Dining Out With Your Dogs
With a plethora of hidden gems to choose from, it’s easy to turn mealtime into a
new Savannah adventure with your best friend.
It is no secret that Savannah is a dog-friendly city. From the multitude of dogs that regularly romp in the city parks and squares, to the water bowls lined up out front of downtown shops, Savannah’s love for its canine friends is clear. Perhaps nowhere more can Savannah’s enthusiasm for its dogs can be seen in the numerous dog-friendly restaurants that the city has to offer.
Classic downtown destinations such as Mellow Mushroom, J. Christophers, Wild Wing CafĂ©, Vinnie Van Go Go’s and The Olde Pink House are well known for catering to their canine clientele. Stroll by any one of these restaurants during mealtime and it’s a safe bet that you will see some dogs relaxing and enjoying a day out with their family. However, Savannah is also home to some off-the-beaten-path restaurant gems where both you and your best friend will be made to feel right at home. Whether you are searching for a great breakfast, meeting some friends for lunch, or are in need of a memorable evening on the town, The Hostess City offers something for any occasion. Here are some options you should consider adding to your dog-friendly dining repertoire.
Kicking Back with BBQ. If you are like my husband and you enjoy bonding with your dog over your shared love of meat, meat, and more meat, then an evening at Blowin’ Smoke BBQ (514 MLK Jr. Boulevard, Savannah) is right up your alley. In addition to featuring a large amount of covered outdoor seating, the tables are a nice distance apart, making it easy to keep your dog away from other diners. In addition, the staff has been known to serve complimentary beef bones to their four-legged customers. Live music makes Blowin’ Smoke a hot spot on the weekends (sets begin at 6:45pm), but be mindful that the noise may scare some dogs.
A Romantic Evening. Who says that a night of fine dining by soft candlelight means that you have to leave your dog at home? At Leoci’s Trattoria (606 Abercorn Street, Savannah), people and their canine friends can leave the city behind and escape to the quiet respite that is Leoci’s large, beautiful and shaded outdoor deck. The staff is comprised of dog lovers, as evidenced by the ice-cold water dishes that are brought to your dogs immediately after being seated. Not only does the serenity of Leoci’s deck create a calm environment where dogs can relax at your feet, but the large grassy area behind the restaurant is the perfect spot for potty breaks or game of fetch. After dinner, you and your pups can enjoy a walk around Forsyth Park, located just steps from the restaurant.
Casual Dining Near the Water. Delicious treats await both you and your pup at Tortuga's Island Grille (2815 River Drive, Thunderbolt), where the only thing better than the breezes off of the Intracoastal Waterway is the food. The owners and staff at Tortuga's are dog lovers, and the restaurant has multiple large dog bowls ready to hydrate your pup. Since mosquitos and gnats are often a problem by the water, the staff keeps plenty of a locally made, all natural bug repellant called “No Natz” on hand. Because it is all natural, it is safe to spray “No Natz” liberally on both you and your dog. Note that Tortuga’s has only limited outdoor seating available, so it is wise to call ahead to make sure there is a spot for you and your dog. After your meal, consider taking your dog for a stroll along the Thunderbolt waterfront or through Bonaventure Cemetery, just a short distance away.
Weeknight Meals. Ever since coming under new management, getting a table at Sol (1611 Habersham St) has been increasingly difficult. Any restaurant featuring more tables outdoors than inside makes it an ideal spot to bring your dog for a fantastic mid-week meal. Each table has an umbrella and there are plenty of fans to help keep everyone in your party cool. What’s more, there are plenty citronella torches to make sure that the bugs don’t bother you or your pup. The combination of great food and drinks, plenty of outdoor seating, and an extremely dog-friendly staff makes this an easy and enjoyable place to bring your dog.
Yappy Hour! For drinks and food with your dog after work, we suggest Tubby’s Tank House (2909 River Drive, Thunderbolt), located just down the street from Tortuga’s. Tubby’s enormous outdoor porch features a large bar, friendly service and plenty of seating, making it an ideal spot to unwind with your dog in tow. Watch a game on one of the outdoor televisions while your dog tries to nose his way into your stash of free popcorn. And to make sure you dog doesn’t miss out on all of the fun, bring along a Bowser Beer (non-alcoholic doggie beer) from The Grateful Hound to help ensure he lives up to his party-animal potential.
Staycation Dining. Need a break from the everyday? North Beach Grill (33 Meddin Drive, Tybee Island) is the perfect place for both you and your dog to get away from it all. Step on to the deck at this cool little spot located adjacent to Tybee’s North Beach parking lot and you can’t help but feel like you are on vacation. And though you are dining close to the beach, most of the outdoor tables have large umbrellas to keep you and your pooch cool. Finally, though dogs are famously not permitted on the on Tybee’s beaches, the Tybee Island Dog Park is located just down the street from the restaurant. It’s a great spot for some off-leash fun either before or after your meal.
Remember that this is just a small list of some of our favorite restaurants to bring our dogs. There are many other wonderful options that would love to welcome both you and your pooch. So the next time you go out to eat, don’t forget to bring your best friend along and enjoy!
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