New York City is a dog-lovers’ paradise. They research off-leash hours in Central Park, form doggie playdate groups, and transport their pups on the subway (even if they look ridiculous doing so).
While the city does require dogs to be leashed at all times except for in fenced parks or designated areas during certain times, the city has plenty of dog-friendly spots. Here are a few to check out.
1. Boris & Horton
The dog-friendly scene in NYC is constantly growing. In fact, there’s a new cafe in the works that wants to be known as “the first true dog cafe.”
Called Boris & Horton (named for the owners’ own pups), it’s slated to open in about two weeks at 195 Avenue A near 12th Street in East Harlem. While the new cafe does resemble cat cafes that have become popular for offering adoptable felines, Boris & Horton differentiates itself by only allowing dogs and separating the animals from the coffee shop, according to WhatNowNY.
While the humans will be able to enjoy a cheese-plate, craft beer and wine, and salads, the pups will have their own menu. Featuring pupcakes, doggie doughnuts and french fries, along with meaty treats from Grazer Burger and Beefcheek, the pup menu will be available both inside and out. There’ll also be a range of Casper dog beds for guests to tuck their furry friends into as they relax on the patio.
This massive waterfront park has it all — restaurants, pathways, gardens, not one, but two dog runs and more. It’s an energetic spot where you’ll often find musicians playing on the benches, sunbathers lounging and plenty of dogs frolicking around. Plus, it’s a great place to hop on the NYC Ferry, which is dog-friendly and allows caged or muzzled pets for free.
2. Luckydog
For New Yorkers living in tight spaces with little to no backyard, a dog park is the best way for dogs to get some off-leash time. But for some people, a dog park isn’t always convenient and can’t provide an environment conducive to socializing with friends or enjoying a meal. Luckydog, a dive bar on Bedford Ave in Williamsburg, is the city’s first Department of Health approved dog-friendly eatery where you can dine with your dog.
It doesn’t just offer food and drink but also hosts adoption events to help homeless pups find their forever homes. So while the name of this spot might not be as cute as Boris & Horton, you’ll still see plenty of canines hanging out at this divey watering hole with tacky decor, cheap beer and bars games.
The Dining with Dogs bill, which has passed in the Assembly and Senate and is now being reviewed by Governor Cuomo, would change some of the restrictions of the Department of Health that make it difficult for places like Luckydog to remain open. The organization Brooklyn for Pets is pushing the bill and has launched a social media campaign encouraging folks to share their eating and drinking outings with their dog with the hashtag #diningwithdogs.
3. Do or Dive
When Bed-Stuy’s weird and wonderful pun-inspired restaurant Do or Dine unexpectedly shuttered last fall, neighborhood residents were crestfallen. But they can take heart: the space will reopen this Thursday as Do or Dive, a bar from the same owners behind Williamsburg’s Lucky Dog and Skinny Dennis.
Built to look like the sort of dive bar that’s been around for decades, Do or Dive is adorned with animated vintage beer signs, stained-glass lamps, a stuffed shark, and other kitschy accoutrements. The drinks are cheap, and the crowd is young and boisterous. Look for shuffleboard, a solid draft list, and a menu of odd cocktails, including “that coffee thing,” a boozy frozen coffee served in a classic deli paper cup.
This place is also very pet-friendly.
4. Barking Dog
The Barking Dog is a dog-friendly restaurant that opened in Carnegie Hill in 2018. The owner, Emin Alliu, created the restaurant as an alternative to leaving dogs on their own outside while people dine. The restaurant features a patio that welcomes pets to join their owners and even offers them water and treats. In addition to their pet-friendly dining options, the restaurant serves up traditional American favorites at democratic prices.
The restaurant is planning on opening a second location in Hells Kitchen later this year and locals are already eagerly anticipating its arrival. If you are curious about what other dog-friendly restaurants are in NYC, check out our full list of the best dog-friendly places in New York City.
If you have a neighbor who has a loud dog that continuously barks, consider speaking with them calmly about the issue. It is important to document the times of day when the barking is at its worst and ask if there is anything they can do to curb it.
If the noise persists, you may want to involve a professional dog trainer. If your neighbor is not willing to address the problem, you may be able to file a quiet zone complaint with the Department of Citywide Administrative Services.
5. William Secord Gallery
Dog-friendly spots in NYC aren’t as hard to come by as you might think. While it’s often more difficult to find bars that allow dogs, restaurants do exist that let pups dine with you at outdoor tables or backyard patios. Many also have menus specially tailored for pups!
Located in Brooklyn, this sprawling waterfront park features pathways, piers, and more. Bring your leashed dog along for a stroll and a view of the Manhattan skyline, or visit the Prison Ship Martyrs’ Monument to learn more about the park’s history.
There are plenty of activities for humans to enjoy, too, like a ping-pong tournament, food truck court, or live music. The park is free to the public, and open during off-leash hours throughout the week.
The only forest left on Manhattan Island, Inwood Hill Park is home to tulip trees, oaks, maples, and other plants. It’s a great place to explore, and has three trails, as well as a rocky outcropping called Shorakkopoch Rock, the site of an important meeting between the Dutch colonists and Native Americans.
It’s all in the name at this super-dog-friendly Williamsburg spot, which boasts a dog-themed interior and yappy hour deals. They offer tasty cafe-style fare, including pancakes and eggs for breakfast, and classics like fish and chips or grilled skirt steak at lunch and dinner.
The only dog-friendly amusement park in the city, Coney Island is an urban playground with an amusement park, beach, and a boardwalk. Leashed dogs are allowed on the boardwalk year round and at the beach during specific seasons. You can even catch a Brooklyn Cyclones game or check out Coney Island Walls, an “Outdoor Museum of Street Art”!
