The BREAKDOWN: My Top 5 Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Hello from Bri Steel, Broker/Realtor® & Owner of Bixby Realty!
If you and your four-legged friend are inseparable, you are probably looking for activities and places to take your furry friend.
I have found restaurants that go the extra mile to welcome pets. I am talking warm tiles or a nice lawn, personal dog bowls, and even pup menus. Everyone can claim to be dog-friendly, but not every place welcomes dogs with open arms.
While there are many dog-friendly restaurants in Carmel, I have selected the ones with the best reviews, food, hospitality, and dog-friendliness, so you don't have to worry about where to eat. Instead, you can choose what to eat and when to get there, and all the vacation worries that should occupy your mind.
Keep reading to know your options!
This amazing restaurant has an incredible history and has been owned by an artist and master blacksmith, Francis Whitaker, since 1944. Mr. Whitaker was the primary source for all hand-forged hardware (hinges, door locks, sign holders, and more) that still adorn many of the historic buildings in Carmel and the Forge, which has become a popular drinking establishment.
Mr. Whitaker was an active community member and attracted important figures such as artist and writer Henry Miller and famed author John Steinbeck. In 1970, The Forge was transformed into a restaurant and saloon that has been a part of Carmel-by-the-Sea history for more than 45 years.
The Forge serves fresh seafood, local ingredients, popular American meats, and upscale comfort food. Best of all, their "dog menu" is specially designed to keep your pup happy while they wait!
Most popular: Reuben Egg Rolls, Crab Cakes, San Francisco Style Fondue, Traditional French Onion Soup, Lobster Linguini With Tarragon, and Limoncello Cake.
Specialty diet: Vegetarian and Vegan
Special feature: Their signature drinks Gin Sonic & Forg A Rita, a wide wine selection, and cute fireplaces indoors and outdoors.
The Hoggs Breath Inn was formerly owned by Hollywood legend Clint Eastwood and then sold to the current owner, Kaiser Morcus. The restaurant has a distinctive feel of an old barn and a rustic bar; there are many fireplaces and a great, cozy atmosphere.
The restaurant's mission is to serve dishes made with natural and hormone-free USDA PRIME beef, organic free-range chicken, sustainably sourced seafood, and fresh, local organic produce, with all desserts, dressings, and sauces made in-house. The bar has an extensive wine selection, a diverse cocktail menu, and draft beer and non-alcoholic beverages. On the menu, you'll find all the American classics done to perfection.
There is an indoor and outdoor patio. Although dogs are only allowed outside, it's still comfortable for them. On cold days, there are plenty of gas stoves and fireplaces to keep everybody warm. The best part for your dog is that their "Dog Menu" is guaranteed to get your doggo’s tail wagging!
Most popular: Dungeness Crab Cake, Castroville Artichoke, Artichoke Spinach Dip, Dirty Harry, and The Hog Pork Chop
Specialty diet: Vegetarian
Special feature: Rustic, laid-back ambiance
Terry Melcher, son of Doris Day, owns this establishment with its history since 1929. Terry's Restaurant + Lounge, has a hip, contemporary yet welcoming design reminiscent of the Golden Age of Hollywood but crossed with a modern retro vibe that stands out in Carmel-by-the-Sea. We can spend a long time talking about the place's decor, but that is something you just have to experience yourself.
Live Music fills their walls in the living room and on Sundays on the patio, which creates a beautiful ambiance for loyal customers and tourists.
Regarding your doggo, this is one of the few more upscale places that allow dogs indoors and outdoors and has a dog menu, although you have to ask for it.
Most popular: Monterey Sand Dabs, Braised Short Ribs, Braised Short Ribs, Classic Caesar, and Fish Taco Plate
Specialty diet: Vegetarian
Special feature: Live Music and Contemporary Design.
The Treehouse Cafe in picturesque Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming restaurant that makes you feel like you are sitting on your own little porch, surrounded by dancing candlelight and climbing vines in your bubble of happiness. Owners Fadi Alnimiri and his wife Pam create an intimate ambiance that draws diners back, again and again, to celebrate life milestones, catch up with friends, go on a romantic date, or plan a casual dinner.
The menu is a mix of Mediterranean, Greek, and Thai cuisine, so there's something for everyone, and the wine list offers an extensive selection of local and popular wines. The staff is friendly and helpful, especially when suggesting wine pairings or helping you choose a dish.
Your furry baby is welcome in the cafe's courtyard, and the waiters are super friendly. They even go so far as to give him treats and provide you with an umbrella for your dog when you are sitting in the sun. The best part is that there is a menu for dogs that includes everything that will make your dog happy and full.
The cafe is open for lunch and dinner, but call ahead or reserve a table because seating is limited in this trendy neighborhood. Give Treehouse Cafe a chance to make you a happy regular.
Most popular: Honey & Cheese, Osso Buco, Spanish Paella, Monterey Bay Clam, Tzatziki Dip, Seafood Pasta, and Grilled Calamari
Specialty diet: Vegetarian
Special feature: Extensive Wine Collection
Formerly known as Bixby Martini Bistro, Sur at the Barnyard was opened 13 years ago by Billy Quon and his wife, Teresa. It has been welcoming loyal customers and tourists to its space ever since.
Sur at the Barnyard is located in the picturesque Barnyard Shopping Village, a central Carmel location. They were recently named "Carmel Small Restaurant Of The Year," a prestigious award voted on by the many business owners in the Carmel community.
The patio is dog friendly. There is a small menu for your dog and there is plenty of shade for them to safely relax on the tiles while you enjoy your delicious meal!
Most popular: Fried Chicken Sandwich, Grilled Tacos Fresh Salmon Or Steak, Sur's Famous French Dip, Bacon Grilled Cheese With Today's Soup & Fries, Filet Mignon Sliders, Sur Bacon Cheeseburger, and Eggplant Parmesan
Specialty diet: Vegetarian, Vegan
Special feature: Romantic country ambiance and family-friendly.
Take Away!
Now that you know where to take your doggo, we recommend calling ahead to check availability because most of these places are popular destinations for locals as well.
Take your time walking along Carmel Beach, and when you are done, make your way to one of these places to enjoy a good meal in a great atmosphere.
At Bixby Realty we bring a fresh and innovative “boutique” approach to real estate on the Monterey Peninsula. In the process, we make dreams come true.
Looking to sell? We will make your home SHINE. Listings like ours that are beautifully presented and professionally inspected sell faster and for more money.
Looking to buy? We help our clients write offers that WIN. We are competitors at heart and negotiators at work. We get results.
Call or email us to set up an appointment with our broker and owner, Bri Steel.
Bri Steel
Broker/Realtor® + Owner
Bixby Realty
831.200.6338
bri@bixbyrealty.com
Bri Steel at the Bixby Realty office with her two mini Aussies Kiwi and Fiji.
