Most of us love dogs and who wouldn’t love to spend a little more time with them? With plenty of sunshine, fun neighborhoods and a lively food-and-drink scene, Sacramento is a great place to spend the day with your four-legged companion. Across the city and our surrounding communities, many restaurants, cafés, breweries and wineries offer welcoming outdoor patios where dogs can settle in alongside their owners.
Whether you’re planning a relaxed brunch, meeting friends for a locally brewed beer or heading to wine country for the afternoon, you’ll find plenty of places that welcome both people and pups. Here are some of the Sacramento region’s best dog-friendly patios to explore.
Piatti
Located in Sacramento’s charming Pavilions shopping center, Piatti offers rustic Italian cuisine in an inviting neighborhood setting. Its beautiful, tree-lit courtyard is especially appealing for dog owners looking for something a little more elevated than the typical casual patio.
Outdoor heaters help make the courtyard comfortable when temperatures cool, while trees and greenery give the space a relaxed, tucked-away feeling. Guests can enjoy handmade pastas, pizzas, seasonal entrées and Italian-inspired cocktails while their leashed dogs relax beside the table.
Location: 571 Pavilions Lane, Sacramento
Visit Piatti
The Waterboy
The Waterboy has been a Midtown Sacramento favorite since 1996, known for thoughtfully prepared dishes inspired by the cuisines of northern Italy and southern France. The restaurant’s outdoor seating offers an excellent option for a relaxed lunch or sophisticated dinner with your dog.
Seasonally driven menus highlight regional ingredients, and the wine list makes this an appealing choice for a special occasion. The atmosphere feels polished without being overly formal, making it a nice place to enjoy Sacramento’s beautiful weather with your pup at your side.
Location: 2000 Capitol Avenue, Sacramento
Visit The Waterboy
Scott’s Seafood on the River
For waterfront dining, Scott’s Seafood on the River offers a lovely outdoor experience along the Sacramento River. Its dog-friendly exterior seating provides a comfortable setting for enjoying fresh seafood, salads, steaks and classic American dishes.
The peaceful riverfront location makes this patio feel like a mini getaway without leaving the city. It is particularly enjoyable in the spring and fall or during a cooler summer evening. After dining, guests can continue the outing with a walk with their four-legged companion along the nearby riverfront paths.
Location: 4800 Riverside Boulevard, Sacramento
Visit Scott’s Seafood on the River
Aiona
Aiona brings vibrant Mediterranean flavors to downtown Sacramento, with wood-roasted seafood, dry-aged meats and seasonal dishes prepared over a live fire. Its spacious, dog-friendly patio offers a stylish setting for lunch, happy hour or dinner with your pup.
The open kitchen, craft cocktails and extensive wine collection add to the energetic vibe, and make this a great spot for dining in the city. Located on K Street, Aiona is an inviting choice for a memorable meal in the heart of Sacramento.
Location: 1213 K Street, Sacramento
Visit Aiona
Hop Gardens
Tucked into Sacramento’s Curtis Park neighborhood, Hop Gardens combines a friendly neighborhood atmosphere with Neapolitan-style pizza and a carefully curated selection of craft beer. Its outdoor patio welcomes dogs and even provides water bowls for thirsty canine guests.
The menu includes pizzas, wings, salads and sandwiches, making Hop Gardens an easy choice for a relaxed lunch or casual evening with friends. The lively but approachable environment attracts neighborhood regulars, families and dog owners alike.
Location: 2904 Franklin Boulevard, Sacramento
https://thehopgardens.com/
Café Bernardo
Café Bernardo has long been a popular Sacramento choice for breakfast, brunch and casual California-inspired dining. Several of its locations offer outdoor tables where dogs can join their owners, although patio availability and individual location policies should be confirmed before visiting.
The menu covers everything from breakfast plates and salads to sandwiches, burgers and comforting entrées. With its easygoing atmosphere and all-day appeal, Café Bernardo is a convenient stop before or after a neighborhood walk.
