The Old Custom House in Avila Beach sits right on the water, and the outdoor patio gives you a real view of San Luis Bay while you eat. The menu covers the basics well—fresh fish, hand-cut steaks, salads, and appetizers—so there’s something to order whether you’re hungry or just stopping by for coffee. What matters most if you’re bringing your dog is that patio. On a nice day, it’s the kind of place where you can settle in for a meal and your dog can relax beside you while the ocean breeze comes through.

The place is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with different hours depending on the day. Monday through Friday, breakfast runs until 11:30 a.m., then weekends they go until 2 p.m. Lunch is 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Dinner hours vary—Sunday through Thursday they close at 9 p.m., but Friday and Saturday they stay open until 10 p.m. It’s worth calling ahead about their current dog policy for the patio since these things can change with management or seasons.

The location itself is convenient if you’re exploring Avila Beach. After you finish eating, you can walk your dog right down to the beach or follow the coastal paths that wind through the area. The whole town is compact enough that you’re never far from water or shade, which is helpful on warmer days. The restaurants and shops are casual here—nobody’s in a rush, and dogs are generally welcome around the commercial area as long as they’re on leash. If you’re driving in from San Luis Obispo, it’s about 20 minutes down a pretty straightforward route. Parking near the Old Custom House fills up on weekends, but there’s a lot right there by the water.