Dog-Friendly Patios in St. Paul

 It's Patio Season!

Photo Source

In general, chairs and tables are not a topic of joy and excitement. In fact, they are actually pretty boring ... but not in Minnesota. In Minnesota, we get downright pumped when we see chairs and tables come out of winter storage. Beginning in late April (if we're lucky), restaurants will begin sweeping their patios to make way for their patio furniture, and by early May those patios are decorated with the most beautiful tables and chairs we've seen in six months.

Even more beautiful is the sight of dogs lounging on the patios with their owners, enjoying an afternoon in the sun just like the rest of us. For all we know, dogs may get just as excited as we do when they see these Minnesotan signs of summer! Unfortunately, not all patios allow little Fidos to accompany us as we lounge and enjoy our favorite local beer or favorite summer appetizer. For some people, this is no big deal, but to many of our residents at Pioneer Endicott who live with their beloved pets, it really puts a damper on bonding time and summer fun! Luckily, many restaurants in St. Paul understand the connection we have to our pets, so they've created dog-friendly patios where we can take a mid-walk break.

To make life a bit easier for you, we've rounded up some of the St. Paul restaurant patios near Pioneer Endicott that allow dogs, and broken them down according to how far you and your pup like to walk! Let us know if there are any 'secret' dog-friendly patios that we don't know about :).

Bulldog Lowertown - .3 miles from Pioneer Endicott / 6 minute walk
Just across the street from Mears Park is one of St. Paul's hottest spots to catch the game or enjoy drinks with friends into the night. The quaint patio directly in front of the building is the perfect place to catch an after work drink with friends or an evening pint with a date. Dogs are welcome as long as they do not interfere with servers, so try to keep your pup close by while you enjoy your food and drink!
Facebook Page
Twitter Feed
Pioneer Endicott residents receive a discount at Bulldog as part of our Pioneer Pass!

Barrio Lowertown - .3 miles from Pioneer Endicott / 6 minute walk

Right next to Bulldog sits Barrio, a feisty Mexican-themed restaurant with more tequila choices than you can imagine! With an edgy, fresh menu, you can't go wrong with any option you choose here. The tacos are small, which is actually a good thing because you'll want to try at least 3 different versions! Barrio also offers large portion dishes which are great for a group to share. This place is constantly packed, so get there early! Same goes for the lovely patio, which is dog friendly. Just don't let your dog snatch your food - we hear that dogs don't digest Mexican food so well ;)

Facebook Page

Twitter Feed

photo source

Public Kitchen + Bar - .3 miles from Pioneer Endicott / 6 minute walk
Another lovely restaurant directly across the street from Mears Park, Public Kitchen + Bar offers an array of menu items ranging from casual lunches to more thoughtful dinner dishes. The Kitchen portion of the restaurant is on the top level, while the Bar portion is in the lounge on the lower level. The lounge is the perfect place for shared plates, and you'll enjoy contemporary American fare wherever you chose to dine. The patio, located in front of the building, has enough seating for 54 guests and welcomes dogs :)
Facebook Page
Twitter Feed

photo source

Rival House - .3 miles from Pioneer Endicott / 6 minute walk
'Eat. Play. Drink. Rematch. The rivalry doesn't stop until you do.' With a motto like that, you know that Rival House is a place where you can let loose and have fun. The restaurant specializes in wood-fire pizzas that are fantastic, and the chef-inspired menu focuses on easy snacks and entrees that pair well with specialized drinks. When you're done eating, or even while, challenge a friend to a game of ping pong, Jenga, bubble hockey, and more. The patio is simple, yet spacious, and has an overhead roof for shade. Dogs welcome, but bring your own doggie dishes please!
Facebook Page
Twitter Feed
Pioneer Endicott residents receive discounts at Rival House as part of our Pioneer Pass!

photo source

Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar - .3 miles from Pioneer Endicott / 6 minute walk
Located at the corner of 4th and Broadway, the Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar is a local favorite that's been around for over 13 years. They credit themselves on providing 'entertainment, support and sustenance to the arts and creative community in St. Paul's Lowertown neighborhood.' We love that many of the coffees, wines, and beers are from local companies, and they place an emphasis on locally grown and organic food. The Black Dog also features exhibits by a large variety of artists (and accepts new artist submissions), and has live entertainment on many nights of the week. Best of all, the lovely patio is dog-friendly, and has become a 'second-home' to the regular pups who visit with their owners.
Facebook Page
Twitter Feed

Photo Source

Eagle Street Grille - .8 miles from Pioneer Endicott / 17 minute walk

Just blocks from downtown, Eagle Street Grill is located on 7th Street directly across from the Xcel Energy Center. The patio is full of energy, and wraps around to views of the street front and near the river side. Dogs are welcome on the busy patio, but make sure they can handle excitement and a loud atmosphere - it can get crowded and noisy before major Xcel events, like Wild games. With that being said, it can be a more low-key environment in the afternoons and when there are no big events. Eagle Street Grille also offers a full takeout menu, so you and your pup can walk to the restaurant, pick up your food, and bring it back home if you'd rather. The menu is mob-themed, a reference to St. Paul's notorious gangster past, and offers a wide variety of classic American fare.
Facebook Page
Twitter Page

Photo Source

Burger Moe's - .9 miles from Pioneer Endicott / 18 minute walk
Recently selected as one of the Top 30 Patios in the Twin Cities, Burger Moe's is a casual dining spot with some of the best burgers in town. They boast an impressive beer collection (85 varieties to be exact), and serve fresh cut fries with 100% Angus beef burgers that are never frozen. Their patio is one of the most colorful we've seen, and the atmosphere tends to follow suit. Dogs are welcome on the expansive patio, and seem to enjoy the oversized table umbrellas for shade.
P.S. Mondays = $5 burgers with fries
Facebook Page
Twitter Page

Photo Source

Day by Day Cafe - 1.4 miles from Pioneer Endicott / 30 minute walk
More secluded than the patios mentioned above, Day by Day Cafe has a fenced in, multi-tiered patio featuring a koi fish pond and waterfalls amongst lovely potted plants. Their made-from-scratch food ranges from typical breakfast fare to specialities like cinnamon roll french toast. Many locals rave about the coffee. The patio here also made the Top 30 Patios in the Twin Cities list for 2014. Dogs are welcome and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
Facebook Page
Twitter Page

Photo Source

If you and your dog aren't in a walking mood, there are a number of other dog-friendly patios that are only a short drive from Pioneer Endicott.
The Happy Gnome
Sweeny's Saloon
Dixies on Grand
Punch Pizza
Wild Onion
Bread and Chocolate
Salut (Best Patio in the Twin Cities 2014)
D'Amico and Sons
Green Mill
Scusi

If you're looking for more dog-friendly places in the area or even pet services, check out SidewalkDog.com!