Dining with Dogs in Restaurants: What Pet Owners Need to Know

Raleigh, NC, USA
Update: August 2023
This post was originally written in 2019. My dear Andy passed away in 2020 from congestive heart failure. We welcomed Ollie, a toy poodle puppy, into the family within weeks of his death.  In 2022, I became a volunteer with Freedom Ride Rescue which holds adoption events at breweries all the time. By November of 2022, I adopted my second dog, Hannah, a feisty senior chihuahua. Ollie, the poodle, is very friendly but is incredibly barky and the chihuahua is sometimes not friendly. therefore, I personally have not dined with my own personal dog since Andy passed away. 


The "dog days of summer" are upon us, literally.  That long-time expression has a couple of meanings, but one thing is for sure: this is the time of year when we tend to take our pets more to public places simply because of outdoor dining.

A Guide to Dining with Pets
Photo by Curious Notions Photography



STATE PUBLIC HEALTH LAWS VARY IN EACH STATE

Public Health Laws regarding animals vary from state to state. Just because a restaurant has an outdoor patio does not automatically mean your pet can dine with you. Service dogs abide by different laws than normal pets. In my home state of North Carolina, only service dogs can dine inside a restaurant with its owner. Normal dogs who are considered personal pets need to dine on an outdoor patio instead of inside the restaurant.

NOT ALL BREWERIES AND TASTING ROOMS ALLOW DOGS INSIDE

If a restaurant uses glassware and utensils, then state health laws put breweries in a restaurant category for public health inspection. If a brewery does not serve food on the premises or serves food packaged in individual containers, dogs are allowed inside, much to the delight of brewery and pet owners. This was the law as of June 2019. 

Dining with Dogs in Outdoor Areas in Restaurants or Breweries


Wine-tasting rooms allow dogs.  If unsure, it's best to ask staff before taking a dog inside. 
SERVICE DOGS ARE ALLOWED EVERYWHERE

There have been many public debates lately about what qualifies as a working service dog in 2019. There are a lot of dogs licensed now for therapeutic reasons. In the past, service dogs primarily helped people with physical disabilities such as blindness or someone in a wheelchair.  But regardless, of its primary working role, service dogs are like people and can go anywhere, but there are rules and regulations for service dogs, too. On the other hand, regular pets are more limited in where they can go.

Dogs at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC


We ran into this issue at Biltmore Estate in Asheville. We were going to ride the bus to the house from the parking lot where we parked our car. As we got ready to board the bus, the driver informed us that dogs were not allowed. The people chanted, "Let the dog ride. Let the dog ride." I mean he is really cute and all, but it was against the rules. We then asked the driver how we could park closer to the house and he easily gave us directions. It was a minor inconvenience, but as new pet travelers, we just were not aware of the limitations. Biltmore Estate does have a kennel nearby that parking lot though to kennel your dog. It is first serve-first come. I personally chose not to do that Andy.

CALL TO SEE IF AN OUTDOOR PATIO ALLOWS PETS BEFORE MAKING THE TRIP

When we first adopted Andy, I could not wait to take him out to eat. It's like, "Oh, I have a dog now. Let's go eat out." Why? I have no idea. I will tell you that it is like taking a toddler to a restaurant. He's good, but it is still a lot of work, so I primarily do it when traveling now that I've been a pet owner for a while now.

Cantina 18 is a pet-friendly restaurant in Raleigh, NC


Our first official dining experience was at a Southwest-inspired Southern roots restaurant in Raleigh called Cantina 18 in the  Village District.  It's a favorite lunch spot of mine. Chef Jason Smith uses fresh seasonal ingredients, and I've never been disappointed in all my meals there.


Burrito at Cantina 18 in Cameron Village


I've eaten there more times now than I have fingers. Cantina 18, now with two locations, has a good kid's menu for families. Jason is a parent, so I believe when chefs have their own children, they really grasp that parents want to dine on great-tasting seasonal fresh food, but be able to supply the simple basics for their children that do not cost them $10 to $15 each child.

Cantina 18 was the first restaurant we dined in with our pet, Andy.


I have only one child that dines off a kid's menu now. Liza loves the chicken nachos at Cantina 18, but she leaves off the chicken every single time and adds a big strawberry sorbet at the end of the meal.

Strawberry Sorbet at Cantina 18


I called the restaurant to ensure their outdoor dining area was pet-friendly. 

The Village District is great for dog owners. Most of the patio areas are public sidewalks, so it's a natural fit for dogs to dine with their owners outside.

Cantina 18 went the extra mile for Andy. Even though I had brought him water because I had no idea what to expect, the wait staff at Cantina 18 brought him a water bowl when they brought out water for us.

As a first-time dog owner dining with a pet for the first time, that was a nice perk. 

Now that I've dined a few times impromptu with Andy, I learned that not all restaurants may go out of their way like Cantina 18 did for us, but I've found that overall, most restaurants that allow dogs are very welcoming.

Dogs can dine at Cowfish on the patio at North HIlls


Andy has also been to North Hills in Raleigh, another outdoor shopping and entertainment area.  He felt welcomed at Cowfish, a local sushi and burger restaurant located in both Raleigh and  Charlotte. My biggest gripe is that Andy wants to look at everyone and will not sit down. It is easier to keep it at home to relax. He is like a third child, although the best one is.


DINING WITH DOGS AT A COUNTER-SERVICE RESTAURANT MAY BE MORE CHALLENGING 

I've learned through trial and error that it is more challenging to dine at counter-service restaurants with a dog if you are alone or have very young children who cannot be left alone with the dog outside while you go inside to do what you need. 

Even though I have an eight-pound dog that I can carry around like a baby, it is against the law for me to take him inside a restaurant and order food. Someone must stay with the dog outside while you order food or request a patio table with the hostess. One may be able to put a dog in a dog purse briefly to do this, but if you have a big dog, it is more challenging to abide by the public health laws to order, even if you plan to dine outside.

HOTELS THAT ALLOW PETS SHOULD HAVE A LIST OF DOG-FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS

There are so many cities in the U.S. that are pet-friendly. Raleigh is a pet-friendly city, but Asheville, North Carolina, is touted as the most pet-friendly city in the U.S. It has its own doggy welcome center, a first in the U.S. 

It was not open when we took Andy to Asheville with us last year. But what's great about this center is that it will guide you to pet-friendly attractions and restaurants.

Andy the Poodle at the DoubleTree Biltmore in Asheville, NC


When we visited last summer, Andy took his dog bed to the Doubletree Biltmore in Biltmore Village in Asheville.  The staff was excellent with us as first-time pet travelers, Andy was allowed to be in the lobby, and the front desk gave us a list of nearby pet-friendly restaurants, which was very nice for that first night we checked in.

NOT ALL OUTDOOR PATIOS HAVE EXTERIOR ENTRANCES WHICH MEANS "NO DOGS ALLOWED"

The Biltmore DoubleTree Hotel has a TGIF restaurant with a beautiful patio attached to it. Still, dogs are not allowed to dine there because the patio has no exterior entrance. You have to walk through the restaurant to get to the patio. Keep that tidbit in mind when you spot restaurants. A good rule of thumb is that if you see other dogs, you are fine, or ask staff. 


TRAVELING WITH PETS 

When traveling with your dog and staying in a hotel, information about area restaurants is so important; honestly, it takes some planning. Heaven forbid it if it rains. What then? Some dogs may bark in a hotel room when crated, and then you risk getting called by the hotel with a noise complaint.

Dogs are part of the family


I feared the "barking dog" when I traveled with Andy for the first time in Asheville. As a result, we ate in restaurants where we knew Andy could go easily. Some Asheville establishments even have a doggie menu.

During my time in Asheville, NC,  I sometimes felt as if more dogs were walking the sidewalks than people. It truly is a dog-friendly city. Raleigh is dog-friendly, too, but it can also be hot during the "dog days of summer," too.


A NOTE ABOUT SAFETY WHEN DINING WITH YOUR PET

Pedestrian safety is important. Be mindful at crosswalks with your pets, watch for cars, and always keep your dogs on a leash. Ensure you have your dog's shots records and that your dog is always wearing identification and rabies tags.

Always have water available for your pet, and always be diligent about your safety and other's safety if your dog has been known to bite. When traveling in a car, make sure your dog is safely secured in the vehicle.



Dining with Pets in Restaurants: What Pet Owners Need to Know. #pets #dogs #pettravel



Southern Style: The Old Homes and More Tour in Beaufort, NC

For years I have stalked homes.  It's no secret that I love a home tour just as much as I love a good restaurant and hotel. I have stalked more homes in Beaufort, North Carolina than anywhere else. Beaufort is a waterway town near the port of Morehead City and the crystal blue waters of Atlantic Beach. Will's Dad is a Beaufort resident now so we have easy access to the town and have been visiting the Crystal Coast area for the past nineteen years.

Beaufort is North Carolina's third oldest town. The picturesque waterfront town is pronounced Bo-Fort and not Bew-fort like the town by the same name in South Carolina. Beaufort's Historical Association hosts the Old Home Tour and More annually in June. This year marks the 59th year of residents opening up their private homes for all of us to see.  The home tours used to mainly consist of the town's historic homes and gardens, but because Beaufort has become such a popular vacation spot due to its proximity to North Carolina's Crystal Coast beaches, the tour now includes newly constructed homes for the tour weekend. 

