Dog Friendly Restaurants in New Orleans

Tomorrow being Halloween, the Doggy Bagger’s mind drifted to images of canines in costume, and no one does it with more panache than the Mystic Krewe of Barkus in New Orleans. But not at Halloween; it’s during Mardi Gras that the creative dress reigns supreme. Which led me to think about the best way to enjoy Mardi Gras. Which, naturally, is from a table at one of the many dog friendly restaurants in New Orleans. So by way of convoluted segueway, this week’s installment of looks at the Crescent City.

Dog Friendly Restaurants in New Orleans in the Arts District

This area used to be known (and still is by many) as the Warehouse District, and is a short walk from the French Quarter. Herbsaint’s pet friendly patio is a wonderful place to sit with your pooch and watch the world go by, preferably with cocktail in hand. But don’t miss the food! One of my favorite small plate combos is the Jumbo Lump Crabmeat Salad with Watermelon Gazpacho, finishing off any remaining hunger with the Beef Short Rib with Salsa Verde and Horseradish Cream. It’s a menu you’ll want to go back to again and again, for the Grilled Tuna Sandwich on Olive Bread with Lemon Pickle Aioli, and Crispy Goat with Beluga Lentils, and Housemade Spaghetti with Guanciale and Fried-Poached Farm Egg.

Cochon Butcher is another one of the dog friendly restaurants in New Orleans’ Arts District. There you and your pup can enjoy some truly world class sandwiches assembled from housemade sausages and smoked and cured meats, like the Cochon Muffaletta, Pork Belly with Mint and Cucumber on White, Cajun Pork Dog on a Pretzel Bun, or Le Pig Mac–two pork patties with Special Sauce on a sesame seed bun.

Dog Friendly Restaurants in New Orleans in the Garden District

The Bulldog Uptown has one of the nicest patios in the city and it’s dog friendly. They’ve got an incredible selection of craft beers on tap, and a pub-style menu that will satisfy any appetite, with hearty sandwiches and appetizers like Amber Fries, smothered with melted cheese (and add applewood bacon, if you want), Crawfish Banditos (fried rolled tortillas stuffed with crawfish, sautéed onions and peppers, and garlic, served with avocado sour cream for dipping), and Roasted Garlic Hummus.

Dog Friendly Restaurants in New Orleans in the French Quarter

If you want Old School New Orleans, get yourself and your pooch to Chartres House. The entire front of the restaurant opens up onto the street, and they are very pet friendly, with a loose interpretation of what is inside and what is outside, so you and your pet can practically belly up to the bar. The menu has a definite Cajun-Creole cant, with offerings like Chicken & Andouille Gumbo, Fried Green Tomato Chips, Crawfish Étouffée, Crystal Wings, Boudin, Toulouse Oyster Salad, and six kinds of po-boy’s. It’s also the perfect spot to enjoy a New Orleans-inspired cocktail, like a Sazerac, Hurricane, or Cajun Bloody Mary.

Cafe Lafitte in Exile is the longest continuously operating gay bar in the United States, and a great place to sit and relax with your canine. They are super dog friendly here and will welcome you both at their sidewalk seating. No food, but a wonderful place to sip and chill for a while.