Every dog has its day, and some days just call for a drink. Luckily, West Town has a myriad of options for dogs who want to take their humans out on the town. Enjoy these options on their own or make your own ultimate pup crawl – these pup-pleasing destinations are all within walking distance of one another.
For the dog who likes dancing now and again (or watching people make Malort faces), EZ Inn is a great spot to crack open a cold one with the good boys. EZ Inn features fizzy boozies, seasonally rotating slushies, and plenty of delicious cookies for pups. Humans will enjoy $1 beers and free hot dogs on Sundays; dogs’ll love the free jukebox every night of the week.
For the dog who identifies as a cocktail nerd, Sportsman’s Club is not to be missed. Four vibrant daily cocktail offerings satisfy humans, and the puppers can play a game of checkers in the custom booths, bask in the glow of the back patio’s dreamy globe lights, or attend one of Sportsman’s wildly popular backyard barbecue series takeovers. Notably, hunting breeds will likely enjoy the bar’s impressive taxidermy collection.
Archie’s Iowa & Rockwell Tavern
Undisputed neighborhood favorite Archie’s is *the place* for the dive-loving pup to see and be seen. It’s common for human patrons to be greeted by 5-10 dogs upon entering the establishment. When they tire of saddling up to the bar, dogs can take in a nice game of pool (watching is always free for dogs!), or enjoy an abundance of pats and love from their many adoring fans. Insider tip: good dogs get cheeseballs.
If Sunday morning finds you and your best friend needing–ahem–a little hair of the dog, head over to the Empty Bottle. Technically not housing its own kitchen, dogs are welcome to join in the fun while you enjoy brunch from adjacent Bite Cafe. Starting at 11 on weekends, the bar is open, and the Dark Matter Coffee is flowing. The historic venue turns the music down but keeps the lights down low (all the better to withstand your mysterious headache, my dear).
After decades of sorrow and loneliness, we are pleased to report that this local gem is now dog-friendly! While the neighbors all have somethin’ to say about the change of ownership, the new guard definitely got this part right. Billed as “the same, but different!” the new Happy Village has all kinds of doggos and puppers and woofers and floofers on that incredible backyard patio. The drinks are still cheap, the vibe is still cool…and there’s dogs now, so it still is a Happy Village after all.
Popular Quad Cities pizza joint Roots welcomes you and your dog on its patio. The menu includes specialty pizzas, sandwiches, and a build-your-own salad, but people never stop talking about the giant mozzarella sticks. Pop by Monday-Friday 3-6p.m. for happy hour specials including half off appetizers and chef series specialty pizzas.
Adjacent Fifty/50 property West Town Bakery and Diner is happy to see your pal on its patio, too! With killer pastries, tons of bennies, build-your-own avocado toasts, and lots of vegan options (we’re talking biscuits and gravy here), West Town Bakery and Diner is a must-try for brunch or lunch. Try the veggie skillet–it’s jam-packed with produce from local farms and the 3,000 square foot organic rooftop garden.
Salsa Picante
Make every dang day Taco Tuesday at family-owned Salsa Picante. This neighborhood darling has loads of great veggie options and offers a front-row seat to all the Western Ave. action. Everydoggy’s welcome to sip margs on the patio, and if you’re really good, your fren might just share her SUPER TACO. It’s also our civic duty to tell you we feel like you should probably order a second burrito to go (you’re welcome, future you).
With dedicated dog parking outside, Fatso’s is a standout for patio dining with dogs. Fatso’s is open late and have arguably the best veggie dog in the city (it’s homemade!) in addition to a stacked menu of chardogs, fried shrimp, Beyond Burgers, and milkshakes. Hot dogs come with free fries, so your pup won’t even feel guilty after she successfully begs for 20 (so nice of her).
Star Lounge (and the Dark Matter Mothership)
Both Star Lounge and the Dark Matter Mothership welcome dogs outside. Serving not only as a coffee shop but also a de facto community center, Star Lounge is a great spot for your dog to run into basically everyone he knows. And if he’s really good, maybe you will gib an ice cream from Liz’s Pet Shop on the way home?
For the animal lovers out there, Upton’s Breakroom offers a 100% vegan menu and a 100% dog-friendly patio. Packed with comfort food including a rotating employee meal, barbecue jackfruit sandwich, and Korean tacos, Upton’s is a prime spot to both eat your feelings and dine cruelty-free. There’s also weekend brunch and vegan soft serve that your dog will look really cute eating on Instagram. Grab a bag of Pupton’s Naturals dog treats–proceeds benefit One Tail at a Time.
Where does your West Town woofer like to kick it? Give us a howl in the comments and don’t forget to tag #sidewalkdog in your adventures!
(Photo by Helena Lopes)
Sidewalk Dog’s mission is to help dog parents spend more time with their puppers by discovering and sharing activities they can do and places they can go—together! Sniff out our award-winning newsletter and Instagram, and join our Dog-Friendly Chicago Facebook Group.