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Which bars or restaurants are dog friendly in Milwaukee?

Alex Groth, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Updated
3 min read
Marissa Kling, left, and Ben Kosmiter, with their dog, Finley sit in the outdoor dining area of Leff's Lucky Town on West State Street in Wauwatosa during the Green Bay Packers game against the Atlanta Falcons on Monday, Oct. 5, 2020.
Marissa Kling, left, and Ben Kosmiter, with their dog, Finley sit in the outdoor dining area of Leff's Lucky Town on West State Street in Wauwatosa during the Green Bay Packers game against the Atlanta Falcons on Monday, Oct. 5, 2020.

The weather is finally warming up, and it's time to enjoy summer patio season with your family — and that can include your dog.

Several Milwaukee-area restaurants and bars accommodate guests with dogs. More Americans are welcoming dogs into their families; 66% of U.S. households own a pet, according to the American Pet Product Association.

If you do decide to bring your dog with you, make sure to leash or restrain your pet. Even if your dog wouldn't hurt a fly, it's important to remember that not everyone is comfortable around dogs. Here's some basic rules to know before your next outing.

Can you bring your pet with you into a restaurant in Wisconsin?

Nope. Dogs aren't allowed inside of a restaurant.

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There are some exceptions:

  • Patrol dogs accompanying police or security officers

  • Service animals with a disabled employee or person in areas where food isn't prepared

  • Dogs in the common dining area of institutional care facilities like nursing homes, assisted living facilities, group homes, etc.

  • In areas that aren't used for food preparation, storage, sales or display where caged animals are located

Are dogs allowed in outdoor dining areas?

Yes, dogs are allowed in outdoor seating areas, but make sure you check with your local eatery beforehand. Every restaurant has different policies on whether animals are allowed.

Here are some rules you'll need to follow:

  • Dogs must stay in the outdoor dining area of a restaurant. They need to enter through a separate entrance to the outdoor space if one is available, and they can't walk through the interior restaurant.

  • Food shouldn't be served to pets in the outdoor dining areas of the restaurant. Water can be provided in single-use containers.

  • Dogs aren't allowed on chairs, seats, benches and tables.

  • If your dog pees or vomits, you should notify the restaurant staff to clean up the area.

What are some dog-friendly Milwaukee restaurants?

Here are a few options for dog-friendly restaurants with outdoor space you can visit this summer:

How to keep your dog safe in public

If you're planning on bringing your dog to an outdoor patio this summer, here are some safety tips to consider:

  • Bring a water bowl so your dog can stay hydrated.

  • Feed and walk your dog before going to the restaurant.

  • Make sure your dog stays cool with access to shade and water.

  • Bring toys or treats to keep your dog busy.

Contact Alex Groth at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter at @grothalexandria.

RELATED: Dogs are welcome at the new Riley's Social House in the Third Ward

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Dog-friendly bars in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for summer 2023

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