Portland

Do as Portlanders Do. Take Your Dog to Dinner

There is no shortage of places to eat out with furry friends in pet-friendly Portland. (Photo: Getty Images)

Headed to Oregon? Go ahead and pack the squeaky toy. The real estate experts at Estately recently named Portland the dog-friendliest city in the country.

But you don’t have to move there to take advantage; you’ll have no problem finding pet-friendly hotels in Portland, and there are lots of restaurants that welcome your furry friend, too.

Dining With Fido

Restaurants throughout the city allow leashed dogs on their patios, but the weather doesn’t always support al fresco dining.

The Lucky Labrador Brewing Company’s covered patio makes rain irrelevant, and on sunny days provides welcome shade.

It’s pretty obvious from the name that these guys like dogs, but they really walk the talk: Since 1995, they have washed more than 8,000 dogs during their annual Dogtoberfest and raised $130,000 for a local animal hospital. So when they come by the table with a treat for your pup, you can believe it’s not just for good PR; staffers make sure water bowls under the table stay filled too. Bonus for you: 12 rotating taps of craft beer.

The host at the Tin Shed Garden Cafe includes your dog in your party count and welcomes you both to dine inside or on the heated back patio.

The menu includes Fido Food for your pup (chicken, ground beef or pork with rice or sweet potatoes), and cleverly-named egg scrambles such as the “Good Dog” and “Roll Over” are served to humans for brunch (daily until 3pm).

Tuesdays are Dog Lover’s Night; your pooch dines for free when you purchase your own meal at the regular price.

On-the-Go Treats

The city of Portland has more than 30 off-leash areas throughout the city, ranging from fully fenced parks to unfenced free-range zones.

On your way to a play session with your pooch, take advantage of Portland’s coffee obsession and pick up a pour-over brew for the road at one of the five Stumptown Coffee locations. A free dog treat will likely accompany your order.

On the weekend, head to the Portland Saturday Market, which operates on Sunday too. Your leashed dog is welcome to browse the more than 250 booths with you. When hunger strikes, you can choose from a bonanza of international culinary treats.

Feline Fanciers

Now if you’re a cat person, you’re probably starting to feel a little discriminated against. Get yourself to Purringtons Cat Lounge and all will be right in your cat fancy world.

This combo cafe/cat shelter puts a new spin on multitasking. While you enjoy snacks, and maybe even a glass of wine or two, you get your feline fix watching the resident kitties play. You could even adopt one before you go home. Wouldn’t your cat love that for a souvenir?