Heeltap, Red Arrow Coffee is the kind of place you only hear about through word of mouth — locals only, if you will. A cozy fireplace and partially covered seating — all of which is dog-friendly — are simply the cherries on top.

Oddfellows

1525 10th Ave., Seattle
@oddfellowscafe

Oddfellows is a total departure from classic Seattle grunge culture. If you squint, you might mistake the inside of this cafe for a restaurant in SoHo, complete with ever so slightly overpriced avocado toast. That said, all outdoor seating is dog-friendly, and the aesthetics are on point. 

Molly Moon’s

1622.5 N 45th St., Seattle (Flagship)
@mollymoonicecream

Molly Moon’s has been a Seattle favorite since 2008, and it should come as no surprise that all 10 locations are dog-friendly, given that founder Molly Moon Neitzel put her very own pup, Parker Posey, on the company logo. 

Dick’s Drive-In 

111 NE 45th St., Seattle (Flagship)
@dicksdrivein

This Seattle institution has been slinging burgers since 1954, and the menu has hardly changed since. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. All outdoor seating means it’s all dog-friendly, too. 

The Barking Dog Alehouse

705 NW 70th St., Seattle
@barkingdogale

Rowdy trivia nights and a large dog-friendly patio have kept The Barking Dog Alehouse an easy favorite amongst Seattleites since 1933. The Dog is also sometimes home to Paws for a Pint, a fundraiser for Dogs for Better Lives.

Bark Espresso

11335 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle
@barkespresso

It’s all in the name: This coffee shop loves dogs, and will give ample treats to yours upon arrival. Bonus points: all the coffee is sourced from beloved Seattle institution Caffe Vita. 

Kiss Cafe 

2817 Market St., Seattle
@ballardkisscafe

It’s a cafe that specializes in beer — need we say more? Most importantly, the outdoor patio is pooch-friendly.

Preserve and Gather

358 NW 85th St., Seattle
@preserveandgather

Any pastry with preserved fruit is the obvious choice here, but don’t let that stop you from also trying the rest of the menu items too (though, to be clear, a trip to Preserve and Gather is hardly complete with a ham and jam sandwich). 

Katy’s Corner Cafe 

2000 E Union St., Seattle
@katyscafesea

Given that the Katy’s Corner Cafe Instagram is purportedly run by a very cute pooch named Peaches, it will come as no surprise that dogs are very much welcome at this Central District mainstay. Seating is available both inside and out.

Portage Bay Cafe 

4130 Roosevelt Way NE, (Flagship)
@portagebaycafe

Portage Bay Cafe has been Seattle’s go-to brunch spot since 1997. And because outdoor seating is available at all five locations, you know what that means: You and your doggo have five whole opportunities to eat at one of the most iconic cafes in Seattle.

Bars

When it rains for nine months in a row and you hardly leave your house, sometimes there’s only one solution: Go meet your friends at the nearest bar. That said, a beer outing should include all of your friends, and this is rather easy to do given the amount of bars in Seattle that are not only pet-friendly, but actually pet-obsessed. 

Wildrose

1021 E Pike St., Seattle
@thewildrosebar

As one of the oldest lesbian bars on the west coast (and one of a handful left in the entire country), Wildrose is something of a national treasure. It also happens to be dog-friendly, both indoors and out on the seasonal patio, so the next time you go to drag bingo or taco Tuesday, bring the pup. 

Linda’s Tavern

707 E. Pine St., Seattle
@lindastavern

Linda’s Tavern has all the trappings of a Western (cowboys, taxidermy, ranch-like decor), plus all the best aspects of a dive (tater tots, cheap beer). Bring your dog for indoor or outdoor seating — it’s all fair game. 

Cloudburst Brewing

2116 Western Ave., 5456 Shilshole Ave
@cloudburstbrew

Seattle is a town absolutely swimming in good breweries, so consider this merely a starting point on your bar crawl. Leashed dogs are welcome and FYI, the Shilshole location is the one with the dumplings (aka the Dump Truck).

Dog Yard Bar

1546 Leary Wy NW, Seattle
@dogyardbar

More of a dog park than a human bar, Dog Yard Bar is like your local off-leash area if it were slightly more bougie and came equipped with booze. To enter, you can either join as a member or purchase a day pass (both require some vaccine info for the pooch).

Fast Penny Spirits

1138 W Ewing St. Suite B, Seattle
@fastpennyspirits

This woman-owned distillery is shaking things up in the spirits world with their own, American-made take on amaro (an Italian digestif), called Amaricano. Highly drinkable booze and a very cool HQ on the Lake Washington canal make for one of the best ways to while away an afternoon with your pup.

