Sonney’s BBQ Shack has a sprawling patio that wraps around the building with both covered and open sections, so you can eat outdoors year-round without choosing between sun and shelter. The ribs and brisket draw crowds, and the casual, loud-in-a-good-way atmosphere means your dog won’t be the only distraction. During winter, heat lamps keep the patio tolerable even when the lake-side cold rolls in.

Dogs are welcome on the patio but must stay outside—they can’t enter the indoor dining or bar areas. Water bowls are provided, and the staff treats dogs as routine guests rather than exceptions. The patio is spacious enough that even when the place is packed, you’re not eating elbow-to-elbow with other tables, which makes a real difference when you’re managing a dog.

The location on Emerald Bay Road puts you steps from the lake itself; the patio faces toward the water, so there’s actual scenery beyond the parking lot. Sonney’s opens for lunch and dinner most days, though hours vary seasonally, so a quick look at their website before heading over saves a wasted trip. Parking can get tight on summer weekends and evenings. The patio terrain is standard concrete—easy footing for any dog—and the crowd noise is high, which matters if your dog spooks at sudden volume or if you’re trying to have a quiet meal. Come early if you’re sensitive to wait times, or accept that a 45-minute gap between ordering and eating is normal on peak nights.