Dog owners everywhere are seeking more and more opportunities to make memories with their dogs. Training companies have upped their games to include more communication-based training that isn’t bound by a house or yard. Pet parents are taking their furry friends on hikes and shopping trips, and Sit Means Sit is thrilled to see that dog-friendly restaurants are growing in popularity.
Will My Dog Enjoy Going to a Dog-Friendly Restaurant?
Whether or not a dog is going to enjoy a restaurant is largely due to their individual personality and how well they adapt to new environments. However, most dogs appreciate the opportunity to be with their owners and see new things, especially if the restaurant in question has a comfortable outdoor space. Some places even have water bowls for customer’s canine companions.
It is important to consider if a dog is well-behaved in public before trying something as exposed as a restaurant. If the pup isn’t calm around distractions and strangers, restaurants may be too much.
What Should I Do With My Dog at a Restaurant?
No matter what, it’s crucial that dog owners keep their dogs close by, even under the table. This enables other guests and restaurant staff plenty of room to move around and pass through aisles.
For everyone’s comfort, homeowners should not let their dogs approach others without permission. Owners bear a responsibility to advocate for their dogs, so it’s important to consider what keeps everyone happy.
If a dog is highly social, owners should feel comfortable letting people greet and pet their pup if they ask. However, if the opposite is true and a dog isn’t comfortable with new people, it is best not to allow any interactions. New environments can easily make dogs get overstimulated and cause bad behaviors to surface very easily. There are plenty of ways an owner can politely decline someone’s request to pet the dog. For example, one could say that their dog is shy, in training, or simply learning to ignore distractions.
Top 3 Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Ocoee, FL
#1 That One Spot
Location: 10968 W Colonial Dr, Ocoee, FL, US, 34761-2979
Contact: (407) 877-7575
That One Spot specializes in delicious food served in a chill setting. Their festive decor welcomes all dog owners and their pups to the six outside tables nestled into a comfortable ambiance. Guests are encouraged to either build their own burger with a variety of delicious choices, or they can sink their teeth into one of the restaurant’s creative creations. The Crunch Burger, Thai Daye Salmon, Pesto Chicken, are Bayou Burger all popular options at this local treasure. Every meal can be completed with one of the several, amazing side options, such as salad, sweet potato fries, onion rings, or bacon mac and cheese. That One Spot is open from 9pm seven days a week.
#2 RusTeak Restaurant and Wine Bar
Location: 1568 Maguire Rd, Ocoee, FL, US, 34761
Contact: (407) 614-3765
The RusTeak Restaurant and Wine Bar is a delightful combination of hospitality, passion, food, and wine. It was created to fill a void in the community. That void was elevated culinary experiences in a comfortable vibe. As they put it, RusTeak has evolved over the years. Their menus graduated from basic to craft and their expertise has deepened.
Guests can enjoy shrimp fritters or pan-roasted mussels as an appetizer, then dig into a lobster roll or rosemary-rubbed rack of lamb. Dogs are more than welcome on the patio where the ambiance is quiet and relaxed.
#3 Ellie Lou’s Brews & BBQ
Location: 336 Moore Rd, Ocoee, FL, US, 34761-4871
Contact: (407) 347-9515
For the carnivores, Ellie Lou’s Brews & BBQ awaits. They offer dry-rubbed, slow-smoked barbecue meats that thrill the soul. The atmosphere is always casual, and the outdoor seating is always dog-friendly. Hungry patrons can bring their dogs along and enjoy ribs, chopped pork, brisket, chicken, turkey, sandwiches, plates, and platters. They have four signature house-made sauces to choose from, as well as a load of traditional sides.
Guests can clear it all away with a tall glass of sweet tea, lemonade, or a craft brew. Ellie Lou’s Brews & BBQ is open from 11am to 8pm Sunday through Thursday and 11am to 9pm Friday and Saturday.
There are more options every day for dog owners who want to experience life with their dogs. A restaurant is a great way to deepen the bond between pet and parent, as well as solidify good training and eat good food.