The Velvet Elk 

3605 S McClellan St., Seattle
@the.velvet.elk

This lesbian-owned cocktail bar loves dogs almost as much as it loves craft beverages. Go for the drinks, stay for the good vibes, expertly curated by owner Kim Beecroft. 

Growlerz 

5269 Rainier Ave. S, Seattle
@growlerzseattle

This doggie daycare takes care of its humans, too — namely with beer and patio seating (and also sometimes with drag bingo, trivia night, flight night, and the occasional live music performance). 

Fremont Brewing Company

1050 N 34th St., Seattle
@fremontbrewing

The center of the universe wouldn’t be complete with a craft brewery. Family-owned and operated since 2008, Fremont Brewing Company loves dogs and has a giant urban beer garden to host the whole fam.

Bottlehouse

1416 34th Ave., Seattle
@bottlehouse

For a dog-friendly date night, try Bottlehouse — the impossibly chic wine-bar-slash-bottle-shop with a large back garden, fancy cheese plates, and frequent musical guests.

Highside Distilling

8895 Three Tree Ln. NE, Units 10-11, Bainbridge Island
@highsidedistilling

Winslow Way is by the far the busiest street on Bainbridge, but venturing further into the island is a really good idea if you’re a fan of excellent, one-of-a-kind booze. Case in point? Highside Distilling, the family-owned distillery making some of the best gin, amaro, fernet, and whiskey in the PNW. 

Holy Mountain Brewing Company

1421 Elliott Ave. W, Seattle, 7011 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle

Whether you visit the actual brewery in Interbay or the taproom in Phinney Ridge, Holy Mountain is a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts in Seattle. Both locations are pet-friendly.

Hill City Tap House & Bottle Shop

5303 Rainier Ave. S, Seattle
@hillcitytaphouse

Just next door to Growlerz, Hill City Tap & Bottle boasts a huge dog-friendly outdoor seating area, copious amounts of beer, and lots of sports on the TV. What’s not to love?

Beverage Place Pub

6413 California Ave. SW, Seattle
@bppub

This longtime West Seattle watering hole has a stunning 36 beers on tap, plus 100 bottles on offer, which is to say you’ll always be spoiled for choice. 

The Dray

708 NW 65th St., Seattle
@thedraycafe

The Dray is a soccer fan’s bar, first and foremost, but it also has a number of hard-to-find craft beers on tap, plus cheesy snacks (flatbread, grilled cheese). Dogs are welcome inside and out. 

Captain Blacks

129 Belmont Ave. E, Seattle

A legendary dive with legendary views, Captain Blacks has not one, but two dog-friendly back patios, coupled with Southern food staples, like fried chicken, catfish, and chicken and waffles. 

Parks and trails

For all the talk of good music and great beer, Seattle’s reputation actually hinges on one thing that’s completely unrelated to drinking or ticket sales: the great outdoors. This is a town that does not merely tolerate nature, but actively worships it. Thus, there are no tiny urban “parks” here, but instead, huge, sprawling, areas of wilderness, which is excellent news for the dogs. One last thing: if you’re taking the ferry anywhere (which you absolutely should do), you’ll need a pet carrier for your pup.

Discovery Park

3801 Discovery Park Blvd., Seattle
@friendsofdiscoverypark

Seattle’s largest public park is genuinely large — as in 534 acres, including 11.81 miles of walking trails all of which are dog-friendly. There’s also a beach, which is extra nice for the pups considering the fact that other public beaches in the city generally go by a no-dogs-allowed rule. 

Whidbey Island

@gowhidbeycamano

Whidbey might be the most popular day trip destination given that it’s only a little over an hour’s drive from Seattle. That said, you should coordinate your departure with the ferry times, and maybe buy your ticket in advance if it’s a busy summer day. Once there, head to Double Bluff for an excellent off-leash dog beach, complete with a “doggie shower.”

Gas Works Park

2101 N Northlake Way, Seattle

Formerly a coal gasification plant, Gas Works Park had a true glow-up in 1975 from toxic industrial site to award-winning feat of urban landscaping. While there aren’t any official dog parks here, there is about 20 acres of green space to traverse, and really nice views of Lake Union to take in while you explore what has been called “the strangest park in Seattle.”

Seward Park

5900 Lake Washington Blvd. S, Seattle

This 300-acre forest on the southwest edge of Lake Union is a must-visit for pups given that it’s home to the annual Furry 5K, a walk-slash-run benefiting the Seattle Animal Shelter. There’s also a number of dog-friendly trails here, a fishing pier, a beach, and an amphitheater – which is to say, this park has it all. 

