Nido's Backyard sits right in Oakland’s Jack London Square with a sprawling outdoor patio that feels like someone’s actual backyard—complete with a massive rainbow serape strung overhead and plenty of shade for you and your dog. The whole vibe is relaxed and inclusive, which is reflected in their motto: “Mi BackYard es tu BackYard.” They clearly mean it when it comes to dogs.

The menu focuses on seasonal Mexican cooking with house-made everything. You’ll find traditional dishes prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and the cocktail program centers on agave spirits and their signature margaritas. They call themselves the Bay Area’s pioneering margarita garden, and walking in, you can see why—this place takes its tequila seriously. The drinks menu rotates with the seasons, so what they’re making in summer is different from what’s available in fall.

The outdoor layout works really well if you’re bringing a dog. There’s actual space to move around, and the relaxed atmosphere means your dog won’t feel out of place. The patio gets decent breeze from the square, which helps on warmer days. Staff seemed used to having dogs around and didn’t make a fuss when we settled in with ours.

Food-wise, don’t skip whatever their current seasonal special is—they change the menu regularly, so going back multiple times means you’ll encounter different dishes. The margaritas are strong and well-balanced, not overly sweet. If you’re going on a weekend, the place fills up, so arriving earlier in the day or on a weeknight means you’ll have more breathing room and your dog will be more comfortable. Jack London Square itself has some walking paths nearby if you want to stretch legs before or after eating.