By Kelly Rouse
Do you have a furry friend? You’re in luck! St. Pete was ranked the seventh most pet-friendly city in America in 2024 by WalletHub and our many restaurants that welcome pups on their patios are one of the reasons why we earned this pawsome distinction. Here are a few of our favorite restaurants that invite leashed dogs (most even provide water bowls). And don’t forget to check out The Dog Bar and Mutts and Martinis, which are woofderful places for pets and their people to socialize – Mutts and Martinis even has a dog pool! These bars have limited menus, but there are often food trucks parked nearby.
THREE BIRDS TAVERN
Robin and Jack King moved to St. Petersburg from Ohio and opened Three Birds Tavern in 2009. When Robin was asked about the inspiration for the establishment’s name, she said: “from the Bob Marley song, Three Little Birds. A sentimental song for me, with regard to my mother, who I lost in 2004, and the vibe we want to create here… Don’t worry about a thing, ‘cause every little thing gonna be alright’. Our goal is to enhance your best days and comfort your worse.” The restaurant is located in a century-old farmhouse, embodying the spirit of old Florida, and has a charming and relaxed feel with a wraparound porch and a delightful patio shaded by trees – perfect for your pooch! Three Birds operates as a scratch kitchen, preparing classic comfort food, sometimes with a modern twist. On the menu they have terrific wings, several tasty salads with different protein choices (my go-to is the spinach salad with salmon), a nice variety of burgers, and an excellent Shepherd’s Pie and beer battered cod Fish and Chips. For dessert, they feature a bread pudding of the day. Happy Hour is Monday-Thursday from 3-6pm. So, in dog parlance, treat yourself to an outing at Three Birds!
Sun.-Thurs. 11am-10pm | Fri.-Sat. 11am-11pm www.threebirdstavern.com
FRESCO’S WATERFRONT BISTRO
Fresco’s is a popular waterfront restaurant with a fantastic view of the municipal marina, located at the foot of the St. Pete Pier. Winner of the Open Table Diners’ Choice award in 2024, Fresco’s has earned its reputation. From its inviting casual atmosphere to the top-notch service and mouthwatering menu, one visit to Fresco’s and you will become a fan. There is a large pup-friendly patio which is partially covered; the other outdoor tables are shaded by umbrellas. Menu highlights include: lemon pepper calamari, mango habanero ceviche, the yellowfin tuna salad, Baja fish tacos (grouper are the best), blackened scallops and one of the best carbonaras you’ll ever have. Don’t forget to save room for Key lime pie or salted caramel cheesecake. Fresco’s cocktail menu includes a very drinkable house- made sangria. They serve brunch on the weekends and have many delicious options, such as a salmon omelette and lobster benedict. Their various bowls (which are also available at lunch) are yummy as well. Enjoy the views and a great meal with your pooch.
Mon.-Thurs. 11am-10pm; Fri. 11am-11pm | Sat. 9am-11pmSun. 9am-10pm | www.frescoswaterfront.com
COCONUT CHARLIE’S BEACH BAR AND GRILL
Charlie was a “crabby accountant” who was a bit “salty” in his words. He left the shackles of the desk and found his true calling in opening Coconut Charlie’s Beach Bar and Grill, a coastal dining spot on beautiful St. Pete Beach. They have a menu of delectable dishes and fun cocktails as well as an outdoor dining area that is happy to host furry friends. The bar is beach casual and you can watch an amazing sunset while listening to live music. The Grill, which has a relaxed feel with trendy beach décor, is located inside the Hilton Garden Inn right as you walk in the lobby. The Grill offers more sophisticated selections than the bar and an assortment of artisan cocktails. The friendly staff will take care of you as you work your way through the menu. The Grill is open for breakfast and dinner and serves brunch on the weekends. The Beach Bar is open from 11:30am until nighttime. Grill standouts are: boom boom shrimp, seafood coconut curry, and the 72-hour short rib. For breakfast/brunch, I highly recommend the Monte Cristo sandwich and the King of the Beach skillet. At the bar, don’t miss the mahi tacos, the fresh catch sandwich and choose from an array of hand-tossed pizzas. For a pawsitively good time, visit Coconut Charlie’s!
Grill Breakfast Sat.-Sun. 7am-11am; Dinner Sun.-Thurs. 5pm-9pm (bar open until 10pm)
Grill Dinner Fri.-Sat. 5pm-10pm (bar open until 11pm)
Beach Bar Sun.-Thurs. 11:30am-9pm (bar open until 10pm) Fri.-Sat. 11:30am-10pm (bar open until 12am)
Dining with your dog can be a barktastic (last pet pun, I promise) way to relax and unwind. Spending quality time with your pet can be a natural stress reliever and can help strengthen the bond between you and your canine companion – and don’t we all need less stress and more love these days?