According to recent studies, more than three-quarters of dog owners travel with their four-legged companions. After all, for many of us, a getaway isn’t complete without every member of the family, including the ones with paws! These days, it’s easier than ever to find dog-friendly lodging and outdoor activities. National hotel chains and local inns alike are opening their doors to pups, and there are always trails to explore. But what about dinnertime?
Visitors to the New Smyrna Beach Area will find plenty of restaurants that openly welcome diners and their dogs, whether you’re in the mood for something fancy or just a quick bite. Remember, when including your furry friend in outings, to be a responsible pet owner: Use a leash, bring some bags to clean up (just in case!), and be aware of surroundings or situations that might be too much for your buddy to handle.
Breakfasts That Will Have You Begging for More
Wake Up Cafe offers two locations in New Smyrna Beach where you and your dog are welcome to enjoy a hearty breakfast. Choose from an array of delectable dishes, including Belgian waffles, buttermilk pancakes, and, in a nod to the owners’ Argentinian heritage, Alfajores pancakes, with dulce de leche caramel slathered between two pancakes and dusted with powdered sugar.
Grab a cup of Joe and watch the morning surfers with your furry best friend at Island Roasters Coffee Company in New Smyrna Beach. Their freshly roasted single-origin coffee is sure to start your day off right, and they also offer breakfast sandwiches, ranging from savory to sweet.
For a special weekend early meal, take a seat at The Baker’s Table. Also known for their creative dinners crafted with the freshest ingredients, the restaurant also serves up a mean brunch, including breakfast-oriented favorites like quiche Lorraine and stuffed challah French toast, as well as dishes from the lunch side of brunch—think corned beef Reubens, chicken salad on croissant, and a luscious pressed Cubano.
It's Dinnertime… But BYOB (Bring Your Own Bone)
Several eateries in the area allow dogs to join their families for a full-out dinner. In the mood for Italian? Check out Prima in New Smyrna Beach. This pizzeria tosses up some creative pies, such as the Flying Pig, with fresh mozzarella, goat cheese, sausage, bacon, and red onion in a creamy vodka sauce. The menu also includes scrumptious sandwiches, a variety of fresh salads, and a selection of small plates, like rollatini and antipasto. Just remember to save a piece of pizza crust for your faithful companion!
With the name of Yellow Dog Eats, you just know this restaurant is dog-friendly! You’ll get a laugh from some of the creative names the chefs have bestowed on their dishes—think the Classic Mexican Mutt wrap and the Bleu Suede Shoes pulled pork plate with blue cheese. This eatery is the perfect spot for people and dog-watching on Canal Street in the evenings.
Enjoy some beach-inspired Tex-Mex cuisine at Clancy’s Cantina on Flagler Ave. Serving up delicious dishes for 40 years, this restaurant is sure to hit the spot when you’re in the mood for a craft margarita and a heaping plate of nachos. They also offer bowls—just choose your protein—tacos, fajitas, burritos, and quesadillas, and a selection of classic dishes served with traditional sides. Make sure to save some room for their famous fried ice cream!
Howling Good Brews and Whines
Sit back and enjoy the beautiful surroundings at the pup-friendly Feelgood Farms Winery and Vineyard in Osteen. The winery does supply free drinks for your buddy—fresh water, not wine, of course! The expansive patio is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sunshine while sipping a refreshing glass of Volusia County’s first vineyard’s reds, rosés, and whites.
With it having earned Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence three years in a row, you know the beverage selection at Third Wave Café and Wine Bar will be good. Whether you’re in the mood for a cocktail, a glass of fine wine, a cold beer, or an after-dinner nightcap, bring your dog here and peruse the expansive drinks menu for a wonderful time. The restaurant also offers a dynamic dinner menu, with dishes featuring what’s fresh and in season.
Your canine friend is welcome to join you for a pint at the New Smyrna Beach Brewing Company, located in the Historic District on Canal Street. From the hoppy punch of One Window Down, a New England–style pale ale, to the smooth Irish Stout, to the light refreshment of the Apex Peaks Brah pilsner, you’re sure to find a beer that suits your taste.
Your whole family, including your faithful dog, will have a wonderful time eating and drinking your way through the New Smyrna Beach Area. From taking in the scenery to meeting and greeting other diners and dogs, your furry family member will have the time of their life dining out with you here.