Locations: Midtown, R Street and other Sacramento-area locations
Visit Café Bernardo
Bella Bru Café
Bella Bru Café offers breakfast, lunch and dinner in a welcoming neighborhood setting. Its outdoor seating welcomes dogs, making it a particularly good choice for a morning coffee, weekend brunch or relaxed meal after a walk.
The menu features baked goods, egg dishes, salads, sandwiches, pastas and pizzas, so there is something for nearly every appetite. The casual atmosphere makes Bella Bru comfortable for families, friends and canine companions.
Location: 5038 Fair Oaks Boulevard, Carmichael
Visit Bella Bru Café
SacYard Community Tap House
SacYard may be one of Sacramento’s most naturally dog-friendly gathering places. Created inside a restored automotive garage, this neighborhood tap house includes a spacious 3,800-square-foot urban beer garden with communal seating, fire pits and outdoor games.
The rotating tap list highlights independent craft breweries from across the western United States. Wine, cider and nonalcoholic choices are also available, while the on-site kitchen serves pizzas, sandwiches, bowls and shareable snacks. SacYard openly welcomes dogs and even includes them in its weekly community fun runs.
Because the patio can become busy during live music and special events, dogs that are comfortable around crowds will have the easiest time.
Location: 1725 33rd Street, Sacramento
Visit SacYard
Your dream home in Sacramento County is waiting.
Bike Dog Brewing Company
With a name inspired by two of its founders’ favorite things—bicycles and dogs—Bike Dog Brewing Company is an obvious destination for local pet owners. Its dog-friendly taprooms offer indoor and outdoor seating, rotating house-brewed beers and scheduled food trucks.
Bike Dog operates locations in West Sacramento, on Broadway and in East Sacramento, giving dog owners several options throughout the region. The casual setting is ideal for meeting friends after work or unwinding on the weekend. Check the brewery’s current calendar to see which food truck will be serving during your visit.
Locations: West Sacramento, Broadway and East Sacramento
Visit Bike Dog Brewing Company
Oak Park Brewing Company
Oak Park Brewing Company combines locally brewed beer with a full food menu and an community atmosphere. Dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables, and canine visitors may even be able to enjoy one of the brewery’s homemade dog treats.
For their humans, the menu includes burgers, sandwiches, shareable plates and vegan-friendly choices, paired with a rotating selection of house beers. The location also makes it easy to explore the surrounding Oak Park neighborhood before settling in on the patio.
Location: 3514 Broadway, Sacramento
Visit Oak Park Brewing Company
Just south of downtown Sacramento, McConnell Estates Winery offers a convenient escape to the countryside. The tasting room occupies the McConnell family’s historic 1860s home, surrounded by estate vineyards in the Cosumnes River American Viticultural Area.
Maria’s Cantina
Maria’s Cantina serves regional Latin-inspired cuisine in downtown Woodland, with a menu featuring tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, fresh seafood and colorful margaritas. Dogs are welcome on the restaurant’s covered front patio, making it a fun destination for lunch or dinner with your pup.
The warm setting takes inspiration from a traditional Sonoran home, while locally sourced ingredients bring a fresh touch to familiar dishes. Whether you stop in for Taco Tuesday or settle in over carnitas and a margarita, Maria’s offers a festive and comfortable experience.
Located: 306 6th St, Woodland, CA
Take a peak at our listings in Woodland.
Mikuni
Mikuni is a lively Davis destination known for creative sushi rolls, fresh sashimi and an extensive menu of Japanese-inspired dishes. Its covered outdoor patio includes approximately a dozen tables where guests can dine with their dogs.
The energetic atmosphere and wide-ranging menu make Mikuni equally suited to a casual lunch, happy hour or celebratory dinner. From colorful specialty rolls to shared plates and family-style meals, it offers plenty of choices for an enjoyable meal outdoors with a well-behaved pup.
Location: 500 1st Street, Suite 19, Davis
Visit Mikuni
Explore exceptional homes in Davis.
