Jul 18, 2025 - Food and Drink

San Francisco bars our dogs love

White dog wearing a pink harness sitting at a wooden bar counter with paw on the edge near two cocktail glasses. — Complain about the service? Mimi would never. Photo: Nadia Lopez/Axios

Pup-friendly bars are a dog a dozen in San Francisco, but not all are created equal.

The latest: Nadia's and Claire's dogs — Mimi and Dusty — have sniffed out a few favorites.

State of play: If a bar doesn't serve food, odds are your dog is welcome inside as long as they're trained and well-behaved.

Most patios are also dog-friendly.

Zoom in: Here are some of the places where your dog is likely to score some extra love.

Finnegans Wake — Cole Valley

Two photos side by side: Left, a bartender at Finnegans feeds a treat to a white dog standing on hind legs. Right, a smiling woman holds two dogs outdoors by a wooden table. — Left: A bartender gives Mimi a treat. Right: Nadia holds Mimi and her doggy friend Yoshi, a mini dachshund. Photos: Nadia Lopez/Axios

Why they like it: Mimi is always greeted by friendly bartenders, who give her plenty of treats.

What to try: Nothing beats a crisp Golden State cider on the patio.

Fable — Castro

Curly light brown dog sitting on dark wooden floor in a bright garden cafe with metal chairs, green plants, and red flowers around. — Does a more beautiful dog in a more beautiful patio garden exist? We think not. Photo: Claire Reilly/Axios

Why they like it: The large garden patio offers plenty of space for sniffing and stretching out.

What to try: Claire enjoys sipping rosé on a sunny day.

Fireside — Inner Sunset

Left: a woman in a pink top stands behind two small dogs sitting on bar stools at a bar. Right: a bearded bartender stands behind the bar with the two dogs on stools. — Left: Claire cheers with Mimi and her dog, Dusty. Right: A bartender busts out the treats. Photo: Claire Reilly/Axios

Why they like it: Some days are too cold and foggy to be outside. That's when our pups most want to visit this spot, which allows well-behaved dogs to cozy up indoors by the fireplace.

What to try: A classic old fashioned.

Brass Tacks — Hayes Valley

Curly white dog resting its head on a wooden table near a cocktail glass with a light pink drink and a used toothpick on a brown napkin in a casual indoor setting. — Mimi is ready for another round of pets. Photo: Nadia Lopez/Axios

Why they like it: The service is fast, especially when it comes to getting another round of pets.

What to try: The Fist of the White Lotus, with white pepper gin and lychee.

Holy Water — Bernal Heights

Two images of a curly light brown dog indoors: sitting on a wooden barrel against a wall with religious icons, and resting head on a wooden table next to a tall drink labeled "WASH AWAY ALL MY SINS". — Our furry friends make the best companions at this spot paying homage to religious figures. Photo: Claire Reilly and Nadia Lopez/Axios

Why they like it: Belly rubs are a staple at this heavenly cocktail haven.

What to try: Nadia's go-to is the Pimm's Cup, one of the best she's had.

540 Bar — Inner Richmond

Curly-haired tan dog sitting on polished floor inside bar with high stools and colorful chalkboard menu listing beers and specials on wall. — Dusty can't get enough pets at this Richmond hangout. Photo: Claire Reilly/Axios

Why they like it: It's always a fun time, especially when hanging out with your favorite drag queens who host Pink Flamingo Bingo.

What to try: A gin martini with a twist, darling.

Our thought bubble: Bernal Heights takes the win of the areas we visited. As one bartender put it, "It's Cortland Street. All of the bars are dog-friendly!"

Honorable mentions

Zazie: Bring your dog to dinner Mondays for a doggy meet-and-greet and $10 off a bottle of wine.

Lucky Horseshoe: The owner of this Bernal Heights gem runs the neighborhood's annual Halloween dog parade.

Casements: The fenced-in patio is perfect for sprawling out on a warm Mission day.

Bodega North Beach: Your pup will love the chicken nuggets off the secret menu.

Add Axios on Google