By guest blogger Chris Epting featuring Marilyn, his 11-year-old rescue dog
Living in Huntington Beach, we’re spoiled with beautiful scenery and often perfect weather. Our canine friends are also spoiled, especially when it comes to dining options. Me and my girl Marilyn have enjoyed more than a few doggy dates around town.
Right across the street from the beautiful blue Pacific is Fred’s Mexican Café, where every Monday, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., you can enjoy Doggy Date Night. With every entrée you purchase, your pooch receives a complimentary dinner, including generous bowls of kibble and water. Just a few blocks up Main Street is the entrée you purchase, your pooch receives a complimentary dinner, including generous bowls of kibble and water.
We recently checked out the Top Dog Barkery in the exquisite new Pacific City complex (which is also quite dog-friendly as far as outdoor shopping malls go). Here they bake everything fresh from scratch including personalized cakes for your pooch.
Then there is the Park Bench Café in Central Park. Opened almost 30 years ago, this place is a local legend. Since 1993, it has offered a special Canine Cuisine menu that includes items such as Bow Wow Wow Chicken and Rover Easy scrambled eggs. Seating is completely outdoors, so your dog has a chance to rest and recline while waiting for her food. Nestled within our city’s prettiest part, I think I can speak for Marilyn when I say this is our favorite place to spend some time together outside of the house. Marilyn’s favorite meal? The Hot Diggity Dog and Peanut Butter Puppies for dessert.
One other local tip. The In ‘N Out Burger on Beach Boulevard is very dog friendly. Yes, the chain is a California institution, but this particular location certainly leaves tails wagging. Dogs are allowed on leash at the outside tables, and if you ask for a “pup patty” off their secret menu, your best friend will get to enjoy a plain, unseasoned burger patty.
Guest blogger Chris Epting is a long-time Huntington Beach local, journalist and author of 28 books.
Photo Credit: @itsaweenieworld
