The Publican Windsor’s patio wraps around the building on multiple levels, giving you choices depending on weather and how social you’re feeling. The covered section has heat lamps and works even on cooler Sonoma County evenings, while the open area catches afternoon sun. It’s a spacious setup—you won’t feel cramped with your dog, and there’s enough separation from the street that your dog won’t be stressed by traffic on Windsor Road. The restaurant serves pub food done well: burgers, sandwiches, and seasonal dishes that lean California-casual rather than heavy. The beer list is solid, and they pour wine from local producers.

Dogs stay on the patio only—not inside the restaurant proper. Staff will bring water for your dog without asking, a small gesture that makes a difference on a warm day. They don’t have a special dog menu, but you can order from the regular menu and share table scraps. The patio gets busy on weekends, especially during lunch, so a weekday visit gives you more breathing room if your dog prefers a quieter scene.

Windsor itself sits in the valley north of Healdsburg, about 20 minutes from downtown Healdsburg and 10 minutes from Forestville. The town is small and walkable if you want to stroll before or after eating—Windsor Plaza is directly across Windsor Road and has a few shops. The Publican opens for lunch and dinner seven days a week, and the patio accommodates dogs year-round. If you’re driving up from San Francisco or the Peninsula for wine country, this is a practical stop in a less-crowded town than Healdsburg, and the patio setup means your dog doesn’t have to wait in the car while you eat.