Will and I used to attend the Beaufort historic home tour event annually before we had children. One of the highlights was enjoying lunch in St. Paul's Espicopal Church, prepared by the church. I have the church cookbook and some of the recipes in it are ones they use for the luncheon. I shared the  Ann Street brownie recipe from that cookbook many years ago with you.

Unfortunately, we skipped the historic home tour for many years because of the kids. It's hot in Beaufort, NC in the summer. They complained. They were not interested in homes. You get the idea, but last year, we walked historic Beaufort's streets once again to see homes at least with one child in tow.

Beaufort, NC is North Carolina's 3rd Oldest Town


Typically, there are about ten to twelve homes on each tour. One of the homes we saw on the tour was called "The Conch House" and part of it now operates as a VRBO. The home dates back to 1883.

Old Homes and More Tour is in Historic Beaufort, NC every June.

Sunny Living Room of a Historic Beaufort, NC home that dates back to 1883.


When you enter the home, the left side is the owner's side that also incorporates an upstairs.

The home has been updated and expanded.


The right side of the home consists of a bedroom with a sitting area, a bath, and a private tiny kitchen nook and dining area.  It's like an efficiency apartment within a home.

This is the guest room that serves as a VRBO in this historic Beaufort Home. With this side of the house is a small sitting area, bath, and small kitchen nook with seating.


The apartment and the owner's side open up to this outdoor seating area.

Outdoor Living Spaces in Beaufort, NC



If you enjoy homes as much as I do then you may want to subscribe to Leigh Powell Hines on YouTube. In early fall, I'll be co-hosting TheHouseStalkers, a show where we stalk homes and local eats near these homes. We have a The HouseStalkers Facebook page and we are @TheHouseStalkers on Instagram too.

If you are visiting Beaufort, Morehead City, and the Crystal Coast, you will enjoy these dining and travel guides.

Crystal Coast Travel Guide: A LightHouse,  Wild Horses and Emerald Isle 
A Traveler's Look at Historic Beaufort, NC
Crystal Coast Dining Guide: Beaufort, Morehead City, and Atlantic Beach 

Disclosure: My thanks to Basnight Garner Realty located in Morehead City for being a HinesSightBlog sponsor. If you're looking for a home or vacation home in Beaufort, Morehead City or the Crystal Coast beaches, then  Basnight Garner Realty is the place to start. My HinesSightBlog sponsors keep me at my desk writing, #OutaboutNC and now stalking houses on YouTube.



If you love to look at old homes or newly-constructed homes then you would love the Old Homes and More Tour in Historic Beaufort, NC. It's held every June. 2019 is its 59th year.







Five Mouth-Watering Side Dishes for Outdoor Grilling Season

It's officially outdoor grilling season now. In the South, it's not uncommon for one's social calendar to be filled with family reunions, potluck dinners, bbq's or even a good, ole' fashioned "Pig Pickin" where bbq is a noun and not a verb. Usually, the hosts ask the guests asked to bring a side dish to share.  I've been writing about side dishes for years and you can find all of these recipes and more under the recipe section of the HinesSightBlog.

I've made every single of these dishes at least once, and some dishes are so popular that I'm not allowed to attend certain annual events unless I bring a certain dish with me. Here are my family's favorite five side dish favorites.

Southern Mac and Cheese is a great picnic side dish. This is a family favorite recipe from Southern blogger, Leigh Powell Hines. It's not your usual Mac and Cheese. Great for family reunions, family dinners, or potluck dinners.


Hines Mac and Cheese


This recipe came from my husband's family, but it's the only Mac and Cheese I make now. My kids ask for this dish more than anything else. In fact, it's the only dish I take to Scouting events now because my husband nor son will let me take anything else. I've served it to many guests in my home and I hope you enjoy, too.


Shoe Peg Corn Salad

Shoe-Peg Salad is a popular Side dish with a sugar and vinegar base. It is a crowd favorite for church picnics and event side dishes. It is one of the most popular recipes from the HinesSightBlog. It also doubles easily for a crowd.



This particular side dish is a favorite of my mother-in-law so anytime she hosts an event, she asks me to make this delicious side dish that is served chilled. It's even better if made the day ahead.

Southern Potluck Potatoes for a Crowd


This yummy side dish originally came from a cookbook from an Edenton, N.C. church.  It's one of those dishes that tend to come back empty when you take it an event.


