It’s almost summer time, and the weather is fine, so let’s find a patio!  If you’re like me, warm weather just makes everything better.  My smile is brighter, my mood is happier, and my energy level soars.  My dogs are the same.  They love taking long walks, laying in the sun, and chasing (but never catching) the ever-elusive neighborhood squirrels.  Every now and then, they get a special treat and “go for a ride in the car” (cue dogs spinning in circles, barking, and generally going into overdrive when those words are spoken).  Sometimes, that ride leads them on a country drive just to smell the air, and other times it leads to a park.  But, sometimes, they get to do something really fun — they get to accompany their humans to a patio.

Lexington is a very dog-friendly city, and new restaurants and bars that welcome our four-legged canine friends keep popping up all over the place.  I’ve listed a few of my favorites below.*

Arcadium.  If you’re into old-school arcade games or the best Sunday Fun-day Bloody Mary bar in town, Arcadium in NoLi is your spot.

Blue Stallion.  Blue Stallion on Third has a large patio area with picnic tables.  Bring your dog for some great local brews, and check out the menu of the food truck of the day!

Break Room at Pepper.  It makes me so happy that the Distillery District is up and running, and it makes me even happier than Lexington now has a bar on a creek.  The Break Room is a small bar with a spacious outdoor grass seating area and a large deck looking over Town Branch Creek.

Charlie Brown’s Restaurant.  I recently went to Charlie Brown’s in Chevy Chase with a friend and her brand new puppy (seriously, she brought him home just a couple of hours before).  The staff went out of their way to be nice to us.  Two different people brought us organic dog treats, and they provided a fresh bowl of water just for Cash.  Coincidentally, that same day, another new puppy was having his first night out as well.  I highly recommended a visit with your pup if you’re looking for a casual spot with great food.

County Club.  County Club on Jefferson has several tables on its patio that welcome pups.  If you’re looking for a good brunch spot, check it out.  Just be sure to get there early.  It’s very popular, and there’s often a long wait for weekend brunch/lunch.

Crust.  Crust off Richmond Road offers Italian fare, including tasty salads and gourmet pizzas.  They have several tables on the sidewalk just outside their door.

Doodle’s.  I’ve eaten at Doodle’s at Third and Limestone more times than I can count, and I always enjoy it.  The owner is very friendly, the food is great, and they have a brick patio that welcomes dogs.  Check it out for breakfast or lunch, seven days a week.

Grey Goose.  Grey Goose is a tasty sandwich, salad, and pizza restaurant with a full bar in the popular Jefferson Street neighborhood.  They have a very large back patio that welcomes dogs.  I’ve never ordered a dish I didn’t like.

Kentucky Native Cafe.  Attached to Michler’s Greenhouse, Kentucky Native Cafe is a little oasis in downtown Lexington.  All of the tables are outside, which means the entire space is open to well-behaved pets.  They serve beer, wine, and a rotating menu of delicious, locally-sourced food.  A word to the wise — there is a beautiful cat that often visits guests, so if your dog is not a cat lover, you might consider another option if you want to bring him or her along.

Locals’.  Locals’ in the Warehouse District offers a full bar and focuses its menu on gourmet sliders and sides.  Bring your pup and sit on the patio, where you can see the game on the bar televisions.

McCarthy’s Irish Bar.  McCarthy’s on Upper is a longtime staple of downtown Lexington, and pups are welcome on its back patio.

Mirror Twin Brewing Co.  Mirror Twin is relatively new to the Lexington scene and neighbors Locals’ in the Warehouse District.  They make their own brew and feature Rolling Oven Pizza.  Dogs are welcome to join their humans both inside and out on the large patio.

Palmer’s Fresh Grill.  Palmer’s is easily one of my favorite restaurants in Lexington.  Inside, it features beautiful white decor and over-sized equine art.  Outside, its large patio overlooks the Lexington Green pond.  On a summer night, it’s the perfect spot to grab a cold drink, enjoy a waterfront meal, and listen to live music with your pup.  Lakeside Live at Lexington Green offers a different band every Friday and Saturday night, right outside of Palmer’s.

Pivot Brewing Company.  Pivot on Delaware is new to the Lexington brewery scene.  Featuring a wide menu of ciders and beers prepared in-house, Pivot not only welcomes dogs, they host a Yappy Hour to benefit the Lexington Humane Society on the first Thursday of every month.

The Sage Rabbit.  This spot in Chevy Chase offers artisanal American fare and has a great covered patio for dining with dogs.  I had lunch there recently, and I spent far more time than is probably acceptable fan-girling over a tan Chihuhaua dining near me.

West Sixth Brewing.  West Sixth offers a great variety of beer brewed in-house, and guests can enjoy food from Smithtown Seafood with a pint or a local craft soda.  Smithtown is one of my favorite Lexington restaurants and features an inventive menu of seafood, burgers, and vegetarian items.  Dogs are welcome in the patio area.

I would love to add to this list!  If you know of any other Lexington patios, please send them my way.  Thanks to Katy Ross, Leslie Moody, and Erin Harned for sharing their photos with me!

*Of course, only friendly, well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome at these great Lexington locales.  If your pup doesn’t play well with others, treat him or her to an evening on your personal patio or deck, complete with some yummy doggy ice cream!

© Copyright 2017 – Amelia Adams