Matthew TremblayWalking through Halifax with my dog is my favorite way to unwind. After a good stroll, we both always end up hungry for a light snack and a comfy place to chill.
Although I do like packing our own snacks for a picnic at a park, I don’t always have the time or the energy to do so. But we’re so lucky because there are several dog-friendly restaurants in Halifax that can turn a simple outing into something special.
Here are the best places to check out with your furry sidekick.
1. The Brown Hound Public House
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Website: https://www.thebrownhound.ca/
Location: 2394 Agricola Street
Operating hours:
Sun-Thu, 11 AM to 12 AM
Phone: +19024250055
Must-have: Beef Short Rib
The Brown Hound Public House is one of my favorite places to take the dogs out. They have two locations in the city, one on Agricola Street and another on Ironstone Lane.
Like most of the spots on our list, they only allow dogs on the patio. It’s quite a spacious outdoor area, so pups of all sizes should be able to join you comfortably without disturbing other diners.
But what I like the most about this restaurant is that everyone who comes here looks forward to seeing the pups. The staff are also pretty friendly and welcoming, especially towards your furry companions.
| Pro Tip: They don’t allow reservations so arrive early during lunch and dinner hours to secure a table. |
2. The Oxford Taproom
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Website: https://www.garrisonbrewing.com/the-oxford/
Location: 6418 Quinpool Rd
Operating hours:
Sun-Thu, 12 PM to 11 PM
Fri-Sat, 12 PM to 12 AM
Phone: +19024310501
Must-have: Ground Beef Taco
The Oxford Taproom is housed in a historic theater building, which gives it a lot of character. It’s a cozy and relaxing place to have a drink—whether it be coffee or craft beer.
What makes this one of my favorite spots is that dogs aren’t limited to the outdoor patio space. The entire taproom is paw-friendly, so your canine companion can step in and chill with you.
While the menu leans more toward drinks than bites, the upside is their open-door food policy. You’re free to bring snacks for you and your dog.
| Pro Tip: They serve tacos every day from 4 PM until closing. They sell out fast so swing by early. |
3. Durty Nelly’s
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Website: http://www.durtynellys.ca/
Location: 1645 Argyle Street
Opening hours: Daily, 11:30 AM to 2 AM
Phone: +19024067640
Must-have: Chicken and Waffles
Durty Nelly’s is an authentic Irish pub. They have great liquor options, fun live performances, and dancing every night, which is no surprise it landed on our best night clubs list.
Your four-legged friends can accompany you on the patio outside. They have quite a spacious area with tables arranged far apart from each other, giving even the biggest doggies lots of room to stretch.
Since the pub gets very busy at night, it can be overwhelming for your furry companion. The best time to swing by would be during lunch hours when it’s more peaceful and laid back.
| Pro Tip: They take reservations, but they have different cut-off times per day. You can check their website for more information. |
4. Cafe Lunette
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Website: https://www.cafelunette.com/
Location: 1741 Lower Water St #160
Opening hours:
Sun-Thu, 9 AM to 10 PM
Fri-Sat 9 AM to 11 PM
Phone: +19023341300
Must have: French Onion Soup
Cafe Lunette is a Parisian-inspired restaurant on the Queen’s Marque. It’s an all-day food destination, where you can have coffee in the morning, lunch meetings, romantic dinners, and everything in between.
Your pups can tag along with you on their lovely patio area, which has a wonderful view of the water and the harbor. The outdoor space is available on a first-come, first-serve basis, so arrive early for lunch or dinner.
They serve bistro fare. I like getting their French onion soup, a rich, gooey perfection, alongside steak frites and maybe a glass of wine.
| Pro Tip: Happy hours are daily from 3 PM to 6 PM. You can get drink specials and other small plates for an affordable price. |
5. The Bicycle Thief
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Website: https://www.thebicyclethief.ca/
Location: 1475 Lower Water Street
Operating hours:
Mon-Fri, 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Sat and Sun: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Phone: +19024257993
Must-have: Spaghettini alla Vongole
The Bicycle Thief is one of our favorite fine-dining restaurants in Halifax. But if you grab a table outside, right by the waterfront, the setting is more casual, perfect for a leisurely meal with your doggo.
