Dog-Friendly Philly: Where to Eat, Stay, and Play With Your Pooch
A dog walker at Mario Lanza Park, one stop on your tour of dog-friendly Philly. | Photography by Christopher Leaman
Philly is a dog-lover’s paradise, replete with dog parks, pet-friendly hotels, and restaurants that cater to you and your pooch. Here’s where to find the best dog-friendly spots in Philly.
EAT
Photograph courtesy @arlodoodlenyc
Dog-Friendly Restaurants and Bars
Why should your dog stay home while you have all the fun? There are tons of dog-friendly restaurants around Philly – here are some of the best places to hit up a Yappy Hour or dine al fresco with your pooch.
227 S 18th Street, Rittenhouse
Bonjour, chiens. Of course the best Stephen Starr restaurant in Philly allows man’s best friend to dine by your side. The sceney eatery welcomes dogs in its outdoor dining area. Dogs receive a complimentary bowl of water, and after supper, you can take them for a romp through Rittenhouse Square across the street.
601 Walnut Street, Washington Square West
Your happy hour is a little extra happy at P.J. Clarke’s, where four-legged friends are always invited to join you on the patio for the daily happy hour from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. In fact, you can dine with your dog outdoors at any time, weather permitting, and P.J. Clarke’s will provide your pup with a water bowl and treats.
3705 W. School House Lane, East Falls
How many times has your dog been stuck with plain water while you enjoy an artisanal IPA? Wissahickon Brewing Company shares that grainy goodness with pups who visit their Tasting Room, as spent grain from beer production is used to produce treats for canine companions. And with special events held at the bar (like adoption days and pet costume contests), Wissahickon is a must-visit spot this summer.
See more dog-friendly restaurants.
PLAY
Schuylkill River Park Dog Run | Photograph by Christopher Leaman
Dog Parks Around Philly
Whether your pup is portable or the size of a small horse, hyper or laid-back, social or skittish, there’s a dog park in town that’s perfect for your pet — and you.
Fitler Square: Schuylkill River Park Dog Run
25th and Spruce streets
The vibe: The fanciest of all of Philly’s dog parks, this sweeping synthetic grass courtyard on the river is equipped with a nice drinking fountain and sections for large and small pups.
Best for: Froufrou Fidos and owners tired of muddy romps. Paws stay clean on turf known as “K9Grass.” Think of it as a miniature Vet Stadium, but with less risk of blowing an ACL.
The scoop: The park is along the train tracks, and conductors aren’t shy about blowing the horn. Stay away if your dog can’t handle the noise.
Washington Square West: Seger Park Dog Run
1020 Lombard Street
The vibe: A well-kept, fenced-in dog run that takes up nearly 10,000 square feet of small Seger Park. The park association replaces wood chips once each year.
Best for: Large and small dogs, newbies and veterans alike. Regulars are eager to advise on park etiquette and share the phone numbers of their dog walkers.
The scoop: The park hosts seasonal events for owners and pups alike. This summer is their second annual Woofstock live-music event, and fall brings the pun-loving Howl-o-ween and Santa Paws. An annual donation of $50 is recommended.
Northern Liberties: Orianna Hill Dog Park
900 North Orianna Street
The vibe: An acre-sized members-only park where trees and benches abound.
Best for: Dogs that need room to roam.
The scoop: For access, you’ll need to register online, attend a casual 15-minute orientation, and give Fido a VIP dog tag. Signing up is free, but a $50 annual donation is recommended.
See more Philly dog parks.
STAY
Photograph courtesy Kimpton Hotels.
Dog-Friendly Hotels
If you’re headed to Philly for a visit or planning a local staycation, there’s no reason why your doggo should have to stay home. Not only are there tons of dog-friendly hotels in Philly, but several of them won’t even charge you for bringing Fido along with you.
Kimpton Hotel Palomar
117 S 17th Street, Center City
Pup Perks: Treats, bedding, food, and water bowls
When you step into the ornate lobby at Hotel Palomar, Vienna, the Director of Pet Relations, may greet your dog first. That’s because she’s a pup herself! Vienna and the human staff at the Palomar takes their four-legged guests very seriously. The hotel offers treats, bedding, food, and water bowls for all furry friends. With just two blocks to Rittenhouse Square, where your pooch can romp around on the grass, the Palomar is the ideal spot for your dog’s next trip.
Aloft Philadelphia Downtown
101 N Broad St, Market East
Pup Perks: Bedding, food, water bowls, treats, grass on-site
Arf arf! That’s the sound of your dog loving Aloft’s “Arf Package.” Every four-legged guest gets this package, which includes pet-specific bedding, food, water bowls, and treats. Even better, the hotel features grassy spots on site for your pooch to do her business.
Rittenhouse Hotel
210 W Rittenhouse Square, Rittenhouse
Pup Perks: Room service menu, beds, water bowls, treats
In a city of culinary excellence like Philly, it only makes sense to treat your dog to the same haute cuisine. Rittenhouse Hotel offers a gourmet room service menu for your pal, with offering from chicken jerky and peanut butter bones to filet mignon and beef and bean stew. Pets also received their own beds, water bowls, and treats. Any size pet is welcome, for an additional fee of $150.
See more pet-friendly hotels in Philly.
