Next Level Burger in Concord is one of the country’s first restaurants to go 100% plant-based, and founders Matt and Cierra de Gruyter clearly wanted dogs to be part of the experience from day one. When you visit, you can order from their menu of plant-based burgers and sides while your dog relaxes with you on the patio.

The vibe here is genuinely casual and welcoming—this isn’t a fine dining situation where you feel out of place with a dog. The East Bay location puts you in a part of Concord that’s got plenty of foot traffic, so you’ll likely see other people eating on the patio too. The burgers actually taste good, which matters because sometimes plant-based options feel like a compromise. These don’t. The ingredients are fresh and thoughtfully put together, not just the usual veggie patty on a bun situation.

The founders’ commitment to sustainability and animal welfare extends to how they run the place, which shows in the details—the kind of restaurant that thinks about their impact. You’re not just getting a meal; you’re supporting a business that’s trying to do things differently.

The patio setup works well for dogs. There’s enough space that you won’t feel cramped, and your dog can settle on the ground while you eat. Bring water for your dog on warm days since it’s an outdoor patio and heat can add up quick. The staff seems genuinely fine with dogs being there, which makes a difference in how comfortable the experience actually feels. If you’re heading to Concord and want something that doesn’t require choosing between eating somewhere good and bringing your dog along, this is worth the trip into the East Bay.