They have so much space on the patio that even big dogs can lounge comfortably near the tables while waiting. I’m sure your pups will also enjoy the cool breeze and sunshine in the summer.
Unlike other patios, this one opens in the winter season—as long as it doesn’t get too cold. They have a small fire pit per table so you can warm up, indulge in fondue, and soak in the winter season.
| Pro Tip: They have a seasonal menu, so check out their website before you swing by in case you have particular cravings or food allergies. But they have exceptional pasta all year long. |
6. Good Robot Brewing Company
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Website: https://www.goodrobotbrewing.ca/
Location: 2736 Robie Street
Operating hours:
Mon-Wed, 4 PM to 10 PM
Thu, 4 PM to 11 PM
Fri, 12 AM to 1 AM
Sat, 11 AM to 1 AM
Sun, 11 AM to 10 PM
Phone: +19024461692
Must-have: Diablo Lager
Since 2015, Good Robot Brewing Company has been whipping up quirky yet delicious bar fare to suit everyone’s tastes. They have various locations across the city, but their OG space is on Robie Street.
They have a taproom, shop, and beer garden. On their outdoor patio, which comes with an artificial turf, your pup can join you as long as they’re well-behaved.
What I like the most about Good Robot is that they have all kinds of events throughout the week, including live music performances, karaoke, and comedy nights. There’s never a dull moment when you visit.
| Pro Tip: Make sure your dog is well-behaved because they follow the three-bark rule here. If your dog barks three times in a short period and can’t be calmed, the staff will politely ask you to leave. |
7. Antojo Tacos + Tequila
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Website: https://www.antojo.ca/
Location: 1667 Argyle Street
Operating hours:
Sun-Wed, 12 PM to 10:00 PM
Thu, 12 PM to 12 AM
Fri-Sat, 12 PM to 1:00 AM
Phone: +19024052790
Must-have: Pork Belly Tacos
Located in the city center, Antojo Tacos + Tequila serves Mexican-inspired dishes and drinks. Although the restaurant is open daily, you should swing by during one of their fun weekly events like Margarita Mondays and Taco Tuesdays to get the best deals.
They have a small, dog-friendly patio right at the storefront. While the space is snug, and better suited for smaller dogs, it’s a cozy, relaxed setting where you can soak in the vibrant street views together.
The staff is exceptionally accommodating, often bringing out a bowl of water for your dog while you sip on a refreshing margarita or savor their delicious tacos. If your pups love attention, they’ll surely enjoy their time here.
| Pro Tip: They don’t allow reservations on the patio area, so arrive early to secure a comfortable spot for you and your pup. |
8. Stone’s Throw
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Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/yhzmc-halifax-marriott-harbourfront-hotel/dining/
Location: 1919 Upper Water Street
Opening hours: Daily, 12 PM to evening
Phone: +19029437547
Must-have: The Chowder
Another dog-friendly restaurant worth going to is Stone’s Throw, which is also on our best patios in Halifax list. It’s on the north end of the boardwalk, right along the waterfront, perfect for enjoying the cool sea breeze on a hot summer’s day.
They have plenty of room for you and your pup to lounge. Best of all, service is impeccable—the staff will tend to the needs of your pup by bringing them a bowl of water and a little treat.
In winter, they’ll bring the holiday cheer to the patio, allowing you to dine under the stars and twinkling lights. They have a small fire pit to keep you warm but the floor can be quite chilly so pack a blanket for the doggo just in case.
| Pro Tip: Stop by during Happy Hours from 4 PM to 6 PM and get the best discounts on your favorite boozy drinks. |
