Dog-Friendly San Diego: Where Four-Legged Friends Rule

by Erin Chambers - Citysearch Editor - 9,287 Reviews - 164 Lists

Updated: May 12, 2009

Looking for a posh doggie day spa? What about gourmet treats? How about a chill bar where your puppy is welcome, too? From South Park to San Marcos, we've found San Diego's best spots to hang with your four-legged friend.

On this page:Where to Pamper Your Pet, Dog-friendly Restaurants and Bars.

Where to Pamper Your Pet

  1. 1 4 Star Rating: Recommended Dexter's Deli
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    1229 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014 (map)

    Fido deserves to eat organic, too, right? If you're a believer in spoiling your pooch through food, you simply must make a visit to Dexter's Deli in Del Mar.

  2. 2 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended South Bark Dog Wash
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    2037 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104 (map)

    With a location just up the street from Grape St Dog Park, in the one of the most dog-friendly neighborhoods in the city, South Bark is always packed. Be sure to call ahead and make an appointment to have Fido washed in one of their tiled, stand-up tubs, and watch for flyers advertising rescue dog adoption events, walkabouts and other community dog gatherings.

  3. 3 Holiday Pet Hotel--San Marcos
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    1049 E Mission Rd, San Marcos, CA 92069 (map)

    Certified kennel puts dogs and cats up in plush digs with grooming services, customized playtime and special VIP care.

  4. 4 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended W San Diego
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    421 West B Street, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    The oh-so dog-friendly W often hosts events, parties and happy hours for dog owners.

  5. 5 3.5 Star Rating: Average San Diego Wine & Culinary Center
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    200 Harbor Dr Ste 120, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    Check out the special "K-9s and Wine" happy hour on Wednesday evenings.

  6. 6 Lucky Dog Pet Boutique
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    415 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    Upscale pet pampering boutique in the Gaslamp sells clothing, travel accessories, treats and more for your pooch.

  7. 7 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Tags for Dogs and Cats
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    142 University Ave Ste D, San Diego, CA 92103 (map)

    Pets become fashion divas with collars, beds and apparel from designers like Juicy Couture. Food and grooming necessities also available.

  8. 8 4 Star Rating: Recommended Muttropolis Llc
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    227 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach, CA 92075 (map)

    Solana Beach pet boutique offers one step beyond the usual designer carriers, jeweled collars, and gourmet treats: Pet massage therapy clinics and even professional portraits sessions.

  9. 9 3 Star Rating: Average Pets Uptown
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    1040 University Ave Ste 101B, San Diego, CA 92103 (map)

    Uptown boutique dresses up Hillcrest's puppy population with everything from designer dresses to casual, cotton hoodies.

Dog-friendly Restaurants and Bars

  1. 10 2.5 Star Rating: Below Average Blue Foot Bar & Lounge
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    3404 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104 (map)

    For smokers and dog lovers, the patio outside Bluefoot is paradise. There are always a few pooches tied up to the wrought iron fence, and the bar's owners and (most) patrons don't mind if Fido wander over to hang with his master inside the patio gates.

  2. 11 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended The Brickyard
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    675 West G St, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    This Marina District cafe alongside the trolley tracks serves a light breakfast, lunch and coffee menu on a poplar tree-lined patio that's perfect for dogs. The tables are sturdy enough to handle a leash tie-up, and there are water bowls and doggie treats available inside.

  3. 12 4 Star Rating: Recommended Hamltons Tavern
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    1521 30th St, San Diego, CA 92102 (map)

    You didn't hear it from us (because we're not sure it technically conforms to city codes), but Hamilton's is the go-to place for dog lovers after work. It's the perfect spot to pop by after a visit to Grape St dog park, which is just 4 blocks away. Owners are really casual and relaxed about allowing nice dogs to hang inside the bar, and most patrons don't mind much. Be sure to try the cheddar beer soup or the pulled chicken sandwich from the cafe window, too.

  4. 13 3.5 Star Rating: Average Lounge Six
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    616 J St 4th Fl, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    If you're one of the lucky ones that can sneak out of the office early, Lounge Six (formerly JBar) at the Hotel Solamar hosts a series of dog-friendly happy hours from 3-5pm. they always serve up some kind of dog treat, and every once in a while they feature a local pet boutique or special spa treatment--perfect for the urban, downtown dog.

  5. 14 3.5 Star Rating: Average San Diego Wine & Culinary Center
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    200 Harbor Dr Ste 120, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    As one of the first locations downtown to welcome dogs for happy hour, SD Wine and Culinary Center has a very pet-friendly reputation. Maybe it has something to do with that fabulous patio out back with plenty of room for puppies to roam? Be sure to call ahead for their specific events and schedules for dog-friendly events.