5 Mile House
Old 5 Mile House is a historic, family-owned restaurant located just outside downtown Nevada City in a former stagecoach stop dating to 1890. Its shaded back patio welcomes dogs, providing a relaxed place to enjoy the surrounding Gold Country atmosphere.
The menu centers on satisfying pub-style fare, including pizzas, burgers, barbecue and sandwiches, beer and wine. The restaurant may even prepare a simple burger patty for your pup upon request, making this rustic local gathering place especially welcoming to canine companions.
Location: 18851 State Highway 20, Nevada City
Explore our homes in Nevada City.
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar offers a warm, lodge-inspired setting with an expansive menu of seasonal American comfort food. Its dog-friendly outdoor patio makes it a natural choice for a casual lunch, happy hour or dinner with your pup.
The menu ranges from burgers and bowls to salads, shareable plates and entrées. Four-legged guests receive an especially warm welcome, with complimentary water bowls and a dedicated dog menu featuring simple grilled meats with brown rice.
Location: 238 Gibson Drive, Building 6, Roseville
Check out our exclusive listings in Placer County.
Milestone Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
Milestone Restaurant & Cocktail Bar brings seasonal New American cooking and warm hospitality to the heart of El Dorado Hills Town Center. When the patio is open, dogs are welcome at outdoor tables overlooking the water.
The chef-driven menu changes regularly to showcase seasonal offerings, while the cocktail program adds to the restaurant’s contemporary appeal. With brunch, lunch and dinner available, Milestone is a versatile option for anything from a relaxed afternoon meal to an evening out with your pup.
Location: 4359 Town Center Boulevard, Suite 116, El Dorado Hills
Visit Milestone Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
Let’s find your forever home in El Dorado County.
McConnell Estates Winery
Dogs are always welcome in the winery’s outdoor areas, which include a shaded tasting-room patio, deck seating and a scenic lawn. Guests can bring picnic-style food or purchase local cheeses, charcuterie and snacks on-site. Reservations are recommended, particularly for groups or those hoping to secure a shaded outdoor table.
Location: 10686 West Stockton Boulevard, Elk Grove
Visit McConnell Estates Winery
Scribner Bend Vineyards
Set along the Sacramento River in the Clarksburg wine region, Scribner Bend Vineyards offers a relaxed outdoor setting surrounded by gardens and vineyards. Both children and dogs are welcome, making it an approachable destination for a casual weekend outing.
Guests can pair estate-grown wines with seasonal dishes from the Paesanos courtyard kiosk, including wood-fired pizza, salads and other weekend specials. A deli case also offers cheeses, charcuterie and additional wine-pairing options. Dogs cannot participate in the winery’s guided barrel-room tours, but they are welcome in the general outdoor guest areas.
Location: 9051 River Road, Sacramento
Visit Scribner Bend Vineyards
Julietta Winery
Julietta Winery provides another inviting option in the Clarksburg countryside. Its tasting room is open daily, and outside food is permitted for guests who would like to pack a picnic. Food and nonalcoholic beverages are also available for purchase.
Dogs are welcome with a few sensible requirements: they must remain leashed and with their owners, stay off the grass, be friendly toward people and other dogs, refrain from excessive barking and be current on vaccinations. These clear guidelines help preserve a peaceful experience for everyone visiting the property.
Location: 51221 Clarksburg Road, Clarksburg
Visit Julietta Winery
Tips for a Successful Patio Visit
Before heading out, call or check the business’s website to confirm its current pet policy. Outdoor seating may be limited by weather, private events or seasonal operations, and some establishments accept dogs only in designated areas.
Bring a short, secure leash, waste bags and a portable water bowl, particularly during Sacramento’s warmer months. Avoid hot pavement and choose shaded patios whenever possible. Dogs should remain beside their owners rather than in walkways, on furniture or near other diners’ tables.
Most importantly, select a destination that suits your dog’s temperament. A quiet café may be best for a cautious pup, while a social dog may enjoy the activity of a neighborhood beer garden. With a little preparation, Sacramento’s dog-friendly patios offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy good food, local flavor and quality time with your favorite companion.