A Complete Guide To The Best Dog-Friendly Bars, Restaurants In NJ

NEW JERSEY — Did the pandemic cause separation anxiety between you and your dog? Not to worry. There are numerous New Jersey establishments that will now serve you and your dog on a night out on the town.

Every pet parent understands how much more enjoyable it is to do anything and everything with your pet, including drinking at a local bar, pub, or winery.

Before you head out to your favorite watering hole, do your research and read our guide to the best dog-friendly bars and restaurants in the Garden State.

North Jersey

• Elysian Cafe, 1001 Washington St, Hoboken: Elysian Cafe in Hoboken is a dog-friendly French-style restaurant where your dog can join you at an outdoor table.
• Krogh's, 23 White Deer Plaza, Sparta Township: In a unique building with old-world charm, this stalwart brewpub serves a variety of home brews and pub food. Dogs are welcome on their outdoor patio.
• Patrick's Pub, 470 River Styx Rd, Lake Hopatcong: Patrick's Pub is a traditional Irish pub. Their menu features a variety of classic bar bites, burgers, sandwiches and other items. Leashed dogs are welcome on the pet-friendly patio, which overlooks Lake Hopatcong's River Styx Cove.
• Darby Road Pub, 430 Park Ave, Scotch Plains: Darby Road Pub is a relaxed bar and eatery that serves delicious classic pub fare. While you enjoy your meal, your dog is welcome to join you at one of their five pet-friendly outdoor tables.
• South + Pine, 90 South St, Morristown: Leia Gaccione spent seven years as Bobby Flay's Executive Chef and Chef de Cuisine at five of his fine dining restaurants before opening south + pine American eatery, where she creates creative dishes with seasonal ingredients. South + Pine also features an expansive dog-friendly patio.

Central Jersey

• Alfonso's Family Trattoria & Gourmet Pizzeria, 99 W Main St, Somerville: Alfonso's Family Trattoria & Gourmet Pizzeria in Somerville is a dog-friendly Italian restaurant where your dog is welcome to join you at a table on the patio with umbrellas for shade.
• Blue Point Grill, 258 Nassau St, Princeton: Blue Point Grill is a lively dinner destination that focuses on fresh seafood from nearby markets and sustainable sources. On their outdoor patio, there are twenty dog-friendly tables where you and your dog can take in the sights of downtown Princeton.
• Witherspoon Grill, 57 Witherspoon St, Princeton: Witherspoon Grill has a lively bar scene as well as an outdoor patio where dogs are welcome.
• The Edison Automat, 1963 Oak Tree Rd, Edison: The Edison Automat is a dog-friendly eatery in Edison that welcomes your dog to join you at a table on the outdoor covered patio. Customers can also get dog treats.
• Nomad Pizza Company, 10 E Broad St, Hopewell: Nomad Pizza Company focuses on organic ingredients, all-natural meat, and handcrafted brick oven pizzas. This Hopewell location has two dog-friendly tables.

South Jersey

• Johnny Macs, 208 Main St, Asbury Park: Eccentric watering hole with cozy smoking chairs and a plethora of draft beers, as well as free pizza with a drink. The outdoor sidewalk seating is dog friendly.
• The Robinson Ale House, 26 Broad St, Red Bank: The Robinson Ale House is a laid-back, dog-friendly restaurant where Fido is welcome to join you at an outdoor table. The menu offers American fare and is complemented by a large craft beer selection, fine wines, and a full bar.
• Rory's Pub, 1124 Ocean Ave, Sea Bright: Rory's Pub is a relaxed bar and restaurant that serves a variety of delectable dishes. While you enjoy a cold beer and some tasty eats, your dog is welcome to join you at one of their pet-friendly outdoor tables.
• Bourre, 201 S New York Ave, Atlantic City: Bourre is a dog-friendly Cajun barbecue restaurant where you can take your leashed, friendly dog to an outdoor table with umbrellas on the patio.
• The Chatterbox, 500 E 9th St, Ocean City: Chatterbox serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but their specialty is milkshakes, floats, and ice cream sundaes. Dogs are welcome on the covered outdoor seating.

Responsible pet ownership entails more than just cuddling up on the couch with your pet. Prepare for the journey no matter where you're taking your dog.

Remember that while summer is the best time to drink on the patio it also means that your dog is susceptible to overheating. Make sure you leave the house prepared to avoid dangerous health conditions such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke.