National Pet Day on April 11 is dedicated to giving pets the attention they deserve. One of the best ways to celebrate is by taking a pup out to a dog-friendly dinner. Numerous South Florida restaurants are rolling out “doggy” menus featuring doggie sushi and beef tartare specially made for dogs. Along with the upcoming pet holiday, these dog-friendly restaurants cater to furry friends year-round:
Broward
Casa Sensei (1200 E Las Olas Blvd., Suite 101, Fort Lauderdale)
Casa Sensei, a Pan-Asian, Latin fusion restaurant located in the heart of Las Olas, offers its guests and furry friends an unforgettable dining experience. The restaurant serves “doggie sushi,” which consists of hand-rolled, tailored bites made exclusively for puppy patrons. The dog-friendly menu includes popular items such as the Woof Roll, made with beef, rice, carrots, peas rolled in soy paper, and the Salmon Delight and Chicken Lovers Stir Fry. Guests who bring their pups can enjoy Casa Sensei’s dynamic dining menu while relaxing on the restaurant’s outdoor waterfront dock that overlooks the Himmarshee Canal.
Lona Cocina & Tequileria (321 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale)
Lona Cocina & Tequileria is a popular dining and drinking destination on the A1A strip of Fort Lauderdale Beach. The restaurant is on the ocean side of The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort and offers two open-air, pet-friendly dining locations with pet perks like water bowls and treats. The newly constructed Tequila Terrace and the expansive oceanside terrace are perfect for dining and imbibing with your four-legged friend while enjoying scenic ocean views.
Quarterdeck Restaurants (Davie, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale Beach, Dania Beach, and Sawgrass)
Quarterdeck Restaurants is a popular neighborhood hangout in Broward County with five locations. It is known for its relaxed atmosphere, American comfort food, and dog-friendly outdoor patios. Quarterdeck has a special “Puppy Chow” menu that includes grilled chicken with rice, bacon strips, sweet potato treats, and an unseasoned hamburger patty, all priced between $2 and $10. The Puppy Chow menu also includes a bowl of ice water to help dogs cool off. Customers can enjoy Quarterdeck’s seafood specials or custom-blend burgers while dining with furry friends.
Velvet Taco (305 S. Andrews Ave., Suite 115, Fort Lauderdale)
Velvet Taco is a fast-casual restaurant located on Fort Lauderdale’s Riverwalk. It is known for its innovative take on traditional tacos, offering a range of global flavors and house-made dishes that take guests on a sensory world tour. The restaurant is dog-friendly, with a patio where diners can bring their furry friends and even get a dog water bowl. The menu features 20 imaginative taco combinations, such as the Indian-inspired Spicy Chicken Tikka, and unforgettable side dishes like the namesake Red Velvet Cake and the crowd-favorite Frozen Kick-Ass Margaritas. To keep things interesting, Velvet Taco offers a Weekly Taco Feature (known as the WTF), where a new taco creation is introduced to the multicultural menu each week.
Miami
Negroni Bistro & Sushi Bar Midtown (3201 Buena Vista Blvd, Miami)
At Negroni Bistro & Sushi Bar, pets are guaranteed to be treated with utmost care and respect. The dog menu is available in all outdoor seating areas and offers two lavish puppy chow options that satisfy even the most discerning pets. The first option is the chicken nigiri, made with organic grilled chicken breast, sushi rice, and carrot spaghetti. The second option is the beef tartare, made with grass-fed ground beef, steamed sushi rice, and boiled vegetables. While pets enjoy their meals, owners can indulge in Negroni’s daily happy hour, which runs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and features exclusive bites for only $8. Some of the happy hour menu dishes include rock shrimp and tuna tartare tostadas and signature cocktails such as the summer shade and Negroni sour.
Ocean Social by Chef Tristen Epps (4525 Collins Avenue at the Eden Roc Miami Beach)
Ocean Social by Chef Tristen Epps, the signature restaurant at the iconic Eden Roc Miami Beach, offers an unparalleled oceanfront setting for guests and their pets. The seafood-forward menu features the freshest locally sourced ingredients, incorporating the flavors of Miami while embracing diverse Caribbean and global influences, a trademark of Chef Epps’ award-winning cuisine. The menu’s innovative dishes playfully riff on “surf and turf” and are beautiful to behold and delicious to eat. Ocean Social offers a comfortable and upscale dining experience, perfect for enjoying a dinner, oceanfront lunch, or sunset cocktails with your two and four-legged friends.
Located in the heart of Miami Beach, Lincoln Road is a popular pedestrian promenade where families, solo locals, and even models often bring their dogs for a stroll. With numerous al fresco dining options that offer outdoor seating, such as Issabella’s, Tapelia, and The Cheesecake Factory, Lincoln Road is an ideal destination for a day out with your furry best friend. Visiting Bonefly on Lincoln Road is a must for those looking to spoil their pups. They offer a wide range of luxury pet supplies, including crystal bone collars and pink quilt-patterned harnesses, to keep your furry companion looking stylish and comfortable.
LT Steak & Seafood (1440 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach)
LT Steak & Seafood is a beachside dining destination located within The Betsy – South Beach, which is famously known for being dog-friendly. It offers a casual yet elegant atmosphere perfect for diners who wish to bring their furry companions along. The outdoor patio on Ocean Drive provides a scenic view of the beach while guests enjoy the New American dishes on the menu. The cuisine is helmed by Chef Laurent Tourondel, who has won several awards for his culinary skills. The menu comprises a range of freshly prepared dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, including sushi rolls, flatbreads, grilled meats, and seafood. The restaurant is led by three adorable Canine Executive Officers (CEOs), and all dogs are welcome to dine here and enjoy a delicious experience.
The Alley (1433 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach)
The Alley is an Italian trattoria-style pizzeria tucked away in the alleyway of The Betsy – South Beach. Visitors can enjoy traditional Italian dishes like artisanal pizzas, fresh salads, and curated Italian meats and cheeses. The restaurant’s charming atmosphere is perfect for indulging in creamy, soft-serve ice cream. With outdoor seating for up to 24 people, diners can take in the stunning views of The Orb, an egg-shaped bridge that connects the hotel’s two properties and serves as a canvas for art projections. The restaurant is also dog-friendly, thanks to The Betsy’s three Canine Executive Officers, who ensure all furry friends are welcome.
The Balfour Hotel (350 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach)
The Balfour Hotel is home to a rich culinary experience led by Executive Chef Antony Awak. With his expertise, Chef Awak has curated a new menu for the hotel’s guests and diners to savor. The hotel’s picturesque courtyard is a pet-friendly space where guests can relax with their four-legged companions while indulging in fresh plates and cocktails. The menu offers a range of delectable selections, including the Grilled Octopus ($18), served with crispy confit potatoes and Spanish chorizo with garlic aioli and cilantro, the Pork Tostones ($15) served with garlic aioli for dipping, pickled onions, and cilantro, and the Mushroom Tacos ($16), which feature portobello and shiitake tacos served with jicama, red cabbage slaw, and a cilantro-lime dressing. The South Beach hotel’s South of Fifth neighborhood provides a tropical paradise under the palms for guests and their furry friends to enjoy.
