If you’re searching for dog-friendly restaurants in Suffolk, VA, you—and your pup—are in luck! Suffolk is not only rich in history and Southern charm, but it’s also a welcoming community for pet lovers. Whether you’re taking a stroll through downtown or exploring the scenic trails nearby, you’ll find plenty of local eateries that make it easy to bring Fido along for the fun. Many of these restaurants offer pet-friendly patios, refreshing water bowls, and a laid-back atmosphere perfect for pups and their people. Ready to turn a walk with your dog into a memorable lunch or dinner date? Check out these great spots in Suffolk where tails are wagging and good food is always on the menu.
Our Dog-Friendly Picks in Suffolk:
Top Choices Near Suffolk:
- Elation Brewing
- The Bier Garden
- Smithfield Gourmet Bakery & Cafe
- Cogans Pizza
- Captain Chuck-a-Mucks Sandbar and Grill
Decent People Taproom
Located at 5140 River Club Dr #120 in Suffolk, VA, Decent People Taproom is a veteran-owned establishment that offers a unique self-serve experience with 44 rotating taps featuring craft beers, ciders, and wines. The taproom provides a welcoming atmosphere for both humans and their canine companions, with a dog-friendly outdoor patio where Fido can join you at an outdoor table. The menu boasts a variety of comfort foods, including smoked wings, hand-cut fries, tacos, burgers, and more.
Dog-Friendly Features:
- Leashed dogs welcome on the outdoor patio
- Friendly staff attentive to canine guests
- Relaxed atmosphere perfect for socializing
Mason’s Grill & Smokehouse
Located at 148 Burnetts Way #112 in Suffolk, VA, Mason’s Grill & Smokehouse is a locally owned restaurant that offers a welcoming environment for both humans and their canine companions. With a spacious, pet-friendly outdoor patio, it’s an ideal spot to enjoy a meal alongside your furry friend.
The menu features a variety of mouthwatering dishes, including smoked wings, pulled pork BBQ sandwiches, grilled shrimp tacos, burgers, and salads. Signature items like Mama Lisa’s Fried Chicken and Smo-Fried Chicken Wings have received rave reviews from patrons.
Dog-Friendly Features:
- Leashed dogs welcome on the outdoor patio
- Friendly staff attentive to canine guests
- Relaxed atmosphere perfect for socializing
Vintage Tavern
Nestled at 1900 Governors Pointe Dr in Suffolk, VA, Vintage Tavern offers a refined yet welcoming dining experience that celebrates Southern cuisine with a seasonal twist. Since its inception in 2006, this locally cherished establishment has been committed to sourcing fresh, regional ingredients, crafting dishes that honor the rich culinary traditions of the South.
For dog owners seeking an upscale yet pet-friendly dining option, Vintage Tavern provides nine outdoor tables—situated at both the front and back of the restaurant—where leashed dogs are warmly welcomed. The outdoor fire pit adds a cozy ambiance, making it an ideal spot for enjoying a meal with your furry companion, even during cooler evenings.
Dog-Friendly Features:
- Nine outdoor tables accommodating leashed dogs
- Outdoor fire pit for added comfort
- Attentive staff providing a welcoming atmosphere for pets
Decoys Seafood
Nestled along Bennett’s Creek at 3305 Ferry Road, Decoys Seafood offers a vibrant waterfront dining experience that warmly welcomes both humans and their canine companions. With its expansive outdoor seating areas, including the lively Blind Duck Tiki Bar, Decoys provides ample space for guests to enjoy fresh seafood and scenic views alongside their leashed dogs.
The menu boasts a variety of delectable dishes, such as Oysters Rockefeller and the Decoys Burger featuring duck BBQ and pepper jack cheese. Guests can also enjoy live music and specialty cocktails at the Tiki Bar, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed evening with your furry friend.
Dog-Friendly Features:
- Leashed dogs welcome on the outdoor patio and Tiki Bar deck
- Spacious seating areas with scenic waterfront views
- Live entertainment and a relaxed atmosphere
Top Choices Near Suffolk:
If you’re up for a short drive, there are several fantastic dog-friendly restaurants just outside of Suffolk that are well worth the trip—for both you and your pup.
Elation Brewing
Located at 5104 Colley Avenue in Norfolk’s historic Ghent neighborhood, Elation Brewing is a community-focused brewery that warmly welcomes both humans and their canine companions. With a spacious, pet-friendly outdoor patio and indoor seating areas where leashed dogs are allowed, it’s an ideal spot to enjoy a craft brew alongside your furry friend.