Green Lake

7201 East Green Lake Dr. N., Seattle

While Green Lake is rather infamously plagued by toxic algae contamination, the fact remains that this is a beautiful, centrally located park for North Seattleites. Given the algae, you should probably keep your dog away from the water (they’re not really supposed to swim here anyways) — instead, try the 2.8 mile loop around the lake, or any of the surrounding lawn space. There’s also a fenced dog park just south of the lake called Lower Woodland Off Leash Area. 

Magnuson Park

7400 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle

Magnuson Park is home to yet another excellent dog park, with the added perk of being the only one in the city with water access (the water, in this case, being Lake Washington). This is dog heaven: 8.6 acres of off-leash lawn, separate areas for small and “shy” dogs, and all of it fenced (you’re welcome, parents). 

Volunteer Park

1247 15th Ave. E, Seattle
@volunteer_park

Looming large in the heart of Capitol Hill, Volunteer Park is home to a number of cultural institutions and recreation areas. Unfortunately the Seattle Asian Art Museum and the Conservatory do not allow dogs — but don’t let that stop you and your pup from exploring the rest of this 48-acre park. 

Burke-Gilman Trail

The Burke-Gilman Trail has grown over the years thanks to a number of expansions, and now spans a total of 27 miles, from Golden Gardens all the way to nearby Bothell. Hop on and off with your pup anywhere along the route, but watch out for the gap in the trail, or “missing link,” near Salmon Bay.

Dr. Jose Rizal Park

1007 12th Ave. S, Seattle

What this park lacks in space, it makes up for in perspective. Perched on the west side of Beacon Hill, Dr. Jose Rizal Park boasts panoramic views of downtown Seattle. Try going at sunset for the full experience and don’t forget to check out the off-leash area at the north end of the park.

Snoqualmie Falls

6501 Railroad Ave., Snoqualmie, Washington

Probably most well-known as a filming location for the cult classic Twin Peaks, Snoqualmie Falls also happens to be a natural wonder in its own right, with a 270-foot waterfall and a web of nearby hiking trails. Plan to spend the whole day on this one — it’s about a two-hour drive from Seattle. 

Westcrest Park

9000 8th Ave. SW, Seattle

This south Seattle gem has a lush dog park, a community garden P-Patch, and a number of fairly low-key walking trails. There’s also a viewing platform for, you know, nice views. 

Vashon-Maury Island

A short ferry ride from downtown Seattle, Vashon Island is something of a rural oasis, especially compared to nearby Bainbridge Island, which is much more developed. Choose from a bunch of dog-friendly hikes and parks, like Maury Island Viewpoint Trail or the Shinglemill Creek Loop, then end the day with a swim at KVI Beach, which is technically private property and therefore does not have to adhere to King County leash laws (though it is recommended that you keep your dog on their leash). 

Saint Edward State Park 

14445 Juanita Dr. NE., Kenmore

Surely, one of the most historic Seattle-area parks, Saint Edward State Park, located in nearby Kenmore, owes its architectural prowess to the fact that it was once a Roman Catholic Seminary. Since turning over to Washington State in 1977, the 326-acre property has undergone a bunch of renovations and developments; today, a series of trails, lawns, and over 3,000 feet of Lake Washington shoreline are available for you and your pup’s enjoyment. 

Arts and culture

Dogs typically aren’t allowed in museums, but when did that ever stop you and your pooch from getting cultured? Forget the official art, and have a moment with this city’s trolls, boats, and chewing gum.

Fremont Troll

North 36th Street, Troll Ave. N, Seattle

Huddled under the Fremont Bridge on its very own namesake Avenue, the Fremont Troll is probably Seattle’s most famous sculpture. Maybe you first spotted it in 10 Things I Hate About You, or maybe you’ve never heard of it before — either way, visiting it (and, while you’re at it, taking copious photos) is basically a rite of passage around these parts.

The Center for Wooden Boats

1010 Valley St., Seattle
@centerforwoodenboats

Before all of the music, grunge, and weird hot dogs, Seattle was a fisherman’s town. Thus, a visit to The Center for Wooden Boats just feels right — especially if you’ve got a pup who loves to swim.

Olympic Sculpture Park

2901 Western Ave., Seattle
@seattleartmuseum

Conventional museums in Seattle are largely closed to pets, but Seattle Art Museum’s Olympic Sculpture Park is the exception that proves the rule. Featuring nine acres of extra large artwork on a waterfront property overlooking the bay, this park is free to visit and open every single day of the year. 

