The Coastal Bend’s mild climate allows for outdoor dining on most days of the year, thus diners will find an abundance of restaurants with decks and patios. Many of them permit dogs. Some require leashes, some vaccination tags. When in doubt, call ahead. Here are a paw-full of dog-friendly restaurants in the Coastal Bend.
CORPUS CHRISTI
Nueces Brewing Co.
401 S. Water St., 361-356-6404
Enjoy barbecue tacos and craft beer at this downtown patio. “Where my dog behaves best,” one online reviewer claims.
Pier 99 Restaurant
2822 N. Shoreline Blvd., 361-887-0764
Fresh seafood and views of Corpus Christi Bay and the USS Lexington from a covered patio. Plus, dogs have their own menu!
Island Joes Coffee and Gallery
14829 South Padre Island Drive, 361-867-1276
Hard to miss these colorful, welded-together shipping containers that now house a coffee shop. Step outside on the patio with your pup and catch a Gulf breeze while sipping a latte and noshing on a pastry.
BUS (Bar Under the Sun)
702 N. Chaparral St., 361-462-4121
This repurposed bus depot features an inviting family- and pet-friendly patio. Its Instagram page shows a few pics of satisfied canine customers.
PORT ARANSAS
Grumbles Seafood Co.
850 Tarpon St., 361-749-1990
Waterfront vistas from a covered deck, fresh seafood, frozen piña coladas, and a “we love dogs” attitude.
Lelo's Island Bar
212 Beach St., 361-416-1792
Go full South Seas at this tiki bar and restaurant. Relax on the thatch-roof deck with a burger and an umbrella drink while you and your furbaby absorb the island vibe.
ROCKPORT
Paradise Key Dockside Bar & Grill
165 Cove Harbor North, 361-729-6000
Chill out on a waterfront deck with a “marina munchie” and a tropical drink as a sea breeze blows and boats sail by.
This is by no means an all-inclusive list. If your favorite dog-friendly spot is not included here, share it in the comments below.
chuck@thepicayune.com