By Emily Laskin
Move over cat people, this corner of the internet has gone to the dogs today! East Bay folks love to go out to eat with their dogs (and now it’s actually legal in Berkeley) and there are plenty of dog-loving establishments with outdoor seating where your best four-legged friend can hang out too. Most have heat lamps (or even fire pits) outside to keep you and your dog warm on our surprisingly chilly recent evenings. And even if you’re not up to brave the heat, each of our picks will still be here when the weather turns warm again. Here are six of our favorites — leave us a comment below with yours.
Westbrae Biergarten, West Berkeley
At Westbrae they like dogs so much that over the summer they hosted an adoption event and benefit for a local animal rescue. This spot is really, truly dog-friendly and it’s always full of neighborhood pooches (and their people). The whole operation is outside — though it’s got umbrellas and heat lamps that make any season comfortable — and fully fenced. No awkward sidewalk tie-ups or dog walks through an indoor restaurant necessary! Incidentally, parents of humans also find these traits, plus the sandbox, extremely useful. Oh and by the way, Westbrae is not just a dog and kid park but also a beer garden. Don’t forget about the rotating selection of eight draught beers, three draft wines and food from Pedro’s Brazil Cafe. Westbrae Biergarten is at 1280 Gilman St. (at Curtis Street), Berkeley. Connect with the beer garden on Facebook and Instagram.
Sweet Adeline Bakeshop, South Berkeley
Sweet Adeline Bakeshop is a much-loved little neighborhood spot in South Berkeley. Its an old standby in the up-and-coming area around Alcatraz and Adeline, and locals love the laid-back neighborhood-y vibe as much as the baked goods. And, by the way, people really love the baked goods. Sweet Adeline offers an impressive array of sweet and savory scones, breads, cakes, pies, tarts, cookies, and fancy pastries of all kinds and — bonus! — homemade heart-shaped treats for your pup which, unlike goodies for people, are free. Dogs have to wait outside while you order, but once you’ve both got your artisanal cookies, you can read or work at the sidewalk seating while your buddy chomps away under the table. Sweet Adeline Bakeshop is at 3350 Adeline St. (at 63rd Street), Berkeley. Connect with the bakery on Facebook.
Heart and Dagger Saloon, Lake Merritt
For the truly chill night-owls among us and our dog friends, Heart and Dagger Saloon offers a jukebox, pinball, pool table and drinks until 2 a.m. every day of the year. This bar is a dive, but in the best senses of the word — it accepts all comers, is easy on the wallet and doesn’t take itself too seriously. Dogs are welcome inside and out back on the patio, but both areas can get loud and crowded — an excellent environment for laid-back and friendly dogs who are into lots of pats from strangers. Pro-tips: The bar is cash only and you’ve got to bring your own food! Heart and Dagger Saloon is at 504 Lake Park Ave. (at Lakeshore Avenue), Oakland. Connect with the bar on Instagram.
Everett & Jones Barbeque, Jack London Square
If your dog can handle the delicious scents of Southern barbeque without getting too slobbery then head on over to the outdoor seating at Everett & Jones. This Oakland gem has been in business near Jack London since the 1970s and has since expanded to six other (dog friendly) locations around the East Bay, including one location in West Berkeley at San Pablo and University. Don’t be surprised if you have to wait for a table, but the classic meat-and-sides combos are worth it. It seems everyone who’s been here has her own favorite, which means that you really can’t go wrong. Homemade links and Everett & Jones’ own Saucy Sistah ale are particularly neat special touches. Everett & Jones Barbeque is at 126 Broadway (at 2nd Street), Oakland. Connect with the restaurant on Facebook and Twitter.
Heinold’s First and Last Chance Saloon, Jack London Square
The tiny Heinold’s First and Last Chance Saloon has been in operation in Oakland since 1893 and it wears its age well. The bar still uses its original gas lighting, its floor has been uneven since the 1906 earthquake, it’s built from the remains of a defunct whaling ship, and it inspired the writer Jack London before they named, you know, the whole neighborhood for him. Sacrificing some of the boomtown charm of the interior, its patio provides a lot of extra seating and views of the bay and Jack London Square. Plus the patio’s a good spot to drink in the company of your dog. Heinold’s has some pretty devoted regulars, but everyone agrees it’s worth seeing. Bonus for history buffs and those who love a good story: the bartenders have troves of local tales. Heinold’s First and Last Chance Saloon is at 48 Webster St. (at Water Street), Oakland.
Farley’s on 65th, Emeryville
Both of Farley’s East Bay locations are dog friendly, but Farley’s on 65th has the added bonus of being in prime dog-walking territory — it’s right next to where Doyle Street in Emeryville turns into a foot path. Plenty of sidewalk seating, shade and a thoughtful water bowl accommodate panting walk and jog partners. A really solid selection of salads, soups and sandwiches and an extensive rack of magazines in the back make Farley’s homey and comfortable for people, too. This writer is particularly fond of the roasted mushroom panini. Farley’s on 65th is at 1195 65th St. (at Vallejo Street), Emeryville. Connect with the business on Facebook and Twitter.
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