India Joze Restaurant in Santa Cruz is one of those places where you can actually bring your dog along and have a genuinely good meal. They’ve set up a welcoming atmosphere that doesn’t treat dogs as an afterthought—you won’t feel like you’re intruding when you show up with your pup in tow.

The restaurant focuses on Indian cuisine, and they’re open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., which gives you a decent window if you’re planning an evening out. They close Sundays and Mondays, so plan accordingly if you’re thinking of a weekend visit. Beyond the regular dinner service, they occasionally host special events that add something different to the usual dining rotation.

The menu leans toward traditional Indian fare, and if you want to skip the restaurant visit altogether, they handle online orders so you can grab something to take home. That’s useful when you’ve got a dog waiting or just want the convenience of eating in your own space. Their website at indiajoze.com has their full menu and more details about what they’re offering on any given week.

Santa Cruz’s downtown area is pretty walkable if you’re coming from nearby, and there are spots to tie up a dog outside the restaurant while you enjoy your meal. The neighborhood has that local, unpretentious feel that makes dining out with a dog feel natural rather than like you’re imposing on anyone. If you need to call ahead with questions about seating or what might work best for your situation, you can reach them at (831) 325-3633. Their staff can give you specifics about how they handle dogs on their patio or inside, depending on what they’re comfortable with on any particular night.