Nashville’s vibrant energy isn’t just for music lovers—it’s also a surprisingly dog-friendly destination where your four-legged friend can join you for everything from coffee to craft beer. The city’s southern hospitality extends to canine companions, with numerous restaurants, bars, and cafés offering welcoming outdoor spaces where dogs are considered valued guests. Here’s your guide to the best dog-friendly dining spots in Music City.
Top Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Nashville
Pinewood Social
33 Peabody St, Nashville, TN 37210
🍳 All-Day Restaurant | 🎳 Bowling Alley | 🏊 Swimming Pools | 🍸 Craft Cocktails
This innovative multi-purpose space combines exceptional dining with entertainment options and a spacious outdoor area that welcomes dogs. Pinewood Social’s patio overlooking the Cumberland River provides a perfect setting for enjoying their creative menu while your canine companion relaxes in the open air.
What Makes It Special:
- 🏞️ Spacious outdoor patio with river views
- 🍳 All-day menu from breakfast through dinner
- 🏊 Outdoor dipping pools (humans only, but dogs can watch)
- 🎳 Vintage bowling lanes inside (when you need a dog-free activity)
- 🍸 Exceptional craft cocktail program
What Customers Say:
“Pinewood Social’s patio is our weekend go-to with our Golden Retriever. The outdoor space is perfectly designed for dogs, with enough room between tables that he can relax comfortably. Their breakfast is worth waking up early for, especially the avocado toast with cured salmon.” – Madison T.
“We love bringing our Labradoodle here for Sunday brunch. The staff are genuinely dog-friendly, always bringing water without us having to ask. The cocktails are creative without being pretentious, and the fried chicken is some of the best in Nashville.” – James and Sarah K.
Edley’s Bar-B-Que
2706 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204 (Multiple locations)
🍖 BBQ Joint | 🥃 Whiskey Bar | 🌮 Southern Comfort | 🏆 Local Institution
This beloved Nashville BBQ institution welcomes dogs at all their locations, with the 12th South spot offering a particularly spacious patio. Edley’s combines Nashville’s BBQ traditions with southern hospitality, creating a laid-back environment where both you and your dog can feel right at home while enjoying some of the city’s best smoked meats.
What Makes It Special:
- 🍖 Authentic Nashville BBQ with house-made sauces
- 🥤 “Bushwacker” boozy frozen drinks famous throughout the city
- 🌮 “Meat and three” traditional southern plate lunches
- 🐕 Water bowls promptly provided for canine guests
- 🌳 Covered patio sections for Nashville’s hot summers
What Customers Say:
“Edley’s 12th South patio is perfect for bringing our Boxer along while we enjoy what I consider the best BBQ in Nashville. The staff always makes sure he has water, and the covered sections mean we can visit even on hot summer days.” – Michael R.
“We’ve tried most of Nashville’s dog-friendly patios with our two rescue mutts, and Edley’s wins for both food quality and dog-friendliness. Their brisket is incredible, and the Bushwacker is dangerously delicious. The patio has a great neighborhood vibe where both humans and dogs feel welcome.” – Ashley B.
Jackalope Brewing Company
429B Houston St, Nashville, TN 37203
🍺 Craft Brewery | 👩🍳 Woman-Owned | 🎮 Game Lounge | 🎵 Local Music
This pioneering woman-founded brewery in The Gulch features a dog-friendly taproom patio where beer enthusiasts can sample creative brews with their canine companions by their side. Jackalope’s commitment to community extends to four-legged visitors, making it a welcoming spot for dog owners seeking quality craft beer in a relaxed setting.
What Makes It Special:
- 🍺 Innovative craft beers with creative names and flavor profiles
- 🐰 Whimsical “jackalope” mythology theme throughout
- 🎮 Board games and casual atmosphere
- 🚚 Regular food truck schedule for dining options
- 👩🍳 Proudly woman-owned in a male-dominated industry
What Customers Say:
“Jackalope has been our Saturday afternoon tradition with our Australian Shepherd for years. The patio is comfortable for dogs, and their Thunder Ann American Pale Ale is my go-to beer in Nashville. The rotating food trucks mean we never get bored with the food options.” – Daniel W.
