KINSmoke’s covered patio wraps around the building on Center Street with enough space that you’re not crammed elbow-to-elbow with other diners—important when you’ve got a dog in tow. The restaurant specializes in Texas-style barbecue: brisket, ribs, pulled pork, the classics done right. The patio has overhead heaters, so even on Sonoma County’s cooler evenings you can linger without shivering, and your dog gets the benefit of staying warm too.

Dogs are welcome on the patio and stay outside; you won’t be able to bring your dog into the dining room. The staff brings water bowls without asking, which matters when you’re eating slow-smoked meat and your dog is watching every bite. They don’t have a specific dog menu, but they’re casual enough about sharing small pieces of plain meat if you ask—no judgment, and no pretense about it.

Center Street in downtown Healdsburg means you’re surrounded by other restaurants, tasting rooms, and shops, so if your dog needs a bathroom break there’s green space a short walk away on the town plaza. The patio gets busy on weekends and during the summer season, so earlier lunch visits tend to be less hectic. Hours run late enough for dinner (they’re typically open until 9 p.m.), but arrive before the evening rush if you want a relaxed meal. The terrain is flat and the patio is paved, so no muddy paws to worry about getting back to the car.