It’s a dog’s life — at the restaurant: Tips for dining out with your pet

Certainly Europe (especially Paris) is famous for allowing patrons to bring their dogs to almost any restaurant. Dogs there are not relegated to the patio, but you’ll see them sitting with the family inside the restaurant.

Historically, U.S. restaurants that allowed you to bring your dog were few and far between. It was a real leap forward when restaurants allowed Fido to sit on the patio. In the Chicago market alone, there are now more than 500 restaurants that allow dogs on the patio.

What are the rules?

All restaurants must allow your dog to join you indoors or outdoors if it is a service animal. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), restaurants may ask if the dog is required because of a disability and which tasks it has been trained to perform. They are not allowed to ask for certification or a demonstration of abilities, or require the dog to wear an identity vest.

However, what I’m talking about today is restaurants that allow you to bring your pooch to enjoy a meal on their patio. There are still rules.

I think Lazy Dog restaurants do the best job of communicating their expectations to the guest. They don’t allow your dog to sit on your lap or on the table, which I think is common sense, but is also a health department rule. They also don’t want your dog to become the focus of the entire restaurant by begging, barking and especially biting. Essentially, only bring your dog if it can behave.

I would think that most of us would know not to allow a dog to eat off your plate or drink from your glass. Lazy Dog, like many dog-friendly restaurants, has special menus for your pet.

For many of us, our dog is the best dog in the world and we want to have the server enjoy our faithful companion as much as we do. That said, staff should not be petting your dog while serving meals to you and other guests.

The last and perhaps most important common rule is that your dog should be on a leash at all times. I have seen dogs attack other dogs at restaurants, as well as scare children who are dining with their families.

Dogs have their day

Many restaurants that allow dogs on the patios now have dog-specific menus. Chicago’s Park and Field offers a K9 menu that includes a Pooch Patty (beef burger) and Bird Dog (grilled chicken breast) and even a doggie dessert.

Big Star in Wicker Park offers a Pupwich, PB&J, Dog Biscuit and a house made jerky. Another Wicker Park restaurant, The Perch Kitchen and Tap, features a Pupsicle and Scruffy Scramble.

Let’s not forget about the suburban restaurants that love your dogs as much as you. Lazy Dog, with locations in Buffalo Grove, Naperville, Northbrook, Oak Brook and Vernon Hills, is probably the most dog-focused restaurant and offers a dog menu with grilled hamburgers and a grilled chicken breast bowl. Beatrix in Oak Brook is dog-friendly, and Port Edward’s in Algonquin has a large patio and staff that loves dogs.

Doggy etiquette

Bringing your pup to a restaurant can be a great time for the whole family. There are some things you should do prior to leaving the house.

First, I would call the restaurant and confirm their dog policy just so you are on the same page. Ask specific questions: Is there a size limit? Are certain breeds prohibited? Have a family discussion about your dog’s temperament. Will it be calm and cool throughout the meal?

Make sure to bring that leash and pack some doggy waste bags just in case. If you’re outside on a hot day, you may also want to bring a towel for the dog to lie on. Even though the restaurants I have mentioned have a menu for dogs, it can’t hurt to bring a few of your own dog treats.

Lastly, make sure that you keep the dog close to the table and out of the walkway so servers can get to the table. Definitely don’t let the dog approach other diners, especially children.

A dog-friendly restaurant works best when Fido, Rex or Fifi enjoys the relaxation of being with you, doesn’t become stressed by noise and, most importantly, is comfortable around strangers and other dogs.

• Izzy Kharasch is the founder of Hospitality Works, a consulting firm that has worked with 700+ restaurants and small businesses nationwide. He is offering Daily Herald restaurant owners a free consultation by contacting him at Izzy@HospitalityWorks.com.