Fido-friendly outdoor dining options plentiful in Western Pennsylvania

Sharing meal time with man's best friend has never been easier as more local establishments roll out dog-friendly outdoor dining options.

According to statistics from Yelp, online searches for businesses using "dogs allowed" increased by 58% between 2021 and 2023, and the company noted more than 47,400 U.S. businesses describe themselves as dog-friendly.

The Food and Drug Administration updated its food code in 2022 to allow restrained dogs in outdoor areas — dog food and bowls must be kept separate from human utensils or plateware.

More than 87 million U.S. households have pets and pet ownership continues to increase, according to data from the American Pet Products Association.

Here are local establishments that have embraced the trend:

Coco Coffeehouse, Leechburg

Pup cups are the draw at this busy full-service coffee shop and cafe along Market Street in downtown Leechburg.

Owner/chef Nikki Saxion provides free dog treats to four-legged customers. She said it's all about inclusion.

"It's important to create a space where pup parents can feel at ease. It's essential and fits with the overall vibe of my business," Saxion said.

Each pup cup contains whipped cream and a small dog bone.

"I love being able to take my dog with me when I go out," Saxion said. "I have a busy schedule, and it's important to me to get her out. It's nice to have more dog-friendly establishments allowing dogs."

Allegheny Township dog owner Amy Capiross takes her 4-month-old pup, Cutch, just about everywhere.

Capiross makes an effort to patronize dog-friendly eateries, saying pets should be able to enjoy daily life with their owners.

"They should get to enjoy as much time with us as they can. They're only here for a short while," Capiross said. "Dogs make life more fun, so shouldn't they get to have some fun of their own and tag along? Having more pet-friendly places makes this possible."

JG's Tarentum Station Grille, Tarentum

A large covered outdoor patio along the train tracks at JG's Tarentum Station Grille in Tarentum is a dog destination for diners.

"We love dogs here. We bring them water, and diners just seem happier when they're here with their dogs," server Kimberly Smith said.

Smith said she's never had any negative issues concerning dogs dining on the patio during her three years waiting tables.

She said many diners treat their dogs like family, and they're thrilled to have a spacious patio that's canine-friendly.

"In order for you to live their best life, give them their best life," Smith said.

Redfin Blues, Washington's Landing

General manager Brad Bitzer was drawn to Redfin Blues partly because of its dog-loving atmosphere.

"It's one of the reasons I wanted to work here," said Bitzer, an employee of 10 years. "We get really positive feedback from the customers on having dogs."

The drink menu includes a charity-related cocktail, with $1 from every Paws Across Pittsburgh Punch sold donated to the Tarentum-based nonprofit animal shelter of the same name.

Paws Across Pittsburgh donation coordinator Christi Beck is grateful for the fundraising support.

"We raised almost $900 last summer with that drink. They've been essential to getting the word out there about Paws Across Pittsburgh," she said.

Additionally, Paws Across Pittsburgh and Redfin Blues host monthly "yappy" hours, where foster dogs visit Redfin to gain exposure and possible adoption. The unique twist on the traditional happy hour offers raffle baskets, menu discounts with a $10 donation and 50-50 raffles.

Patrons Mike and Sue Krauser, visiting family in Pittsburgh, live in the Chicago area and specifically seek out dog-friendly dining options.

"It's more acceptable and accessible now. There are more choices," Mike Krauser said.

They used the Bring Fido app to locate Redfin Blues for lunch so they could bring their rescue, Harvey. Redfin has a large outdoor deck exclusively for leashed dogs.

"He cries when he sees us getting dressed to go places, so he loves it when he can go with us," Sue Krauser said. "He's a spoiled little baby, and he's well-behaved at restaurants."

"It's so fun to meet all of these dogs," Bitzer said. "And we've even had cats here in strollers, backpacks — and once we had a bird. We love all the animals."

For customers looking for a human-only dining experience, the waterfront deck area is off-limits to pets.

"Some people don't want to be around dogs, and we totally respect that," Bitzer said. "We work really hard to give people both options."

Tubmill Creek Provisions, Ligonier

On the patio of its farm-fresh cafe, Tubmill Creek Provisions welcomes furry friends.

"We have treats outside and water bowls," said Amanda Goodish, daughter of owners John and Kitty Goodish.

There also are umbrellas at the dining tables so the dogs don't get too hot in the summer months.

Tubmill Creek Provisions opened in March , bringing in locally sourced baked goods, beverages and pasture-raised meats from its Tubmill Creek Farm.

Amanda Goodish and sister Emily Cook have dogs of their own, and the family welcomes pets at their cafe, provided they stay outside.

"We've had to be strict about it," Amanda Goodish said.

They don't allow dogs in the building for safety and health reasons, but service dogs with documentation are welcome to dine inside with their owners.

The Kitchen on Penn, Murrysville

"We love dogs here," said Steven Anthony, general manager and cook at the Kitchen on Penn.

The open kitchen restaurant offers outdoor seating with umbrellas and water bowls for dogs. Service dogs are allowed inside as long as they're trained and leashed.

"I would like to have a simple dog-friendly menu," Anthony said.

The restaurant makes a menu for dogs once a year for its annual "Pups on the Patio" event with Cross Your Paws, a volunteer-based dog rescue and rehabilitation organization in Greensburg. The event is still in the works for this summer.

Until a year-round menu is made, Anthony says kitchen staff are happy to make chicken breasts and rice for pets who want a taste of the Kitchen on Penn's cuisine.

Pino's Contemporary Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar and Point Brugge Café, Point Breeze

International doggie diner Budd of Point Breeze relaxed with owner Michele Passerrello at a newly opened dog-friendly dining section outside Pino's Contemporary Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar in Point Breeze, just one day after it debuted two fur-friendly tables.

Co-owner Jennifer Mico said there is a need to provide a dog-friendly option to her customers.

"This is a very dog-friendly community and our new back patio is not available for our canine friends, so we designated this canine compromise on the sidewalk," said Mico, a dog owner for much of her life.

Mico, who has worked in the restaurant industry for 30 years, recalled a time when dogs were a no-no at eateries.

"Things have really changed. We know that a lot of people want to dine outdoors with their dogs. We're just happy that we can offer this," Mico said.

Budd is a 14-year-old Morkie who travels internationally with Passerrello.

"He likes a more European dining experience. He's dined in Argentina and is well-traveled," Passerrello said. "Our community loves dogs, and it creates a sense of community to have dining outside. And, of course, having our pets with us is great. Budd can become very anxious if I leave him home alone. He would prefer to be with me, and now he can."

Just down the street from Pino's, another dog-welcome outdoor spot is corner bistro Point Brugge Café.

Point Brugge co-owner Jesse Seager said his restaurant's location near Frick and Mellon parks, and veterinarian and dog-sitting offices just down the street, makes for a dog-centric section of Point Breeze.

"It seems like not only Pittsburgh but every city with outdoor dining areas embraces dogs on their patios," Seager said. "We are very welcoming to the doggies."