The Gum Wall

1428 Post Alley, Seattle

While Pike Place Market is off limits to pets, its weird, sticky neighbor — aka the Gum Wall — is fair game. Let the pet portrait taking commence.

Washington Park Arboretum

2300 Arboretum Dr. E, Seattle
@seattlearboretum

Nestled on the shores of Lake Washington, Washington Park Arboretum is a 230-acre expanse of beautifully landscaped botanical gardens, all of which are free to visit minus the Japanese Garden. Leashed dogs are welcome; check out their calendar for guided tours, story times, and other events.

Ballard Kayak & Paddleboard

7901 Seaview Ave. NW, Seattle

Does it get any cuter than a dog on a paddleboard? Absolutely not. Over at the Shilshole Bay Marina, hop on a single or double kayak, or a stand-up paddle board, and take yourself (and your pup) on a self-guided tour of the bay.

Kubota Garden Foundation

9817 55th Ave. S, Seattle
@kubotagarden

Founded by Japanese immigrant Fujitaro Kubota in 1927, Kubota Garden, aka the “jewel of Rainier Beach,” is a dog-friendly oasis of lush flora and Japanese architecture. 

Bark at the Park 

1250 1st Ave. S, Seattle
@mariners

Dogs aren’t normally allowed at Mariners games, but for a few special nights a year, this rule is blissfully broken for Bark at the Park. A “dog pack” ticket will get you and your pup inside for $35; after the game, stick around for a lap around the bases. 

Ice Cream Cruise

860 Terry Ave. N, Seattle

Good ice cream isn’t hard to come by in Seattle (hi, Molly Moon’s), but indulging in said ice cream on a cruise — now that’s luxury. This self-proclaimed “sweetest trip around Lake Union” is kid-friendly and dog-friendly, so the whole fam can join. 

Ballard Locks

3015 NW 54th St., Seattle
@ballardlocks100

Visiting the Ballard Locks is one of the best ways to see Seattle industry in action, especially because it has the highest boat traffic of any lock in the U.S. The fish ladder viewing room, however, is the main event — where thousands of salmon migrate through the locks every single year. Leashed dogs are welcome and the locks are always free to visit. 

Kenmore Air Fly-and-Float

6321 NE 175th St., Kenmore
@kenmoreair

The PNW’s beloved local airline, Kenmore Air, has a number of dog-friendly scenic flights that will take you for a spin around Washington State. For starters, try their Fly-and-Float whale watching tour — which combines a flight to San Juan Island with a three-hour cruise courtesy of San Juan Safaris. 

Shops 

Totokaelo may have left a giant hole in the hearts of Seattle’s most eager shoppers, but don’t let its absence fool you — there’s still plenty of browsing to do, and much of it is pet-friendly. 

Ballard Farmers Market

5345 Ballard Ave. NW, Seattle

If you needed an excuse to take a stroll down the famously cute cobblestones of downtown Ballard, here’s one: the Ballard Farmers Market. Bring your pup to this year-round, open-air market on Sundays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Fremont Vintage Mall

3419 Fremont Ave. N, Seattle
@fremontvintagemall

Fremont Vintage Mall is tucked away in a basement on Fremont Ave and is a verifiable treasure trove of homewares, clothing, vinyl, and more. No frills, just really good deals and a plethora of excellent vintage.

Chophouse Row

1424 11th Ave., Seattle
@chophouserow

This tiny but mighty alleyway hosts a variety of local makers and chefs selling their edible and non-edible goods. It’s also the home of Little Dog Garden, a daycare and play center for the little pets in your life with big personalities (you know the type). 

Elliot Bay Book Company

1521 10th Ave., Seattle
@elliotbaybookco

The rumors are true: Capitol Hill’s iconic book-lover watering hole loves dogs, even if they can’t actually read. Browse a whopping 150,000 titles, pet in tow, then head on over to one of the neighborhood’s parks for an afternoon of literary bliss. 

Lucky Vintage

4742 University Way NE, Seattle
@luckyvintageseattle

Vintage is the name of the game in Seattle, and one of its best purveyors just so happens to be pet-friendly. Speaking of — don’t forget to check out Lucky’s sister shop, Lucky Dry Goods, located in downtown Ballard. 

Glasswing Shop

1525 Melrose Ave., Seattle
@glasswingshop

Glasswing is every minimalist’s dream. Pay this Capitol Hill boutique a visit for chic linens, chore jackets, and fancy items from Japan, none of which your dog needs or wants but all of which will make your life decidedly more aesthetic.

