Looking for dog-friendly restaurants in Charlottesville? You’re in luck—this pet-loving city offers a variety of eateries that welcome well-behaved pups, especially on their outdoor patios. While most spots limit dog access to their patio areas, there’s still plenty of room for both you and your furry friend to enjoy a great meal together. Whether you’re strolling the Downtown Mall, exploring The Corner, or venturing out into wine country, you’ll find pet-friendly patios that serve up everything from elevated southern fare to authentic Italian cuisine. We’ve rounded up some of the best dog-friendly restaurants in Charlottesville where you can soak up the atmosphere, dig into delicious food, and keep your four-legged companion right by your side. Check out the list below and get ready for a tail-wagging good time!
Our Dog-Friendly Picks:
- Trinity Irish Pub
- Kardinal Hall
- Miller’s
- Sal’s Caffe Italia
- The Whiskey Jar
- Public Fish & Oyster
- The Clifton Inn
- Timberwood Grill
- Charlottesville Dog Barkery
Trinity Irish Pub
1505 University Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Dog-friendly outdoor patio – Water bowls available upon request – Walkable location on The Corner with sidewalk seating
Whether you’re a student or just like to walk your dog on The Corner, Trinity is a great place to stop for lunch during your regular walk or for a casual dinner. Classic Irish pub fare meets traditional American pub food for a tasty treat. Their patio offers dog-friendly seating and reviewers say it is a great place to dine with your dog. Stop in with Fido on the patio and dig into some Fish and Chips or Corned Beef while you watch the world go by.
This place is the absolute best. Staff is always friendly and attentive. They are constantly adding new items to the menu and never disappoint. If you are in the area, there is no better spot for a bite or drink at any time of the day!
Nolan B.
Kardinal Hall
722 Preston Ave #101, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Dogs welcome throughout spacious patio area – Shade umbrellas – Water bowls available
Charlottesville’s favorite beer hall and garden is located in the former Coca-Cola warehouse and features two bocce courts and an enormous patio with a bar and grill. Dogs are welcome and humans can choose from 24 beers and other wine and cocktail options. The food is delicious and unique – try their Belgian Fries with your choice of 14 different dipping sauces.
Great atmosphere. Delicious food! You have to get something with cheese curds! The outdoor patio is very nice. This is a good place for larger groups to meet, as they have large tables both inside and out. For the outside tables, eight people can fit comfortably and 10 could likely fit well.
Servers don’t take your order at your table, instead there’s a central order station. Because of this, I recommend looking at a menu and deciding what you want before you get in line, so you don’t hold up the people behind you.
Ned M.
Miller’s
109 W Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Sidewalk seating on the Downtown Mall – Pet-friendly tables near pedestrian traffic – Water bowls provided on request
If you enjoy people watching on the Downtown Mall, stop in at Miller’s with your pooch, grab a seat outside, and enjoy the show! Elevated southern fare is featured at this intimate bistro that also hosts live entertainment. This is a great place to enjoy a delicious meal right at the heart of Charlottesville’s favorite historic location.
Solid food options in the heart of downtown Charlottesville mall area. Outside seating puts you just about in the middle of the mall area. Good variety of food options. Very good beer selection. Great friendly service and reasonable prices.
Jeff W.
Sal’s Caffe Italia
221 E Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Outdoor patio seating available for dogs – Located on the walkable Downtown Mall – Water bowls available upon request
Do you ever get a craving for really wonderful Italian food during a walk with Fido? Get ready to start! After enjoying the walkability of Charlottesville with your dog, stop in at Sal’s for some of the best authentic Italian food around. Fantastic pizza, delicious real Italian pasta, and classic Italian fare include a truly memorable Chicken Marsala that will make your mouth water and keep you coming back for more.
The best Italian food in cville! We love enjoying the patio with our pup and the staff is so kind!❤️
Briana G.
The Whiskey Jar
227 W Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Sidewalk patio is dog-friendly – Shaded seating options available – Water bowls available upon request
Get your local farm-to-table on with comfort food and a creative spin on some of the classics. Fall in love with Sweet Potato Biscuits slathered in Sorghum and Apple Butters, or try the Wild Rice and Sausage Stuffed Quail. Stake out a pet-friendly table on the sidewalk patio and get ready to enjoy some delightfully elevated local grub.
