The dog days of summer: Toronto’s top pet-friendly patios

Summertime calls for sunny patios with your best pals – and no one loves an outdoor hang quite like your top dog. You know, the four-legged fella who’s always the life of the party. While many restaurants in the city don’t permit animals, these Toronto patios will throw your dog a bone. [Image credit: iStock.com/EzumeImages]

The dog days of summer: Toronto’s top pet-friendly patios
Jeni Riddell By

The Doneright Inn

1
861 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1G4

When you first arrive, The Done Right Inn may look a bit ruff. But beyond the rickety barstools, slanted floors and narrow corridor is a cozy back porch that feels like home. Actually, it’s more like a treehouse. A massive oak trunk rooted in the middle of the patio is the pièce de résistance at this dive bar. Its lush leaves create a canopy of shade covering most of their spacious wooden booths. Just steps away from Trinity Bellwoods, it’s a welcoming escape for Fido and friends after a fun-filled day of Frisbee.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

The Last Temptation

2
12 Kensington Ave Main, Toronto, ON M5T 2J7

Perfect for people watching (or squirrel watching), this Kensington Market patio is a great spot to stretch out a lazy Sunday afternoon. Last Temptation’s menu features a wide range of gourmet pub grub. From perogies, pita pizzas and sandwiches to calamari and pad Thai, it would almost close to cruel not to share a few scraps with your furry friend.

The Watermark Irish Pub & Restaurant Ltd

3
207 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 1A7

If we’re talkin’ scenic views, The Watermark is best in show. This waterfront patio comfortably seats up to 280 patrons, with a panoramic view of Toronto’s harbourfront. In addition to having prime real estate, they also feature a drool-worthy menu. For an Irish-inspired brunch, try the Guinness breakfast skillet or bacon n’ Baileys cinnamon roll. Licking your chops yet?

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

The Black Bull

4
298 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2A1

The Black Bull is the ideal place to grab a hair-of-the-dog Caesar on a Sunday morning. Located on the corner of Queen and Peter, it’s a low key, roomy patio fit for the whole squad. On a hazy summer day, split some nachos, pizza and wings, and wash it down with a cold pitcher. Just don’t forget to drop a fry or two.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Beer

This classy joint may appear to be lap-dog central, but even a St. Bernard could comfortably chill outside their quaint patio. A temporary hideaway from urban noise and traffic, it’s located between two buildings, offering a safe nook to tie-up and let sleeping dogs lie. And with a name like Beer Bistro, they certainly deliver with a spirited roster of draft on tap.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Thor Espresso Bar

5
35 Bathurst St, Toronto, ON M5V 2P2

If you’re a dog lover but not an owner, this is a great place to get your cuddle fix. Thor Espresso Bar’s patio is crawling with four-legged patrons. This Scandinavian-inspired café welcomes panting pets with refreshed bowls of water throughout the day. Catch some rays on their wooden loungers while savouring a delectable pastry and silky smooth espresso. Afterwards, toss the ball around at Victoria Memorial Park just around the corner.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:
More from Jeni Riddell Jeni Riddell
A proud Hamiltonian, Jeni enjoys using foul adjectives and challenging friends to uncomfortable rounds of "Would You Rather." When she’s not initiating Fleetwood Mac sing-alongs or drawing eyebrows on her dog, she can be found patio-side on Augusta Street, hitting up Chedoke Golf Course or jogging the Bruce Trail.
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