The Chevy Trax offers style and practicality, perfect for making every drive fun for the whole family.
Photo courtesy of Barkside
Metro Detroit’s dog-friendly patio season is no longer limited to grabbing a quick drink while a pup waits at your feet. Cafes, breweries, restaurants, and food halls are making space for dogs in ways that feel built into the visit, whether the plan is coffee, a beer, or a full meal out.
Detroit Shipping Company
474 Peterboro Street, Detroit
Detroit Shipping Company’s open-air courtyard and food hall format make it well-suited to dog-friendly plans where everyone wants something different to eat. The vendor lineup gives guests several options, including Nepalese dumplings from Momo Cha, Thai Wings and Pad Thai Rolls from Bangkok 96 Street Food, and authentic Ethiopian dishes from newly added Konjo Me, such as chicken tibs or misir. The bar program is also on-site, so guests can pair food with craft beer, cocktails, or nonalcoholic drinks without leaving the space. For people visiting with dogs, you can even head to Detroit Dog Mom Company inside the space, a dedicated shop to find goodies for yourself and your furry companions.
Barkside
7960 Kercheval Avenue, Detroit
15640 West Eleven Mile Road, Southfield
Barkside puts dogs at the center of the outing with a hybrid setup that functions as both an off-leash dog park and a neighborhood beer/wine garden. The drink menu covers different parts of the day, while outside food (for the humans) is allowed to be brought in. Owner David Oh describes the concept this way: “Barkside is really about bringing people together through their dogs. We’re part dog park, part neighborhood bar, and that combination creates something you don’t really find anywhere else in Southeast Michigan. Dog owners get a place where they can relax and grab a drink while their pup plays and socializes, but you don’t even need a dog to enjoy it. Plenty of our regulars come just for the atmosphere, the company of the dogs, and everything we have on offer at the bar. We keep things fresh with rotating food trucks, rotating draft beers, seasonal cocktails and wine, and a full espresso coffee bar, so whether you’re stopping in for a morning latte or an evening cocktail, there’s something for everyone. It has become a genuine community hub at both our Detroit and Southfield locations, and that’s what we’re most proud of.” For your pup to join you, be sure to head to Barkside’s site for full entry requirements and more info.
RailYard
234 North Leroy Street, Fenton
RailYard offers the more traditional restaurant side of dog-friendly patio dining, with outdoor seating that works for lunch, dinner, or drinks with a pup tagging along. On the family-friendly patio, you’ll find Bocce and converted shipping containers housing the collection of restaurants. You can order from several spots all in one place, whether you want a mix of arepas from I Love Pig, thin crust pizza and appetizers from Crispelli’s, loaded dogs from Tot Lab, or tacos from Taco Grilla. There are bars located inside and outside, with a self-serve beer wall also available. For dog owners, you’ll be able to have an excellent patio meal with activities suited to everyone. While the pups can’t go inside, there are pool tables, an arcade room, shuffleboard, and more to enjoy.
Coffee & Bark
2733 Coolidge Highway, Berkley
24141 John R. Road, Hazel Park
Coffee & Bark approaches dog-friendly service from the coffee shop side, with a focus on everyday visits. Guests can stop in for coffee and espresso drinks alongside pastries, work for a while, and the cafe’s BarkEasy spaces are designed so dogs can be part of the indoor experience. The intent behind that design comes directly from the ownership team, with Cher Jay Heath-Lee, Co-Owner, explaining the broader idea of the space: “Coffee & Bark was created to be more than just a coffee shop. We wanted to build a welcoming community space where people could enjoy great coffee alongside their dogs in a comfortable, intentional environment. Our BarkEasy spaces were specifically designed to allow guests to enjoy coffee indoors with their pups while still following health department guidelines, something that’s still pretty unique in Metro Detroit. Beyond being dog-friendly, we’ve always wanted Coffee & Bark to feel like a true third place for the community — whether someone is stopping in with their dog, meeting friends, working remotely, or attending a local event. We wanted it to feel inclusive, relaxed, and centered around connection.” Guests with their pups should navigate to the designated Barkeasy entrances and are encouraged to order by QR code so that furry companions stay in the Barkeasys. For the dogs, there are several Pup Treats available, ranging from donuts and cakes to puppy treats.
Dog & Pony Show Brewing
14661 West Eleven Mile Rd, Suite 200, Oak Park
Dog & Pony Show Brewing is a brewery-first stop, which makes it useful for dog owners who want a patio visit centered on beer rather than a full restaurant meal. The taproom focuses on house-brewed beer with a rotating selection, so the experience can shift from visit to visit depending on what is currently pouring. On the menu, you can expect hoppy, malty, and fruited options, like White Hart (their take on a dark mild), General Pils, or Pegasus, for example. Its patio gives guests a great chance to spend time outside with their dog while still having access to the brewery’s taproom service. If you prefer to eat as well, there are food trucks on-site almost daily, or you’re welcome to bring something of your own.
Together, these Metro Detroit businesses show how dog-friendly spaces can support different kinds of outings: coffee, craft beer, and more. Each place gives Metro Detroiters a way to enjoy time out while keeping their dog included in the plan, so there’s no more feeling guilty of leaving furry companions at home.
This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was published on May 19, 2023, and was authored by Katie Goncalves.