“As a female craft beer lover with a dog, I especially appreciate Jackalope’s woman-owned status and dog-friendly policy. My Beagle mix gets excited when we turn the corner toward their taproom. Their seasonal releases are always worth trying, and the staff remember both my name and my dog’s.” – Lauren M.
Retrograde Coffee
1305 Dickerson Pike, Nashville, TN 37207
☕ Specialty Coffee | 🥐 Artisanal Bakery | 🎨 Creative Space | 💻 Work-Friendly
This East Nashville coffee destination offers a dog-friendly patio where you can enjoy exceptional coffee and house-made pastries with your four-legged friend. Retrograde combines coffee expertise with a welcoming atmosphere, creating the perfect morning spot for Nashville dog owners seeking quality caffeine and baked goods.
What Makes It Special:
- ☕ Meticulously sourced and prepared specialty coffee
- 🥐 House-made pastries and baked goods
- 🎨 Minimalist, Instagram-worthy aesthetic
- 💻 Work-friendly environment with good WiFi
- 🌿 Shaded patio spaces for dog comfort
What Customers Say:
“Retrograde has become my morning office with my Corgi mix. Their patio is peaceful enough for me to work while she people-watches, and their cappuccino is the best in East Nashville. The house-made croissants are worth the extra calories!” – Trevor S.
“I plan my dog walks around a stop at Retrograde. The baristas know both me and my Boston Terrier by name, and they’ve been known to sneak him little treats. Their seasonal specialty drinks are creative without being gimmicky, and the patio has the perfect morning sun exposure.” – Elena R.
ML Rose Craft Beer & Burgers
2535 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204 (Multiple locations)
🍔 Gourmet Burgers | 🍺 Craft Beer Bar | 🎮 Sports Viewing | 🍟 Comfort Food
This local chain of craft beer and burger joints offers dog-friendly patios at all locations, with the 8th Avenue spot featuring an especially spacious outdoor area. ML Rose combines an impressive beer selection with creative burgers in a casual setting where dogs are genuinely welcomed as part of the dining experience.
What Makes It Special:
- 🍔 Innovative burgers with local ingredients and flavor combinations
- 🍺 Extensive craft beer menu featuring local and regional options
- 📺 Multiple TVs for sports viewing
- 🍟 Unique waffle fries with specialty seasonings and dips
- 🐕 Dog-friendly staff who remember regular canine visitors
What Customers Say:
“ML Rose on 8th is our go-to for watching Tennessee Titans games with our Goldendoodle. Their patio has plenty of shade, the staff brings water for dogs immediately, and their Nash Vegas burger with pimento cheese is the perfect game day food.” – Brandon K.
“We’ve been regulars at ML Rose with our Husky mix for years. The dog-friendly patio is comfortable in almost any weather, and the craft beer rotation keeps things interesting for frequent visitors. Their sweet potato waffle fries with cinnamon butter are addictive!” – Megan and Tyler J.
The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden
731 McFerrin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
🍔 Burger Restaurant | 🍺 Beer Garden | 🇩🇪 German-Inspired | 🍦 Soda Fountain
This East Nashville favorite combines an old-school pharmacy theme with a spacious biergarten-style outdoor area that welcomes dogs. The Pharmacy’s commitment to quality ingredients extends from their house-made sodas and condiments to their welcoming attitude toward four-legged guests in their atmospheric beer garden.
What Makes It Special:
- 🍔 Farm-to-table burgers with house-ground meat
- 🇩🇪 German beer garden atmosphere with communal seating
- 🍺 Extensive German and craft beer selection
- 🍦 House-made sodas and traditional phosphates
- 🌳 Abundant shade trees over the beer garden
What Customers Say:
“The Pharmacy’s beer garden is the perfect spot for dining with our Bernese Mountain Dog. There’s plenty of shade for hot Nashville days, and the staff are genuinely happy to see dogs. Their Farm Burger with Tennessee cheddar is exceptional, as are their hand-cut fries.” – Christopher and Jessica L.
“We discovered The Pharmacy shortly after moving to Nashville with our Pitbull mix, and it immediately became our favorite. The beer garden has a great community vibe, and they’re truly dog-friendly, not just dog-tolerant. Their house-made wursts are as good as their burgers, and the beer selection is impressive.” – Amanda T.
