Article by Stephanie West
1. Bagby Beer Company
Located in San Diego’s most northern city, Bagby Beer Co. is located at 601 S. Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054. Bagby is an impressively large restaurant with indoor, outdoor and rooftop seating. With a seasonal menu, the food is constantly changing and includes options for almost every diet—meat lovers to vegans.
Bagby is a great place to pop in with your dog to grab a quick bite or refreshment before going to The Strand and walking along the Beach and Oceanside’s iconic pier. Bagby allows dogs in their outdoor seating areas, including their rooftop! If the communal dog dish is in use, don’t hesitate to ask your server for additional water. bagbybeer.com
2. Crackheads
Located in coastal Carlsbad, Crackheads is an ideal place for friends to meet up and make sure their dogs, and yours, get the invite as well. Crackheads is located at 430 Carlsbad Village Dr., Carlsbad, CA 92008. Crackheads is an all-inclusive bar with a small kitchen that happily serves breakfast sandwiches, french fries, chicken sandwiches, salads, and more all day. Crackheads is a completely dog-friendly establishment. With dog bowls out and excited wait staff, your dog will feel right at home here. Another perk to bringing your pup to Crackheads? It’s just a short walk to the famous Carlsbad Seawall. Crackheads is open as close to “all day” as possible. Anytime is a great time to head on over! crackheads.com
3. The Crack Shack – Encinitas
Continuing south, the next stop is The Crack Shack – Encinitas, located at 407 Encinitas Boulevard, Encinitas, CA 92024.
There are multiple “The Crack Shack” locations; however, I can only personally speak on the dog-friendliness of the Encinitas location. Let me tell you—it’s next level. After becoming somewhat of a regular at this location and befriending one of their wonderful bartenders, I learned that The Crack Shack is zoned as a pavilion. What does that mean to us dog lovers? Your four-legged friends are allowed literally anywhere at this establishment.
Is it raining, but you’re craving a delicious chicken sandwich? Don’t worry; you and your best friend are welcome to dine inside The Crack Shack and enjoy your delicious meal in peace. crackshack.com/location/encinitas
4. Viewpoint Brewing
Viewpoint Brewing is a great place to stop before or after a Del Mar Dog Beach (see page 39) day or after hopping off the San Dieguito River Park Trails. Located at 2201 San Dieguito Drive, Suite D, Del Mar, CA 92014, Viewpoint Brewing’s atmosphere is inviting, chill, comforting, and over-the-top dog friendly.
The waitstaff will instantly ask if your pup needs some water and bring over a dish filled to the brim. While relaxing and enjoying some delicious food, ask your server about their handmade dog treats from Boozy Bone, locally sourced and always striving for organic ingredients! viewpointbrewing.com
5. Amplified Ale Works
The final stop on our coastal doggie tour is Amplified Ale Works located at 4150 Mission Blvd #208, San Diego, CA 92109. The large outdoor patio beer garden is family friendly and is dog friendly, or better yet, dog appreciative. The first line on their website in bold print, “We are Dog Friendly!” Anytime I am there, I see no less than five dogs. The patio is large enough for multiple dogs and still is spacious. Not only does Amplified have a house-made beer, but also from-scratch Mediterranean food, craft cocktails, freshly roasted coffee, and, frequently, live music. Amplified’s pride in being “Community Centric” also applies to dogs. There are community dog bowls everywhere. Their Facebook often posts a daily dose of dog, and they’ll even whip up a plain burger patty if you ask! If you’re not on the coast, their location in the East Village is even bigger and has pizzas as well. amplifiedales.com
Good Dog Manners
Patio dining with your dog can be a very enjoyable outing. Here are a few tips to help make it a fun and successful outing:
• Call ahead to confirm the dog-friendly policies.
• Pick a corner table on the patio
• Use a harness and a short, nonretractable leash
• Don’t tie their leash to furniture
• Never feed your dog off your plate
• Feed your dog beforehand and bring treats
• Don’t feed other dogs
• Make sure they know these three commands: “Sit. Down. Leave it.”
• Bring your own water bowl
• Bring a (non squeaking) comfort toy
• Seat your dog on the floor
• Go when the restaurant is less busy
• Avoid sitting by children. Why? Kids find dogs irresitible and often don’t know the rules for being around strange dogs in public.
