Outdoor dining is an integral part of Sacramento culture, and restaurants with dog-friendly patios are too numerous to count. For walkability and a huge diversity of offerings, the Midtown residential/retail/dining/entertainment district just east of downtown is the place to explore. It’s where the see-and-be-seen action is for young people—and for DogTrekkers of all ages.
The neighborhood is rich in coffee-shop/breakfast spots with dog-friendly outdoor tables. Try Old Soul (two midtown locations), Temple Coffee Roasters (two midtown locations; the one on S Street shares a patio with Revolution Winery and Kitchen), Capitol Garage, Pachamama and Peet’s Coffee Bar for starters.
On the craft beer front, check out Alaro Brewing, University of Beer, Big Stump, Hoppy's, Fieldwork, Capitol Hop Shop, Device and Karma Brew. For those who enjoy the communal tables and camaraderie offered by beer gardens, Midtown delivers with three: Golden Road Brewing, which also serves tacos and other small plates; Federalist Public House, a shipping-container restaurant with communal tables under an all-weather roof and a pizza-centric menu; and Der Biergarten, an open-air space with dozens of beers on tap and a light German food menu.
When it comes to restaurants, DogTrekkers can pick their style in advance or just wander and see what comes into view (good to know: almost every establishment in Midtown offers happy-hour specials). The corner of 18th and Capital holds three solid dog-friendly choices: Zócalo for stylish Mexican, Paesano’s, an Italian pizzeria; and The Waterboy, a fine-dining establishment specializing in Northern Italian and French cuisine.
Nearby, Tapa the World (Spanish) and next-door Kasbah Lounge (Middle Eastern) are longtime fixtures on J Street. You’ll find more dog-friendly tables at Thai Basil, Centro Cocina Mexicana, Esquire Grill, Golden Bear, 58 Degrees and Holding, Tres Hermanas, (Mexican), LowBrau (German), Broderick Roadhouse (stylish comfort food), Buckhorn Grill (barbecue), Tequila Museo Mayahuel (gourmet Mexican), Crepeville (what it sounds like), Cantina Alley (funky taqueria) or Pushkin’s Restaurant (vegan and gluten-free). For something sweet, check out Devine Gelateria (big patio out back) and Rick’s Dessert Diner.
And that’s just barely scratching the surface!
For a map of dog-friendly patio restaurants in Midtown, click here. Roam the neighborhood Facebook page for more inspiration.
Insider tips: The area around 20th and K Streets, known as Lavender Heights, is home to many LGBT-owned businesses. And, those who like street parties, take note: Midtown is especially fun and lively during monthly Second Saturday Art Walk events, when galleries stay open late and entertainers take to the streets.
Photo Credit: @apple___jax