Bartaco
2526 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204
🌮 Upscale Tacos | 🍹 Craft Cocktails | 🏖️ Beach Vibes | 🌮 Street Food
This stylish taco spot in 12th South features a dog-friendly patio with a coastal atmosphere that makes you feel miles away from landlocked Tennessee. Bartaco combines upscale street food inspired by global beach cultures with an inclusive attitude toward four-legged guests, creating a lively yet relaxed environment for dining with your dog.
What Makes It Special:
- 🌮 Creative tacos with globally-inspired flavors
- 🍹 Fresh-squeezed juices in their signature cocktails
- 🏖️ Coastal decor creating a mini-vacation atmosphere
- 📱 Convenient digital ordering system
- 🌞 Partially covered patio for protection from elements
What Customers Say:
“Bartaco’s patio is our weekend reward after walking our Retriever through Sevier Park. The beachy vibe is a refreshing change from typical Nashville aesthetics, and their duck tacos with tamarind glaze are worth the occasional wait. The staff are always welcoming to our dog, bringing water right away.” – Jordan and Emma S.
“We bring our French Bulldog here regularly because the partially covered patio works in almost any weather. Their margaritas are perfectly balanced, and the taco trays let you sample different flavors. It’s elevated enough for a nice evening out but still completely comfortable with a dog.” – Marcus W.
Nashville’s Dog Parks and Outdoor Spaces
After dining, explore these nearby dog-friendly destinations:
Centennial Dog Park
2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
What Makes It Special:
- 🏞️ Separate areas for small and large dogs
- 🌳 Mature trees providing ample shade
- 🏟️ Located within the larger Centennial Park near the Parthenon
- 💧 Water stations for thirsty pups
- 🧠 Agility equipment for dog enrichment
Two Rivers Dog Park
3150 McGavock Pk, Nashville, TN 37214
What Makes It Special:
- 🏊 Water access for swimming dogs
- 🌲 Wooded areas with natural terrain
- 🏞️ Scenic location along the Cumberland River
- 🌄 Large open spaces for running
- 🦮 Connected to greenway system for extended walks
Seasonal Considerations for Dog-Friendly Dining in Nashville
Nashville’s distinct seasons affect outdoor dining with pets:
- Summer (June-August): Nashville summers are hot and humid. Look for:
- Patios with substantial shade coverage
- Establishments with misting systems or fans
- Early morning or evening dining times
- Restaurants that provide water bowls immediately
- Fall (September-November): The most pleasant season for outdoor dining with mild temperatures and low humidity.
- Winter (December-February): Generally mild but with occasional cold snaps. Many patios offer:
- Outdoor heaters
- Fire pits or fireplaces
- Covered areas for rain protection
- Some seasonal closures during the coldest periods
- Spring (March-May): Variable weather with thunderstorms but increasingly pleasant temperatures.
Nashville’s Unique Dog Culture
Nashville’s dog-friendly reputation includes some distinctive local features:
- Music Connection: Several venues host dog-friendly concerts and “Yappy Hours” with live music
- Nashville Sounds’ “Bark in the Park”: Special baseball game days where dogs are welcomed at the stadium
- **”Nash Bash”: Annual dog-centered festival with local vendors and activities
- Dog-Friendly Hotels: Many Nashville hotels accommodate dogs for visitors
- Canine-Themed Businesses: Several local shops, like Wags & Whiskers, cater specifically to the dog-loving population
Navigating Nashville with Your Dog
A few tips specific to Nashville’s environment:
- Hot Pavement: Summer sidewalk temperatures can be dangerously hot for paws
- Thunderstorm Season: Spring brings frequent storms that may affect noise-sensitive dogs
- Neighborhoods Vary: Areas like East Nashville, 12th South, and Germantown are especially dog-dense
- Music Considerations: Be mindful of venues with live music if your dog is sound-sensitive
- Tick Season: Nashville’s green spaces require tick prevention, especially in warmer months
Nashville’s combination of southern hospitality, outdoor-focused dining, and growing food scene creates an increasingly dog-friendly environment where you can enjoy Music City’s culinary offerings without leaving your four-legged friend behind. From casual beer gardens to upscale patios, the options for dining with dogs continue to expand, reflecting the city’s welcoming spirit and love of good company—both human and canine.
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