Homeroom Mac & Cheese on 40th Street in Oakland earned Best Dog-Friendly Restaurant from Oakland Magazine in 2012, and it’s easy to see why once you settle at one of their outdoor tables with a bowl of their signature mac and cheese. The staff brings out water and biscuits for your dog without you having to ask, and they seem genuinely happy to have both of you there. You’ll sit at a table facing the street with your dog beside you, watching the neighborhood go by while you eat.

The menu centers entirely on mac and cheese variations, which means you’re getting something they’ve clearly thought hard about. Beyond the classic versions, they rotate seasonal specials and creative takes on the dish that keep regulars coming back. The portions are generous, and the quality is consistent enough that it’s remained a neighborhood draw for over a decade.

Weekends get crowded—people line up for lunch and dinner—so if you want a more relaxed meal where you can linger without feeling rushed, come on a weekday or during the off-peak afternoon stretch. The staff moves efficiently even when busy, and they’re attentive to both your needs and your dog’s comfort.

The location works well if you’re planning to combine the meal with other activities. There are parks nearby where you can walk your dog before or after eating, and the 40th Street area has enough foot traffic and shops that you could make an afternoon of it. The outdoor seating keeps things casual and dog-appropriate—no need to worry about shedding or scratching inside, and your dog gets to experience the neighborhood energy alongside you rather than being left behind.

It’s worth calling ahead if you’re going on a weekend or have specific questions about their current pet policies, but in general, bringing your dog here feels like the restaurant genuinely wants you to.