Easy No-Mayo Pasta Salad



Not everyone loves mayo, but mayo is common in the South. This no-mayo based pasta salad recipe is perfect for the mayo-haters, but it is delicious enough that it wins over the entire crowd at potlucks, picnics, and reunions. It's easy enough for an easy dinner side on any day of the week.

I have several friends who do not like condiments. When you're in the South, it's sometimes hard to go to an event and find a side dish that does not contain mustard or mayonnaise. When I was having one of my no-mayo friends over to the house, I whipped up an easy pasta salad that I was proud to put on the table. Olive Oil and Lemon juice serve as the base.

Southern Baked Beans with a Twist


I like baked beans as a side dish. However, soaking beans can take a while so to save time, I doctor up canned beans. now. This baked bean recipe is originally from Rachael Ray, but I accidentally created a new version of the dish when I read the ingredients wrong. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.


In the South,  tis the season for picnics, parties and reunions. These five mouth-watering sides are perfect pairs for the South's grilling season, or easy side dishes for any night of the week, but several of these recipes are crowd favorites at Southern Potlucks and Family Reunions.




Disclosure: My thanks to Glenn Martin Hammond Law Office, personal injury attorneys in Lexington, KY for being a HinesSightBlog May sponsor. My sponsors keep me at my desk writing about my Southern Lifestyle or OutaboutNC. If your business would like to become a HinesSightBlog editorial sponsor, please contact me at leigh@hinessightblog.com.  My sponsors give me 100 percent editorial content control and I could not do what I do without them. 

Make it a Simple, Taco-Themed Dinner Party: Fiesta Tacos, Taco Pizza, and Guacamole Salsa will Wow your Guests for Easy Entertaining

Updated May 2019
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a Taco Pizza


Do you need a simple entertaining menu to feed a crowd? When I have people over, I like to use simple and inexpensive recipes. 

A taco-themed dinner the party worked well for a mini family reunion and it is perfect for any night of the week or even Cinco de Mayo. 


Tacos, Taco Pizza plus Guacamole Salsa for Entertaining a Crowd. It's Simple and Great on the Budget

My father-in-law’s twin brother was in town from Atlanta, so we entertained him along with my husband’s family, who also live in Raleigh at our home. It was a chilly weekend here, so we decided against grilling. 

Taco Night is great for entertaining because it doesn’t break the piggy bank.  It’s simple, and it feeds a crowd with ease, with very little preparation by the host.

My Taco-Night Themed Menu

Guacamole Salsa
Blue and White Corn Chips
Salsa
Fiesta Turkey Tacos  (Hard corn shells and Soft flour tortillas)
Taco Pizza
Black Beans and Corn
Margaritas
Toppings: Sour Cream, Salsa, Lettuce, Tomato

The taco, taco pizza, and guacamole recipes all came from McCormick's website. I’m sure you make tacos all the time, so I’m not going to share a recipe on how to make a taco, but I did use ground turkey, and McCormick Taco Seasoning Mix. Simple and easy. 

The other recipes were DELICIOUS.  They are keepers, and I will serve them again as family entrees.

Guacamole Salsa


Guacamole Salsa


2 medium ripe avocados, peeled, pitted and chopped
1 package McCormick Guacamole Seasoning Mix
1 medium tomato, chopped
2 tablespoons chopped red onion
1 tablespoon lime juice

Mix avocados, seasoning mix, tomato, onion, and lime juice in a medium bowl. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes or until ready to serve. Stir before serving and serve with tortilla chips.

Taco Pizza

Taco Pizza comes together in Minutes


1 pound of ground turkey
1 package McCormick Taco Seasoning Mix Mild
1 cup of salsa
¾ cup of water
1 prepared pizza crust (12-inch)
2 cups of shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 cup chopped tomato

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Brown meat in large skillet on medium-high heat. Drain fat. Stir in seasoning mix, salsa, and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce to low; simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Place pizza crust on a baking sheet. Spoon meat mixture over crust. Sprinkle evenly with cheese.  Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until cheese is melted. Top with shredded lettuce and tomato.


Taco Pizza: Great for Cinco de Mayo, Mexican Night. Easy Weeknight Meal instead of Tacos





This is a quick and easy guacamole salsa for any night of the week. Great as an appetizer for entertaining in a pinch.



Disclosure:  My thanks to Clegg's Pest Control in Charlotte, N.C for being a May HinesSightBlog Sponsor. Consider calling them when you find pests buzzing about. My sponsors keep me at my desk sharing my Southern Lifestyle and #outaboutnc.


This was a sponsored post in 2013 from the Motherhood on behalf of McCormick. This post was updated in 2019.  Six years later, the recipes are still solid.



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