Dog-Friendly Restaurants and Breweries In and Around Lynchburg
It’s that time of year again, when the sun is warm, the rosé is cold, and the temperature is simply satisfying…that’s right, patio season is upon us. Lynchburg residents are lucky to have seen an increase in outdoor hanging and dining spaces in the last few years from downtown to several surrounding counties. An added bonus to some of these tasty spots? You get to bring your leashed, four-legged, furry friend so you never have to worry about dining (or drinking) alone.
My Dog Duke’s Diner
My Dog Duke’s Diner often fills up quickly inside but the covered patio is a cozy spot rain or shine to hang with your best friend. They close after lunch so go early to enjoy their Strawberry French Toast or Chicken and Waffles with a boozy adult milkshake or maybe a mimosa flight. Your pup may get lucky and snag a stray piece of bacon, but if not he will still enjoy the sights and smells of this delightful downtown spot.
El Jefe
Stretch your and Fido’s legs with a walk up the Bluffwalk to El Jefe, where your pet will be welcomed to hang on the patio of this fun and funky tequila and taco spot. Take in the stunning views, enjoy the excellent service, and kick back with a gourmet taco or some of their delicious nachos. The Spicy Cucumber Margarita pairs well with a nice cold cup of H2O on the rocks for your pet.
Bootleggers
Down a few steps, also on the Bluffwalk, is the patio at Bootleggers. Take your pooch for a Southern Belle Burger and parmesan truffle fries and live with no regrets. Enjoy a beer or bourbon with river views and people watching as an added bonus. Elevated bar food with excellent attention to detail and dogs? We’re in.
Three Roads Brewing
Bring your thirst to this spot as they serve up only icy cold brews and no food, but they do often have a food truck (such as local favorite Ferguson Family Provisions). Follow @3roadsbrewingco_burg on Instagram to catch them on a night where they have live, local music. Added bonus: your pet can come inside or hang outside, so rain or shine, this is your spot.
The Water Dog
What’s better on a balmy Sunday afternoon than heading down to The Water Dog on Jefferson Street to grab a dozen oysters and one of their 36 craft beers? Only the fact that not only can you bring your dog to relax with you at the large outdoor bar and seating area, owner Dave Henderson highly encourages it. As a lifelong dog owner and lover, Dave appreciates that his Labradors don’t know the difference between work and play and he wanted to build a place for people and pets to gather that embodied that spirit. Dave wants everyone, including your furry friends, to feel welcome and at home here. Don’t mind if we do.
Grey’s on Fifth
The ever-changing menu at Grey’s on Fifth and the inventive, delicious dishes are the reason most people constantly return to (and crave, and dream about…) this celebrated 5th Street spot. But when spring rolls around their lush, garden-like patio is a lovely spot to hang with your animal. With zero pretension, just fantastic, fresh food and some of the best staff around, you and your bestie are going to make this place a weekly tradition.
Beale’s Brewery
Don’t sleep on Bedford, y’all. If you haven’t cruised West to enjoy Beale’s Brewery yet, consider this your sign. While this quirky spot can be enjoyed all year long, it’s an exceptional place to hang with your entire family outside. Yes, it’s a brewery but they have a great spot for kids and a kids’ menu. Pro tip: Get the soft pretzel with beer cheese and the Brunch Stout, just don’t let your pup dig for the Beale’s Gold buried treasure that gave the brewery its namesake.
Apocalypse Ale Works
A local brewery with heating and air conditioning, an outdoor beer garden, plus a stage for live music? Let’s go! These Forest folks always welcome supervised children and leashed dogs so pack up the car and bring the whole family to this spot that has become a regular hangout for the young and young at heart. Rotating food trucks such as Carbon Catering Co, Hill City Smokehouse, Upper Crust Pizza, and Hill City Eats can regularly be found serving up delights to go with your craft beer that’s made on the premises.
Burg Burritos
One of the newer patios around town, Burg Burritos does one thing and they do it exceptionally well: Burritos. And what could possibly be better than a burrito? Sitting outside on a gorgeous day eating a burrito with your dog while sipping a soft serve margarita. Is this heaven? Wait, there’s more. These guys will actually MAKE A Grrr-ito for your pooch! Fido just needs to decide if he would prefer beef and cheese or chicken and cheese. Mind blown.
Yellow Submarine
Come for trivia night and the delicious subs, stay for the warm service and super dog-friendly accommodations. These people are pet lovers and invite you to bring your pet to dine outside on the patio or on the screened in porch. Parched pooch? Not to worry, the folks at Yellow Submarine already have dog bowls outside.