Prism

5208 Ballard Ave. NW, Seattle
@prismseattle

Prism has what every shoppy-shop can only dream of: a point of view. Drop by after the Ballard Farmers Market (happening right outside) for the old favorites (Baggu, Girlfriend Collective, Boy Smells), plus some niche, hyper local finds (Anna Learns Things, Things by Carly). 

evo

3500 Stone Way N, Seattle
@evoseattle

Calling all outdoor enthusiasts: if it’s time to refresh your dog’s harness, leash, collar, or life jacket (seriously), look no further than evo. A Seattle institution since 2005, this one-stop-shop never disappoints. 

Les Amis

3420 Evanston Ave. N, Seattle
@lesamisseattle

Designer clothing in Seattle is semi-hard to come by since the aforementioned closing of Totokaelo in 2020, but many a fashion girlie’s favorite brand (think Caron Callahan, No. 6, 6397, Black Crane, etc.) is very much alive and well at Les Amis. 

Queen Anne Book Company

1811 Queen Anne Ave. N #103, Seattle
@queen.anne.book.company

Smack dab in the heart of Queen Anne (and next door to the incomparable Moonrise Bakery), Queen Anne Book Company is a quintessential neighborhood book shop, complete with cozy vibes and a pet-friendly policy to boot. 

fruitsuper

524 1st Ave. S, Seattle
@fruitsupershop

Fruitsuper is a shop and design studio rolled into one, where every item is hand-selected by its owners, Sallyann Corn and Joe Kent. It is, unsurprisingly, a beautiful space in which to browse the very homegoods that may or may not be sitting in your Instagram saved folder. 

Sonic Boom Records

2209 NW Market St., Seattle
@sonicboomrecords

Music is Seattle’s original claim to fame, and this town wouldn’t have the legendary reputation it does without Sonic Boom Records, which rose to prominence in 1998 after an in-store performance by Death Cab for Cutie. Stop by this Fremont mainstay for some pet-friendly vinyl browsing. 

Fremont Sunday Street Market

3401 Evanston Ave. N, Seattle
@fremontsundaymarket

More than just a flea market, Fremont Sunday Market has an almost infinite amount of vintage clothing vendors, food stalls, pet treat purveyors, and musical acts. It is therefore almost impossible to see everything in one go; instead, come back weekend after weekend to enjoy the full breadth of this 32-year-old market at “the center of the universe,” as it were.  

Hotels

Whether it’s too wet for camping or you just simply can’t stand to spend another night sleeping on the ground, we get it. Seattle is an outdoorsy town, but it also knows how to do it up — pets included. Cause let’s be honest — what’s the point of a vacation without the company of your best pal?

Ace Hotel 

2423 1st Ave., Seattle
@acehotelseattle

A self-proclaimed “pooch paradise,” the Ace Hotel doesn’t just tolerate dogs, they actively love them (as illustrated by their $0 pet fee). Will all the money you save on fees, walk down the street to Cloudburst Brewing and treat yourself. You’re welcome. 

Graduate Seattle

4507 Brooklyn Ave. NE, Seattle
@graduatehotels

Smack dab in the eye of the storm of UW (aka, U District), Graduate Seattle is the oasis that every visiting UW parent needs in their life. Inside, impossibly chic 1930s Art Deco decor awaits, and pets are welcome for a fee of $75 per stay, per pet. 

The Edgewater Hotel

2411 Alaskan Way, Seattle
@theedgewater 

Famous for hosting the likes of Black Sabbath, Stevie Wonder, and The Beatles, The Edgewater Hotel is quite literally perched on the edge of Elliot Bay, meaning it’s also steps from Pike Place Market (no dogs allowed, sorry), the Olympic Sculpture Park, and the ferry terminal. Bring your pup for an additional fee of $100 per stay.

Hotel Sorrento

900 Madison St., Seattle
@hotelsorrentoseattle

Seattle has no shortage of historic buildings, but Hotel Sorrento’s 114-year-old Italianate architecture just might take the cake — at least in First Hill. Welcoming pets for no additional fee, this boutique landmark is an ideal jumping off point for exploring the rest of the city on foot. 

The Lodge at St. Edward Park

14477 Juanita Dr. NE, Kenmore
@thelodgeatstedward

Housed in what was once a Roman Catholic seminary, The Lodge at St. Edward Park is a short 30-minute drive from downtown Seattle, meaning it’s the perfect destination for a quick weekend getaway. Most importantly for the pups, this property is a whopping 326 acres and mere steps from the shores of Lake Washington. Plus, there’s no pet fee.