Pete’s Restaurant & Brewhouse in Folsom has been around since 1987, and it’s one of those places where you can actually bring your dog along and feel welcome rather than tolerated. The outdoor patio is where you’ll want to be with your dog — it’s a comfortable spot to sit and eat without worrying about being in anyone’s way or having your dog create a disturbance inside.

The menu covers solid lunch and dinner options, and the staff here genuinely seems fine with dogs hanging out at the tables. We’ve found that places with established outdoor seating tend to be more relaxed about dogs than newer spots that are still figuring out their policies. Pete’s feels like it’s been doing this long enough to have it dialed in.

What makes Pete’s stand out beyond the dog-friendly setup is that it’s part of a small local chain, but each location keeps its own personality. The Folsom spot fits into the community vibe there — you’re not walking into a corporate feel, which makes the whole experience more pleasant when you’re trying to have a casual meal with your dog.

The brewhouse aspect means there’s actual beer on tap if that’s your thing, and the food is straightforward enough that you won’t feel like you’re settling just because you brought your dog. Families and groups of people tend to gather here, so there’s a relaxed atmosphere that works well for dogs who are used to being around activity and noise.

The patio can get busy during peak times, so if you’re going on a weekend evening, expect a wait. Going earlier in the day or on a weekday tends to be smoother. It’s worth calling ahead to check how busy they are, especially if you’re making a specific trip out to Folsom just for this.