Great restaurant in Downtown Charlottesville. Great prices, better drinks and really good food! Although busy, the server was on top of everything and made sure that we were taken care of. The outside seating offers plenty of shade and the music was perfect for a chill lunch on a Friday afternoon.
Matthew R.
Public Fish & Oyster
513 W Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Outdoor patio with seating for pets – Quiet atmosphere for sensitive pups – Water bowls provided on request
Landlubbers who love seafood – rejoice! Find oysters done five different ways, scallops and lobster, country-style steam pots with Alaskan snow crab legs, Carolina shrimp, Virginia clams, crawfish, mussels, and so much more. Their pet-friendly patio lets you enjoy a seafood feast with Fido by your side. Call them up to reserve a spot!
We went for the oysters, but couldn’t have been happier with the lobster roll! The drinks are also fantastic. There’s a large outdoor seating area, and an adorable indoor space, as well as a bar. The decor is perfect. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and will definitely be having more happy hour oysters regularly.
Krystal C.
The Clifton Inn
1296 Clifton Inn Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22911
Outdoor patio with pet access – Scenic views and garden areas for calm walks – Water bowls available – Leashed dogs welcomed with prior notice recommended
Enjoy a trip with Fido into the heart of gorgeous Virginia wine country for a remarkable dining experience. Enjoy the amazing Chesapeake Bay Crab and Avocado Salad on their beautiful outdoor patio as you get ready for Braised Short Ribs with Creamy Grits and Pork Belly Collards. This is truly a fine dining experience you can share with your furry best friend!
This hotel and restaurant is so peaceful and beautiful. The food was excellent and the server was very attentive. We sat outdoors on the beautiful porch and we loved the atmosphere. They made my birthday dinner so special and fun. Would absolutely recommend the steak au poivre and the pancetta wrapped trout. Both were so good with great side dishes and perfect portions. I’ve recommended not only staying at the inn, but dining at the restaurant while there to lots of my family and friends. Thanks!
Sarah R.
Timberwood Grill
3311 Worth Crossing, Charlottesville, VA 22911To Top ⮝
Large covered patio for shade and comfort – Leashed dogs welcome in outdoor areas – Water bowls available upon request
If you prefer a quieter, more “suburban” environment, head over to the Timberwood Grill, where you and Fido can relax on their beautiful patio and enjoy a delicious and eclectic menu and a selection of craft beers on tap and in the bottle. Timberwood is the perfect destination for the entire family, both human and furry.
This place was awesome. They let our dogs come right out on the patio with us and they even served them water. I was very impressed with their amazing food. We had the General Sao’s Cauliflower as an appetizer and Gyro’s for lunch and both were very tasty! I absolutely loved this place.
Stacey B.
Charlottesville Dog Barkery
1652 Old Lynchburg Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22903To Top ⮝
Dog bakery focused exclusively on pet treats – Indoor and outdoor shopping areas welcome dogs – Free treat samples available in-store
It wouldn’t be right for you to be the only one who gets to enjoy all the delicious food Charlottesville has to offer, so make a stop for yummy, nutritious, vegan dog treats and pupcakes made just for Fido at the Dog Barkery! Don’t forget to grab a jar of Bobee Butter to smear on treats, toys, and Kongs while you’re there.
I highly recommend this Pet Barkery!!! Was able to order a cake at the last minute and was PLEASANTLY amazed by the quick turnaround! He was very accommodating and made sure that my request was made as ordered. Thank you again for such a great experience!
Shayla
So, whether you’re a long-time resident or just passing through, Charlottesville’s dog-friendly restaurant scene offers something special for every kind of pup and their person. From casual patios to refined outdoor dining spaces, this city makes it easy to include your furry friend in your foodie adventures. Just remember to bring a leash, be mindful of patio policies, and always call ahead if you’re unsure about a restaurant’s pet rules—after all, even the most dog-loving spots may have space limitations or weather-dependent patio service.
And when it comes to finding a home that embraces your dog-friendly lifestyle, we’ve got you covered there too. At Lakeside Apartments, we are proud to offer pet-friendly apartments in Charlottesville that allow you to live your best life with your four-legged companion by your side. With beautiful green spaces, walkable trails, and easy access to all the restaurants on this list, you and your pup will feel right at home. The next time you’re searching for a new place in Charlottesville, don’t forget to look us up—we’d love to welcome you both!
(434) 984-5253