Dog-Friendly Things To Do in Wicker Park and Bucktown

Where canine hospitality is concerned, Wicker Park and Bucktown are top dog. And let’s face it: sometimes, your dog just needs to let loose (do you even understand how stressful sleeping all day can be?). Whether you’re after food, drinks, coffee, or recreation, these spots have you covered.

Dog-Friendly Wicker Park and Bucktown Restaurants

If your friendly dog is looking for a patio bite, the area is hands-down one of the most accommodating in the city. Here are a few tasty choices:

Pub Royale

Indulge in a Royale Cup or two and some patio curry at Pub Royale, the popular and decorated Anglo-Indian pub from Heisler Hospitality. The only thing better than butternut squash dahl and garlic naan is butternut squash dahl and garlic naan with your dog.

Mott Street

The 64-seat patio at Mott Street is all set with water bowls and amazing human food from Chef Edward Kim. During the cooler months, they even had a fire pit in the back. Try the kimchi and Oaxaca empanadas (and they serve brunch too!).

Big Star

The line is often down the block for a patio spot at Big Star. Put your name down for a res and tire Fluffy out with a trip to the Wicker Park Dog Area around the corner while you wait. But if you just can’t wait for tacos and guac, there’s open first come first serve seating near the walk-up window. Bring a human friend and knock out one of those tasty margarita pitchers.

Small Cheval

For the pup who knows what she wants (a great burger), look no further than Small Cheval, Au Cheval’s stripped down retro burger joint. You need to order inside, so bring a third wheel to hang with your gal pal while you order. Also, the train runs right by the patio and can get loud, so make sure your pup won’t get spooked by the noises!

Jack & Ginger’s

If your dog believes ball is life, then Jack & Ginger’s is the spot for her. With all of the necessary sports packages, you can enjoy some of their daily food and drink specials on their patio while pup gets to watch her game on TV.

Milk & Honey Café

Milk & Honey Café is serving up gourmet sandwiches, fresh salads, made-from-scratch soups, and house-made pastries. They serve breakfast and lunch six days a week (closed on Tuesdays!), and their spacious patio is the perfect spot to relax with your pup.

Paradise Park

Any place where pup is welcome is paradise, but if there are delicious drinks and pizza, then you must be at Paradise Park. Part of the Ace & Gary Hospitality Group that brought Chicago Happy Camper and Homeslice, these folks know their pizza. With a covered patio, this is a great spot to bring pup, rain or shine. Just note that only the first floor patio is dog-friendly, and they ask that you make a note during your reservation if you’ll have a four-legged guest at your table.

Dog-Friendly Wicker Park and Bucktown Bars

Whether you already ate or are holding out for the tamale guy, these dog-friendly neighborhood joints are loved by dogs and humans alike.

Fatpour Tap Works

Almost all of Division’s patios from Western to Ashland are dog-friendly (call ahead!), but with patio screens and great specials, Fatpour Tapworks is a safe bet to catch a game over drinks and dinner. They are a UMich bar though, so if the pupper is a Michigan State fan, maybe keep walking. 

Easy Bar

For prime people watching on Division, snag a spot on Easy Bar’s front patio. They’re known for their great weekday deals, including their incredible half-off everything happy hour special from 5-7 p.m.


Bucktown Pub

Local favorite Bucktown Pub is dog-friendly as long as they’re friendly, well-behaved, and on leash. Their patio is uncovered, but they have two fire pits so you can still come during the colder months (though they do ask that you call ahead to make sure the patio is open!). Here’s a unique drink special: they’ll buy you a beer if you BYO firewood.


Dog-Friendly Wicker Park and Bucktown Recreation

Home to three Chicago Park District Dog-Friendly Areas, Wicker Park and Bucktown hit the dog park lottery! Check these out for some prime playing (and lots of pets).

Churchill Field Dog Park

Churchill Field is a tight-knit community of humans and their pups. It’s also right off the 606, so it’s a no-brainer stop if you’re on a walk with your best friend. To cool off, your pooch can hit the baby pool. When seasonally appropriate, grab an Italian ice at Miko’s across the street.

Wicker Park DFA

Don’t be fooled by its size–dogs get still in some serious playtime at the corner dog area nestled into Wicker Park proper. Friendly humans are always willing to share a bag (remember, there’s no poop fairy!), but it can get pretty busy during peak times, so plan ahead if your dog needs a little more space.

Walsh Dog Park

A bit larger than other area parks, human fans report Walsh Park is a great place to play ball. There’s also a very small water fountain for dogs that produces not only adequate hydration, but also a lot of really adorable Instagram photos.

There are so many dog-friendly things to do in Wicker Park and Bucktown. Try one of these fun ideas, and you’re well on your way to a dog-gone great day!

Psst…Don’t forget to take pictures of your four-legged friend while you’re out and about! Share them with us on Instagram and use #SidewalkDog–we just might feature you!

Featured photo:  @maksmeklin

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.

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