Things to Bring

• ID tags on your dog (including Chicago license if applicable)
• Pick-up bags
• Your dog first aid kit
• Water and a bowl

Dining with your dog can be a fun experience for both of you, provided your dog is ready for the outdoor restaurant environment. Dogs should be well behaved and trained before accompanying you to dinner. It is helpful if you dog knows a "down - stay" or "sit - stay" as it can be very difficult to eat while holding your dog's leash if they are wandering around, not to mention disturbing to other restaurant patrons. Of course there will be food around and most likely waiters carrying trays so your dog should be well-behaved around food-- no begging! Dogs are not allowed inside any place which serves food, so if this is a "self-service" restaurant you will need to have someone  who can go inside and order.

Chicago passed a new "Dog Friendly Dining" ordinance effective in 2008. To allow dogs in their outdoor dining areas, restaurants must purchase a Supplement License for Dog Friendly Areas. There are rules and regulations which the restaurants must follow in order to allow dogs and dogs are not allowed to be petted or handled by staff members or fed while at the restaurant.  Dogs must have a city license and proof of vaccinations.

We recommend you call ahead before bringing your dog to any restaurant as some restaurants may not allow dogs if they are very busy or on certain nights or times, or may not have their outdoor tables set up depending on the weather.

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