Doggone friendly: Bring your pooch along to these suburban dining destinations
It doesn’t get much better than dining outside in the beautiful weather.
That is, unless your dog can join you for the experience. Many suburban restaurants allow dogs to accompany their owners as they dine outdoors, and this list is a just a sampling of some options.
So, grab your best friend and a leash for a visit to these dog-friendly spots.
Old Republic Kitchen + Bar
155 S. Randall Road, Elgin, (224) 535-9544, oldrepublicbar.com/
While pups are welcome at this restaurant’s expansive outdoor space as soon as it opens for the season, Tuesdays are the best time to stop by. Yappy Hour, which takes place from 2-8 p.m. all summer long, features half-priced appetizers like chicken wings and cheese curds in addition to drink specials. Meanwhile, dogs can enjoy some canine company, treats and bowls brimming with fresh water. Old Republic also offers events for humans, including live music, trivia and bingo.
Vickie’s Place
1211 N. River Road, McHenry, (815) 385-2014, vickiesplace.net/
Bring your dog and sit out on the Pooch Porch, where your four-legged friend can enjoy a treat from their dog menu. Humans can choose from a variety of fresh half-pound Angus burgers, pizza, homemade soup, appetizers, sandwiches and salads.
Salsa Verde Mexican Restaurant & Taqueria
1850 Lincoln Hwy., St. Charles, (630) 444-0673, and 634 W. Veterans Pkwy., Yorkville, (630) 553-6931, salsaverderestaurant.com/
This fast-casual Mexican restaurant allows guests to bring their pooch as they dine at the outdoor tables. The menu offers traditional Mexican dishes like tacos, enchiladas, burritos, flautas, chimichangas, pollo con arroz, seafood, Mexican bowls and more. The beverage menu includes horchata, Jarrito and Mexican Coke. Treat yourself to a fresh churro for dessert.
Preservation
513 S. 3rd St., Geneva, (630) 208-1588, preservationgeneva.com/
This downtown Geneva restaurant features a sizable, covered patio and bar, which is just the place to dine on shared plates and unwind, often to the accompaniment of live music. The left hand side of the patio is open to dogs. Preservation offers a full array of beer, wine and craft cocktails. And small-bite plates like the mushroom arancini are not to be missed.
Moe Joe’s
24033 W. Lockport St., Plainfield, (815) 230-2790, eatmoejoes.com/
Humans can take advantage of the Cajun and Caribbean menu while dogs can enjoy a special meal off the doggy menu. Bayou menu items include jambalaya, gumbo, alligator fricassee, Jamaican Jerk, shrimp étouffée, red beans and rice and more. Try one of the Po Boy sandwiches or Creole Caesar salad. Steaks and appetizers are also available. K-9 Patio Club menu items include the Scrappy Sac, Protein Pooch, Hipster Hound and Decadent Dawg.
Town House Cafe
105 N. 2nd Ave., St. Charles, (630) 584-8603, townhousecafe.com/
Small bistro tables grace the exterior of this charming spot, where lunch options and fresh-baked goodies appear on a menu inspired by the bookshop next door. Items are sorted into chapters, and feature hot and cold sandwiches like the Ultimate BLT as well as salads and a quiche of the day. An extensive array of homemade cakes, pies, cookies and scones means the end of this choose-your-own-adventure meal is sweet, especially with your favorite reading buddy by your side.
Bull Moose Bar & Grill
202 S. Main St., Sandwich, (815) 786-2002, bullmoosebar.com/
Bring your dog with you for breakfast, lunch or dinner at Bull Moose’s year-round patio. This unique restaurant incorporates an 1893 Pullman Palace dining car used by President Roosevelt in his 1912 “Bull Moose Party” presidential campaign. Appetizers include fried pickles, Texas tachos, potato skins and more. Try one of the mac and cheese varieties, wraps, sandwiches, ribs, burgers and more.
More suburban options
• Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar, which counts locations in Vernon Hills, Oak Brook and Naperville among their 40-plus restaurants in eight states, offers a pup menu that features grilled hamburger or chicken in a bowl of brown rice and veggies for $5.
• Filling Station Pub & Grill, 300 Main St., St. Charles. fillingstationstc.com/. Their signature outdoor patio is always welcome to dogs in the warmer months.
• Plank Road Tap Room, 39W149 Plank Road, Elgin, plankroadtaproom.com. Leashed pets are welcome anytime to this spot serving a rotating selection of American craft beers. Food trucks are often stationed nearby.
• Captain’s Quarters, 38283 North Bolton Place, Antioch, captainsquartersmarina.com. The upbeat marina offers American eats, drinks, occasional live music and a waterfront view for you and your pet. All dogs are welcome, but must remain leashed.
• Docks Bar and Grill, 313 E. Liberty St., Wauconda. docksbarandgrill.com. Take in the Bangs Lake view with your dog in the restaurant's scenic deck seating area when it's open. Dog water bowls on request.
• Quigley’s Irish Pub, 43 E. Jefferson Ave., Naperville, quigleysirishpub.com. Dogs love hamburgers, and Quigley's has a dog-friendly version on its dog menu.
• Warren’s Ale House, 51 Town Square, Wheaton, warrensalehouse.com. Craft beer, whiskey, wine and American cuisine are on the menu while there’s water to quench your dog's thirst.
• With additional reporting by Shaw’s Ryan Searl and the Daily Herald’s Rick West.