Maltby’s has been the local neighborhood pub and restaurant in downtown Los Altos for 17 years now, and it’s the kind of place where regulars belly up to the bar and their drink appears before they even finish saying “the usual.” You’ll find friends and families packed in here most nights, drawn by the solid food, attentive bartenders, and that comfortable vibe that takes a while to build.

The drink program is legit. They’ve got an extensive selection of premium wines by the glass, a rotating lineup of draft beers, and bartenders who know how to make hand-crafted cocktails properly. If you’re the indecisive type, the staff can point you toward pairings that actually work with whatever you order from the menu. Multiple TVs in the bar area mean you won’t miss whatever game is on, and the place gets especially lively during big sports events.

What makes it work for dogs specifically is the pet-friendly patio out back. You can bring your dog along and settle in for dinner or drinks without feeling rushed or out of place. The patio setup means you’re still connected to the restaurant’s energy but have your own space, which most dogs appreciate.

Maltby’s also hosts live music and dancing on some Saturday nights whenever local bands are available, which gives the place a different energy than a typical Tuesday evening. It’s worth checking ahead if you’re planning a weekend visit with music in mind, since the schedule depends on which bands are booked.

After nearly two decades as a downtown fixture, Maltby’s has earned its reputation as a solid neighborhood gathering spot. The fact that people come back year after year—some of them decades in—says plenty about what they’re doing right. Downtown Los Altos is walkable from several nearby streets, so it’s easy to make this a regular stop.