Rick & Ann's has been a Berkeley staple for 25 years, and it’s one of the few places in town where you can actually sit outside with your dog while eating real food. The restaurant draws on Bay Area ingredients and cooking techniques to build a menu that ranges from solid breakfast options to lunch and dinner dishes that don’t try too hard—they just work. You’ll find hearty classics alongside things that change with the seasons, and the kitchen clearly knows what it’s doing.

The outdoor patio is where the dog-friendly action happens. It’s a genuine patio setup, not just a few tables squeezed onto the sidewalk, so there’s actual room to settle in with your dog beside you. The atmosphere feels relaxed and local rather than trying to be anything it’s not. On a nice day in the East Bay, this is exactly the kind of place you want to land—somewhere you can linger over a leisurely brunch or grab a solid lunch without feeling rushed. The staff treats dogs as regular customers, which means they’re used to the logistics and won’t make you feel like you’re bending the rules by bringing yours along.

The menu covers enough ground that you’re not stuck with limited options if you’re indecisive. Everything leans toward straightforward execution rather than fussy presentation, which is refreshing. Whether you’re a Berkeley local or just passing through the East Bay, this is a low-pressure spot to eat well and spend time outside with your dog.

Check their website at rickandanns.com if you want to see the current menu or call ahead during busy times if you’re hoping for a specific spot on the patio.