Dog-Friendly Guide to Denver

Hoping to plan a dog-friendly trip to Denver? You’re in luck! The Mile High City is renowned for its vibrant arts and culture scene, with many restaurants, bars, shops, and parks welcoming pups with open arms, and often even a water bowl and treats. Whether you’re looking to explore the Rocky Mountains metropolis for a day, a weekend, or longer, ahead, you’ll find plenty of eateries, breweries, parks, trails, and hotels to make your time in Colorado’s capital as memorable as possible for you and your pup(s).

Cafes and eateries

Dining is one of life’s great pleasures, and it’s even more enjoyable when you can bring your pup along for the meal. In Denver, there are plenty of places to do just that. Below, peruse a handful of restaurants that welcome pups on the patio. 

Lucile’s Creole Cafe

2095 S Ogden St
@lucilescreolecafedenver

Lucile’s Creole Cafe is beloved for its Cajun-Creole menu, showcasing dishes like beignets, shrimp and grits, biscuits with sausage gravy, gumbo, and red beans and rice. When the patio is open, well-behaved pups are permitted to join. The popular restaurant is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Call-ahead seating is available Monday through Friday.

Kaos Pizzeria

1439 South Pearl Street
@kaospizza

Voted Denver’s Best Patio, Kaos Pizzeria is a prime pick for pup parents and their beloved doggos. The casual Italian joint, open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., specializes in crisp, wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta. 

Hopdoddy 

1747 Wynkoop Street
4024 East 8th Place
@hopdoddy

In the mood for a mouth-watering burger? Hopdoddy, open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., has you covered with larger-than-life specialty stacks, including wagyu smash burgers, chonky bison burgers, and delectable grass-fed beef creations. You can even order a plain burger for your pups, who are welcome on the patio. If red meat’s not your thing, rest assured, there’s chicken on the menu, too. 

North County Denver

94 Rampart Way
@northcountydenver

Denver might be landlocked, but that won’t prevent you from being able to enjoy some seriously scrumptious seafood and coastal cuisine. At San Diego-inspired North County Denver, guests can order from a robust menu of oysters, shrimp, ceviche, fish tacos, burrito bowls, and more. It’s a beachy, baja blast for you and your pups, who are welcome on the patio. Daily hours are from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.. 

Little Man Ice Cream

2620 16th Street
@littlemanicecream

What’s a weekend getaway without sweets? While visiting Denver, be sure to stop by the city’s famed Little Man Ice Cream, open Monday through Thursday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.. Renowned for making the freshest and most delicious homemade ice cream in all of Denver, Little Man Ice Cream is sure not to disappoint you or your pup, who can snag a pup cup while visiting.

Breweries, wineries, and bars

Happy hour is even happier when dogs are allowed. The breweries and bars below are just a few of Denver’s highly-rated dog-friendly destinations serving up wine, cocktails, and brews.

Denver Beer Co.

1695 Platte St
@denverbeerco

Denver Beer Co. is a popular destination for its taproom and biergarten-style indoor/outdoor seating. Best of all, it lets pups on the patio and in the taproom. While you order up a round of craft beers, be sure to snag a Dog Beerscuit for your pooch. Meanwhile, if you’re hungry, the property showcases a handful of food trucks at any given time, making it a great stop for groups with varied tastes. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday. Happy Hour is from 8 p.m. to close Sunday through Thursday.

Bruz Beers

1675 W. 67th Ave #100
1495 York St #101
@bruzbeers

Bruz Beers is another Denver brewery that goes above and beyond for pooches. The popular Belgian-style brewery welcomes pups inside and out, and even serves Dog Food Bowls to keep their tummies happy and full. Hours vary by location but range from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Copper Kettle Brewing Company

1338 S Valentia Street #100
@copperkettlebrewing

Copper Kettle Brewing Company also allows pups on the patio and inside, making it a great year-round brewery destination. The brewery offers beers on tap and to go, and showcases a rotating lineup of food trucks every day of the week. Hours vary by day, ranging from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

River North Brewery

6021 Washington Street
3400 Blake Street
@rivernorthbrew

River North Brewery has two locations, both of which are dog-friendly. Of the two, the Washington Street taproom is the most welcoming, allowing dogs on the patio, as well as inside. Like the other breweries in this guide, River North Brewery works with food trucks to provide delicious casual cuisine on a rotating basis. 

Wynkoop Brewing Company

1634 18th Street
@wynkoopbrew

Wynkoop Brewing is beloved by thousands of patrons for its food, drinks, billiards, and dog-friendly patio in the heart of LoDo. The covered patio is decked out with heaters in winter, making Wynkoop a year-round hit for pet parents and pups. FYI: They serve brunch, too! Doors open daily at 11 a.m.

Shops

Shopping with your pup in tow can be such a treat, and in Denver, it’s a pastime understood by some of the biggest retail districts. Below, explore the best places to shop with your pooch in Denver.