Elation Brewing offers a variety of house-made beers, including flagship brews and rotating releases. Guests can pair their drinks with delicious offerings from the Elated Kitchen or savor a wood-fired pizza courtesy of The Bakehouse at Elation. For early risers, the attached coffee shop provides a perfect start to the day.
Dog-Friendly Features:
- Leashed dogs welcome both inside and on the outdoor patio
- Water bowls and homemade spent grain biscuits available for canine guests
- Friendly staff attentive to both human and pet patrons
The Bier Garden
Situated at 438 High Street in the heart of Olde Towne Portsmouth, The Bier Garden has been a staple of authentic Bavarian cuisine since 1997. This family-owned establishment offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
For dog owners, The Bier Garden provides a pet-friendly outdoor café area where well-behaved leashed dogs can join their owners during dining. This setup allows patrons to enjoy their meals in the company of their furry friends.
The menu boasts a variety of authentic Southern German dishes prepared from scratch using the Osfolk family recipes. Complementing the food is an extensive beer selection, featuring 23 taps and over 400 bottled biers, carefully curated and artfully assembled.
Dog-Friendly Features:
- Leashed dogs welcome in the outdoor café area
- Comfortable seating for both owners and pets
- Friendly staff attentive to canine guests
Smithfield Gourmet Bakery & Cafe
Nestled in the heart of historic downtown Smithfield at 218 Main Street, Smithfield Gourmet Bakery & Café offers a delightful dining experience that warmly welcomes both humans and their canine companions. With charming outdoor seating available on picturesque Haydens Lane and café tables along Main Street, it’s an ideal spot to enjoy a meal with your furry friend.
The café boasts a diverse menu featuring breakfast, brunch, and lunch options. Patrons can savor a variety of egg dishes, French toast, waffles, and more for breakfast, while the lunch menu includes items like nachos, onion rings, soups, salads, gourmet sandwiches, burgers, wraps, and entrees such as crab cakes and fish and chips. Be sure to save room for one of their homemade, decadent desserts!
Dog-Friendly Features:
- Leashed dogs welcome at outdoor tables on Haydens Lane and Main Street
- Staff provide water bowls and treats for canine guests
- Friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere
Cogans Pizza
Located in Norfolk’s vibrant Ghent neighborhood at 1901 Colonial Ave, Cogan’s Pizza is a beloved local spot known for its eclectic atmosphere and commitment to welcoming both humans and their canine companions. With a spacious, pet-friendly outdoor patio, it’s an ideal destination to enjoy a meal alongside your furry friend.
The menu boasts a wide selection of gourmet and classic pizzas, mouthwatering sandwiches, and over 30 beers on tap, ensuring a delightful experience for every palate. Patrons have praised the excellent food and wonderful service, noting the covered upstairs patio area as a perfect spot to dine with dogs.
Dog-Friendly Features:
- Leashed dogs welcome on the outdoor patio
- Covered seating areas provide shade and comfort
- Attentive staff ensuring a pleasant experience for canine guests
Captain Chuck-a-Mucks Sandbar and Grill
Nestled along the serene banks of Jones Creek in the quaint town of Rescue, just outside Smithfield, Captain Chuck-a-Mucks Sandbar and Grill offers a laid-back, coastal dining experience that warmly welcomes both humans and their canine companions. With spacious outdoor and deck seating overlooking the water, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a meal with your furry friend by your side.
This family-owned establishment is renowned for its fresh, local seafood, including specialties like rockfish, oysters, scallops, crab cakes, and their famous “Unisex Crab Soup,” which was praised on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives for its generous crab meat content. Complement your meal with one of their decadent homemade desserts, but be sure to save room—they’re known for their generous portions!
Dog-Friendly Features:
- Leashed dogs welcome on the outdoor deck and patio areas
- Scenic waterfront views provide a relaxing atmosphere for both you and your pet
- Friendly staff attentive to canine guests, often providing water bowls upon request
Whether you’re a Suffolk local or just visiting with your four-legged sidekick, the dog-friendly restaurant scene here—and just beyond—offers something for every appetite. Just remember to pack a leash, double-check patio hours (especially during bad weather), and call ahead when in doubt—some restaurants may have limited outdoor seating or seasonal pet policies.
And when it comes to finding a home that supports your pet-loving lifestyle, we’ve got just the place. At Godwin Apartments, we’re proud to offer pet-friendly apartments in Suffolk, VA, designed with both you and your dog in mind. With comfortable living spaces, green areas for play, and a convenient location near all your favorite dog-friendly spots, Godwin makes it easy to live your best life—together. If you’re searching for a new place to call home, come check us out. We’d love to welcome you (and your pup!) to the neighborhood.
(757) 530-7933