Photo By Dick Buscher
By Linda and Dr. Dick Buscher—
Many dog owners cherish quality time with their four-legged friends away from the familiar surroundings of home, but finding a place where the “whole family” can grab a bite can be a challenge. Lucky for our tail-wagging, tongue–lapping companions, more and more quality restaurants are opening their outdoor patios to the joys of doggie dining.
Some, like the trending Brat Haus restaurant on North Scottsdale Road, even celebrate Arizonans’ love of pooches with “Dogs Eat Free” Sundays. Yep! The specially prepared Dog Brat is a canine foodie’s ultimate treat.
Into the brat skin is a meat mixture of 60 percent pork shoulder and 40 percent chicken breast. Add a few finely chopped carrots and squash then season with rosemary, mint and sage. Warm just enough to get the juices flowing and you have a brat that every dog will lick their chops over.
Now even though the trending Brat Haus is a favorite destination for dining with our Ms. Gypsy, there is always the Red Truck Trading Company Grotto Café in Cave Creek. A large patio heavily shaded by a cluster of mesquite and palo verde trees make a wonderful place for the family to have breakfast or lunch. Touted as the most beautiful patio in Cave Creek, this unique establishment provides a cool place for food or refreshments with or without the pooch.
Many dog-friendly patios are cooled by misting systems during summer and heaters during those few chilly winter evenings. All make for a great way to spend more time with our always-loyal, best friends whose tails will be in full-wag when they get out and have a bite to eat with the family.
Doggie Diners Welcome Here!
Tru Burger
39504 W. Daisy Mountain Dr.
Anthem
623-465-5000, www.truburgerco.com
Hand-pattied burgers including bison, Angus, Kobe, salmon, chicken, and veggie options.
O.H.S.O. Brewery
4900 E. Indian School Rd.
Phoenix
602-955-0358, www.ohsobrewery.com
A classic local, nano-brewery with house-made biscuits for your pooch.
Brat Haus
3622 N. Scottsdale Rd.
Scottsdale
480-947-4006, http://brathausaz.com
Delicious brats made specially for your four-legged friend.
Duck & Decanter
1651 E. Camelback Rd.
Phoenix
602-274-5429, http://duckanddecanter.com
A Phoenix fixture serving specialty sandwiches, custom salads and refreshments.
The Grotto Cafe
6501 E. Cave Creek Rd.
Cave Creek
480-499-0140, http://thegrottocafe.com
A delightful cafe serving breakfast, lunch, beer and wine.
Lakeside Bar & Grill
9980 W. Happy Valley Rd.
Peoria
http://lakesidebarandgrillaz.com
Sports bar and grill in the nearby West Valley.
Doggie Dining Etiquette
Before arriving at the restaurant…
- Feed your pup a little something so he’s not too hungry when you arrive. You don’t want him sniffing at other peoples entrées.
- Exercise your dog well, then he’ll enjoy a peaceful nap under your table.
- Make sure he does his business before entering the dining space. Just imagine…
- Be sure your dog is properly socialized; Dogs who bark or growl near other dogs must learn not to bark/growl before restaurant dining.
- Bring your dog’s own water bowl (collapsible ones are more convenient and less obtrusive).