Cherry Creek North

2401 E. 2nd Ave.
@cherrycreeknorth

Cherry Creek North is a must-visit, on your own or with your pup. Known for being home to Denver’s highest concentration of locally-owned shops, Cherry Creek North is a fantastic destination when shopping for unique gifts and one-of-a-kind items, as well as top-rated apparel and outdoor gear. With over 200 retail shops, you can expect a memorable haul or, at the very least, a picturesque window shopping experience with your pup. Expect to see many dog bowls and treat baskets for your pooch along the way.

16th Street

1001 16th St.
@downtowndenver

For a downtown Denver shopping stroll with your pup, head over to 16th Street. The tree-lined promenade is surrounded by skyscrapers and historic buildings reimagined into offices and shops. 

Parks and trails

Denver is synonymous with the outdoors, so you’ll want to make time for a few parks and/or trails while you’re visiting. The best dog-friendly options are as follows. 

FYI: Be sure to brush up on Denver’s Dog Park Rules before going! 

Barnum Dog Park

N. Julian St. between W. 4th & 5th Ave.

Located inside Barnum Park, Barnum Dog Park is a spacious, grassy, leash-free park with separate areas for small and large dogs. 

Berkeley Dog Park

W. 46th Ave. & Sheridan

Berkeley Dog Park is a spacious, off-leash park with separate areas for low- and high-energy dogs. Heads up that it’s a sandy, gravelly park, so your pup may get dirty while romping around. 

Parkfield Dog Park

53rd Ave. & Chambers

Parkfield Dog Park is a large, grassy fenced park with separate areas for large and small dogs. 

Willow Bark Dog Park

Spruce St. & E. 53rd Pl.

Willow Bark Dog Park is another sandy Denver dog park with sections for large and small pups. 

Carla Madison Dog Park

2405 E Colfax Ave.

Carla Madison Dog Park is yet another off-leash park featuring sandy, gravelly terrain. It’s on the smaller size, but still beloved by many pups in the area. 

Hotels

With so much to do, you may feel inclined to book a room for a full Denver weekend getaway. The hotels below are a sampling of the city’s very best. 

Halcyon in Cherry Creek 

245 Columbine Street
@halcyoncherrycreek

Plan to shop till you drop with your pup in Cherry Creek North? Booking a room at Halcyon in Cherry Creek will keep you from having to lug your bags around all day. The pet-friendly, upscale Denver hotel is draped in inviting, contemporary design that will make you want to stay awhile. And with various dining concepts and a rooftop above the city, you don’t have to go far to grab a drink or bite.

Know before you go:

• Pet fee: $150 per pet, per stay

• Number/size restrictions: Two dogs up to 70 pounds

• In room: Dogs shouldn’t be left unattended

Thompson Denver

1616 Market Street
@thompsondenverhotel

Thompson hotels are renowned for being incredibly pet-friendly. At Thompson Denver, guests can expect modern-luxe digs with complimentary beds, treats, and bowls for pups. In addition to in-room dining, Thompson Denver offers three restaurants on-site: the ultra-chic Bar M, the ever-delish Duel Coffee, and Chez Maggy, a mile-high interpretation of a French brasserie by Michelin-starred chef Ludo Lefebvre.

Know before you go:

• Pet fee: $0

• Number/size restrictions: Two dogs of any size

• In room: Pets shouldn’t be left unattended

The Brown Palace Hotel

321 17th Street
@brownpalace

The “Grande Dame” of Denver, The Brown Palace Hotel, is one of the city’s most historic properties, and it just so happens to welcome pups with open arms. Upon check-in, pups receive treats, a memory foam bed, stainless steel food and water bowls, and a cute monogrammed green bandana.

Know before you go:

• Pet fee: $125 per stay

• Number/size restrictions: Two dogs up to 50 pounds 

• In room: Dogs shouldn’t be left unattended

The Curtis Hotel

1405 Curtis Street
@thecurtishotel

For something more kitschy, head over to The Curtis Hotel. The colorful property welcomes pups with treats, bowls, beds, and plenty of cute photo moments in the ultra-themed lobby and rooms. 

Know before you go:

• Pet fee: $25 per pet, per night ($100 per stay maximum)

• Number/size restrictions: Two dogs of any size

• In room: Dogs shouldn’t be left unattended

The Maven 

818 17th Street
@mavenhotel

Looking to book a boutique getaway where your pup is not only welcome but celebrated? The Maven is a must, with its industrial-chic design, on-site dining, and complimentary pet amenities, including treats, bowls, and a cozy bed. Located within Dairy Block, there’s plenty to see and do with your doggo outside of the hotel, too. Have fun!

Know before you go:

• Pet fee: $50 per pet, per stay

• Number/size restrictions: Two dogs of any size

• In room: Pets shouldn’t be left unattended