Sarasota has a large dog-friendly outdoor dining scene.
Current pet-dining listings identify nearly 200 Sarasota restaurants where dogs are welcomed at outdoor tables.
The smartest approach is to choose the area first.
Old Salty Dog
Old Salty Dog is one of Sarasota’s best-known dog-friendly waterfront restaurants.
Dogs are welcomed at outdoor tables, and the menu includes:
- Seafood baskets
- Burgers
- Salads
- Hot dogs
- Beer
Some locations also offer dog-menu items.
Best For
Casual waterfront dining.
O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill
O’Leary’s sits in Bayfront Park on Sarasota’s downtown bayfront.
That makes it one of the easiest dog-friendly meal combinations in the city:
Bayfront walk + patio meal
The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Best For
Bayfront Park day.
Owens Fish Camp — Burns Court
Owens Fish Camp in Burns Court is currently identified as pet-friendly in appropriate outdoor areas.
The restaurant is known for:
- Seafood
- Southern-style dishes
- Casual historic atmosphere
Best For
A more destination-style Sarasota dinner.
Toasted Mango Cafe
Toasted Mango Cafe welcomes leashed dogs on its outdoor patio.
The cafe focuses on breakfast and lunch.
Expect:
- Breakfast
- Sandwiches
- Salads
- Organic options
- Gluten-free choices
Best For
Breakfast or lunch.
Evie’s Tavern & Grill
Evie’s Tavern & Grill has a covered dog-friendly patio.
The menu includes:
- Pizza
- Burgers
- Salads
- Wraps
Best For
Casual lunch or dinner with shade.
The Old Salty Dog — City Island
The City Island location is especially useful if you’re exploring the waterfront or nearby bayfront attractions.
A waterfront deck is much easier with a dog than a formal indoor restaurant.
Downtown Sarasota Dining
Downtown has numerous patios and outdoor tables.
Good areas include:
- Main Street
- Palm Avenue
- Burns Court
- Bayfront
Policies can change, so ask before making a special trip.
St. Armands Circle
St. Armands Circle has many restaurants with outdoor seating.
But outdoor seating is not automatically dog-friendly.
Ask:
“Are dogs allowed on the patio today?”
Venice Dining
If you’re doing a Brohard Paw Park day, Venice has enough outdoor dining that you do not need to drive back to Sarasota for lunch.
Use the dog beach and Venice restaurant cluster as one outing.
Summer Patio Strategy
Sarasota summer heat can make lunchtime patios uncomfortable.
Favor:
- Breakfast
- Early brunch
- Dinner
- Covered patios
- Fans
- Waterfront breeze
Bring Water
Even if a restaurant provides a dog bowl, bring your own fresh water.
Best Sarasota Dog-Friendly Restaurant by Situation
Best waterfront classic: Old Salty Dog Best Bayfront Park stop: O’Leary’s Tiki Bar Best destination seafood: Owens Fish Camp Best breakfast: Toasted Mango Cafe Best covered casual patio: Evie’s Tavern & Grill Best dining district: Downtown Sarasota / Burns Court
More Pet-Friendly Sarasota
Continue with:
- Pet-Friendly Sarasota: Complete Guide
- Things to Do With Pets in Sarasota
- Pet-Friendly Beaches & Parks in Sarasota
- Pet-Friendly Hotels in Sarasota
- Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals in Sarasota
Sarasota has enough dog-friendly outdoor dining that you rarely need to rearrange the whole day around one restaurant.
Pick the neighborhood first.
Then pick the patio.
Sources
- Visit Sarasota pet guide: visitsarasota.com
- Current Sarasota dog-friendly restaurant listings: bringfido.com