2016-04-29

Dogs truly hate when you leave them at home, so think about towing along your pooch the next time you are heading out for an after work cocktail or a brunch hair of the dog (literally) date. The bars and restaurants in Orange County understand that patrons want to spend time with their pups, which is why pet parents will find more establishments that welcome and cater to dog families. Opening up patio seating and offering water bowls for dogs are fairly typical practices for dog-friendly bars/restaurants. But many of the best ones actually offer “man’s best friend” menus featuring bowls of chicken, beef and fish. Going out with your pooch is super Insta cute and FB worthy.



(Credit: Hopdoddy Burger Bar)

Hopdoddy Burger Bar

311 Newport Center Drive

Newport Beach, CA 92660

(949) 640-2337
www.hopdoddy.com

Hopdoddy Burger Bar at Fashion Island gives doggies and their owners the VIP treatment. With a comfortable dog-friendly outdoor patio, Hopdoddy Burger Bar provides ample water for thirsty pets and treats, while pet parents feast on the burger joint’s menu offerings. The restaurant hails from Austin, Texas and is known for its all-natural Angus burgers, Kennebec hand-cut fries (try them chile con queso style), farm fresh salads and handcrafted milkshakes (boozy milkshakes, too). For meat lovers, the classic burger is the favorite, featuring a sassy sauce and cheese bacon, while pescatarians like opting for the Ahi tuna burger sandwich, made with sushi-grade tuna, honey wasabi, nori chips and pickled ginger.



(Credit: 33 Taps)

TAPS Fish House & Brewery
13390 Jamboree Road

Irvine, CA 92602

(714) 619-0404
www.tapsfishhouse.com

What more can guests and their dogs ask for when TAPS Fish House offers a pet-friendly menu? Located at Irvine Market Place, the seafood restaurant, which delivers on fresh ingredients and big flavors from New Orleans to Asia, always welcomes dogs to “dine” with their pet parents on the spacious TAPS heated patio. The “Man’s Best Friend” menu offers grilled chicken breast, grilled hamburger patty, Lillie’s Q smoked pig ear, hard boiled eggs, carrots and lettuce, and a top sirloin steak. TAPS offers a relaxed atmosphere to grab lunch or dinner under the director of Executive Andrew Monterossa ,with must-try people food such as clams & mussels cazuela, Maine lobster bisque, cheese tastings and a charcuterie bar. Superstar entrees are the Cajun fried local rockfish, cioppino and Korean chili grilled swordfish as well as steaks and thick chops.



(credit: Gerardo G./yelp)

Rivers End Cafe

15 1st St.

Seal Beach, CA 90740

(562) 431-5558
www.riversendcafe.com

Steps from the beach, Rivers End Cafe is chill for kicking back, enjoying a meal and hanging with your pup. The fresh air is intoxicating. Dog treats and water bowls are offered on the patio. Whether it’s after your ritual morning walk with “Fido,” or for a late afternoon pit Rivers End Cafe serves breakfast, lunch and dinner highlight the flavors of American, Southern Caribbean and Central American food. Delicious egg scambles and omelets, housemade ceviche, burgers, grilled pastrami sandwich, garlic stuffed New York steak, salads and a healthy menu of cocktails, beer and wine are offered throughout the year. Note that Rivers End Cafe is open until 8:30 p.m. (from April 1-October 31), perfect for catching a summer sunset.

Related: Best Places In OC To Watch The Sunset

(credit Zack Benson)

CUCINA enoteca

532 Spectrum Center Drive

Irvine, CA 92618

(949) 861-2222
www.urbankitchengroup.com

CUCINA enoteca in the Irvine Spectrum is super friendly to dogs and their families. By providing always-full water bowls, lots of attention to its four-legged friends and an outdoor seating patio area for casual elegant dining, CUCINA enoteca is like being at home. The California-inspired Italian restaurant and bar is characterized by its rustic farmhouse atmosphere, inventive yet classic dishes (pizza, pasta, piatti and dolce) prepared with locally sourced, organic ingredients and an on-site wine shop, which is the only one in the OC.

(credit: Shorebreak Hotel)

Zimzala

Shorebreak Hotel

500 Pacific Coast Highway

Huntington Beach, CA 92648

(714) 960-5050
www.shorebreakhotel.com

Take in happy hour with your best furry friend. It’s what makes Zimzala a special destination. Big on doggie love, Zimzala provides both water bowls and a dog menu featuring chicken, beef and fish bowls with rice. The outdoor patio with umbrellas is a comfortable atmosphere to hang out, catch a beautiful view of Huntington Beach, sip wines and handcrafted cocktails and hang with your pooch. The human menu reflects Southern California featuring favorite go-tos including assorted poke and ceviche, farm-fresh grilled veggies, seasonal tacos, Moroccan chicken and short ribs. Brunch is also a fun time to visit Zimzala — savory and sweet brunch items round out the menu, along with cocktails from the bar including Zimzala’s Bro Mosa (that would be OJ and beer) and traditional mimosas, the House Bloody, Michelada and Beach Break (Prosecco, aperol and soda).

Related: Best Boozy Brunches In OC

Sheryl Craig is a writer with a passion for interesting finds and treasures in Los Angeles. She has a background in journalism and public relations. A mother of two daughters, Sheryl integrates her healthy lifestyle into raising her children. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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