The Sardine Can in Vallejo sits right on the water, which means you’ll actually catch a breeze while you eat—important if you’re sitting outside on a warm day. The shaded patio is where dogs are welcome, so you can bring yours along without worrying about the heat or sun beating down on them while you order.

The menu centers on seafood, which makes sense given the waterfront location and name, but they have other options too. What really sets the place apart from a typical casual seafood spot is the creative cocktails and wine list. They take their drinks seriously here, and the beer selection is solid if that’s more your speed. Nothing fancy or pretentious about it—just good food and drinks in a relaxed setting.

Summer through fall, live jazz performances happen every Sunday, which completely changes the vibe. If you’re planning a weekend visit, catching one of these shows is worth timing around. The music paired with the water views and a drink in hand makes for a genuinely pleasant afternoon or evening, especially if your dog is the type who doesn’t mind a little background noise.

The casual atmosphere means you’re not going to feel out of place if your dog shifts around or needs attention. People come here to relax, not to perform fine dining etiquette. It’s the kind of place where you can settle in for a couple hours without anyone making you feel rushed.

You can check their website or call ahead if you want to ask specific questions about the patio setup or confirm they’re open, since restaurants sometimes shift their hours seasonally. The waterfront location near downtown Vallejo makes it easy to combine with a walk along the waterfront afterward if your dog has energy left.