Half the fun of having a dog is getting to explore new places together. They’ll benefit from the exercise and mental stimulation, and you’ll enjoy bonding in a new location. (Not to mention watching complete strangers fawn over your pup in public.) Before you leash them up and head out the door, though, it’s best to know which places around town are actually pet-friendly. Here are some of our favorite spots that will happily welcome you and your dog.
Dog-Friendly Eats
Frita Batidos
Cuban-inspired street food? Yes, please! Stop at Frita Batidos for a savory burger and shoestring fries, and treat your dog to a complimentary biscuit from their communal bowl. Frita’s offers both patio and carryout service, so you can sit and stay awhile or grab your food and keep on moving.
117 W. Washington St, Ann Arbor. 734-761-2882. fritabatidos.com/ann-arbor.
Sava’s
The only thing better than brunch at Sava’s is brunch with your best buddy. Call ahead or make a reservation online to request a seat on their patio, where your pup is welcome to hang out under the table. Sava’s sister restaurants, Adventura and The Dixboro Project, are also dog-friendly.
216 S. State St, Ann Arbor. 734-623-2233. savasannarbor.com.
Zingerman’s Delicatessen
Sandwiches on Zingerman’s patio are a tradition for humans and pups alike. For a stress-free experience, order your food online and grab a seat under one of their shade umbrellas. If you want to indulge in coffee or pastries from the Next Door Café, you’ll need to have at least two people in your party, so one person can stay outside with your dog while the other picks up the food.
422 Detroit St, Ann Arbor. 734-663-3354. zingermansdeli.com.
Dog-Friendly Drinks
Grizzly Peak Brewing Co.
You know the service at Grizzly Peak Brewing Co. is good when they bring a menu for you and one for your dog, too. While you enjoy an IPA or a lager, your dog can chow down on a “pup patty” or a cup of “poochy cream.” Best of all? A portion of the proceeds is donated to the Humane Society of Huron Valley.
120 W Washington St, Ann Arbor. 734-741-7325. Grizzlypeak.net.
The Grotto
We’re happy to report that you and your pet can both cool off at The Grotto. Here, you can take your pick of 36 constantly rotating craft beers on tap, or opt for bourbon, wine, or a craft cocktail. Snag a seat on the side patio, and the friendly staff will bring a water dish for your pooch, too.
303 S. Ashley St, Ann Arbor. 734-369-4212. thegrottobar.com.
HOMES Brewery
HOMES Brewery is also a big hit with humans and their four-legged best friends. Although dogs aren’t allowed inside the brewery, they can wait on the spacious side patio with someone else in your party. Be sure to bring your own water dish and a towel for your buddy to lay on, as the patio is lined with gravel.
2321 Jackson Ave, Ann Arbor. 734-954-6637. homesbrewery.com/home.
Dog-Friendly Shops
Downtown Home & Garden
Sniff out the best gardening supplies, plants, pet supplies, and more at Downtown Home & Garden. As soon as you approach the main entrance, you’ll notice four plastic “Pup Cups” full of local treats for your pet to sample. Leashed dogs are welcome to roam the garden center, but keep an eye out for Wallace the shop cat if your dog’s prone to barking.
210 S. Ashley Street, Ann Arbor. 734-662-8122. downtownhomeandgarden.com.
Literati Bookstore
Find your latest read and a treat for your four-legged best friend at Literati Bookstore. This independent bookstore is incredibly dog-friendly and gives owners a chance to browse without leaving their dogs outside. The space inside is limited, though, so be sure to keep your dog on a short leash while you’re scanning the shelves and display tables.
124 E. Washington St, Ann Arbor. 734-585-5567. literatibookstore.com.
Sierra
If you have a hiking or camping trip in the works, then stock up on supplies at Sierra. This dog-friendly store has a huge selection of outdoor gear, from backpacks and boots to sleeping bags and tents. They also sell pet carriers, car seat covers, doggie life vests, harnesses, and more, so you can find exactly what you need for any excursion.
215 N. Maple Rd, Ann Arbor. 734-222-5010. sierra.com/ann-arbor-mi~l~31.
Dog-Friendly Play
Murals
Turn your afternoon stroll into a dog-friendly scavenger hunt by looking for murals around downtown Ann Arbor. Many of our favorites, like Ouizi’s “Drifts” and Kelsey Montague’s “Michigan Wings,” are within easy walking distance of each other and make perfect photo-ops for your pet.
200 S. Ashley St, Ann Arbor. 734-994-8004. annarborartcenter.org/art-in-public/murals
Nichols Arboretum
If quiet nature walks are more your dog’s speed, then head to Nichols Arboretum or “The Arb.” Here, you’ll find nearly 3.5 miles of trails that wind through fields, woods, and along the Huron River. Pets must be on a leash at all times, and remember to stop frequently for water breaks.
610 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor. 734-647-7600. mbgna.umich.edu/nichols-arboretum.
