The Sunshine State is a great place to visit. You can frolic in the waves of the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico, or you could visit Walt Disney World and then take a boat ride through the Everglades. And when you’re through enjoying all the unique things that Florida has to offer, it’s time to chill out and relax with your pooch and a cold beverage at these five dog friendly bars!
Before you go, be sure to read our 5 Tips for Dining Out With Your Dog, so they don’t sick the gators on you for not minding your manners.
Dexter’s – 808 E. Washington St., Orlando (map), 407-648-2777
Located in three neighborhoods across Orlando, Dexter’s is a popular dining and entertainment destination. They have more than 30 different wines by the glass or bottle, plus a full bar. Dexter’s also has live music with no cover. And if you’re hungry, Dexter’s is somewhat famous for its freshly prepared food, award-winning Sunday brunches and killer Bloody Marys.
Pooches are welcome outside on the patio. Dexter’s is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Mad Dogs & Englishmen – 4115 South MacDill Avenue, Tampa (map), 813-832-3037
The name of this bar comes from the title of a song written by famous English actor, writer, director, lyricist, composer, producer and painter, Noel Coward.
“At 12 noon the natives swoon and no further work is done, but mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun.”
And in the midday sun, out on the patio, is where you’ll find the dogs, though hopefully not mad and with plenty of water and some shady spots.
Mad Dogs & Englishmen is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Dirty Blondes Sports Bar – 229 S. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale (map), 954-728-9801
A Ft. Lauderdale staple, Dirty Blondes is located on the oceanfront and is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. It’s known as many things, but is quite famous for “The World’s Longest Happy Hour,” which runs from noon to 10 p.m. daily.
Dogs are welcome on the patio where you can get a bucket of beer and a burger, catch the game, play some games or just do some pawesome people watching.
Dirty Blondes Sports Bar is open 11 a.m. to 4 a.m. daily.
Scotty’s Landing – 3381 Pan American Dr., Miami (map), 305-854-2626
Scotty’s Landing is not on the beaten path – in fact, if you don’t know where it is, you might have a hard time finding it. Good thing it’s also accessible by boat, as it sits neatly tucked behind Grove Key Marina.
When you do find it, head straight to the patio where wet noses are welcome and the view of Biscayne Bay is breathtaking. Prepare to relax and let the gentle sea breezes wash over you and your pooch as you watch the boats come and go.
Carlos C. wrote on Yelp!, “Once seated the atmosphere starts to soak in. The restaurant is no frills, plastic tables, plastic chairs and laminated cardboard. The place is pet friendly, too, and a lot of locals come by with their pets. It’s a laid back Grove scene. This is Scotty’s charm, the reason to come here – the only reason to come here.”
Scotty’s Landing is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Blue Heaven – 729 Thomas St. – Key West (map), 305-296-8666
Blue Heaven is a one of many funky places to drink and dine in Key West, but what sets it apart from other restaurants is the fact that you are dining with roosters and dogs. It has no walls and lots of trees and foliage, so you’ll need to watch out for falling almonds, Spanish limes and coconuts. But don’t worry – it is totally worth it.
The food is divine, the wait staff is friendly and the key lime pie is legendary. The outdoor open feel of Blue Heaven is, well, heavenly. They also have live music and occasionally a celebrity stops in. Take your pooch, order the pie and soak in the wonder that is Blue Heaven.
Blue Heaven is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
PHOTO: aricvyhmeister