There’s nothing like going out with your best friend. Thank goodness so many Boise establishments open their patios to pups, and some even make the extra effort to spoil them.

Last week at ​The Local​ (5616 W State St), my poodle-Cocker spaniel-mix Watson and I were delighted when a server delivered a bowl of water with ice and a bespoke dog treat engraved with The Local’s logo. (Nice touch.)

The current owners of this neighborhood stalwart took the dog-friendly vibe started by the restaurant’s founders up a notch with these treats made by ​Idaho Barkery​, which specializes in custom dog treats.

We also got the ​dog menu​ that features a ground turkey “Doggie Dinner” for $6 and Frosty Pup Cup made with pumpkin, peanut butter and yogurt for $5. We opted for the “Bag ‘O’ Biscuits” so we could share with his brother and sister.

“The best part of our day is when someone brings a dog in,” said The Local manager Keith Croner.

I felt that, as several servers and even a few other diners came over to say hello.

I know Watson felt loved. He told me so.

The Local isn’t the only spot rolling out the red carpet for dogs. Here’s where else you and your pup can grab a table around the Treasure Valley. It’s not a complete list, so if your favorite isn’t here, hit reply and let us know.

Downtown Boise

​Tupelo Honey​ (150 N 8th St), on the second floor of the Capitol Terrace Garage, is home to Southern-fried everything and biscuits and gravy. It also is the home of Southern hospitality, especially for dogs.

Tupelo rocks a full canine menu that includes a grilled chicken breast for $6 and a “Bow-Wow Bowl” (milk gravy and a biscuit) for $4. The staff enjoy pets on the balcony patio, but they don’t get too many. Maybe that’s because of the stairs or the escalator ride you take to get there. Pro tip: Take the elevator at the southwest corner of the garage that you can access on Main Street.

​Fork​ (199 N 8th St) normally allows dogs on the patio, but it’s currently not seating the patio because of construction on 8th Street.

​Acero Bottles + Boards​ (801 W Main St) is one of the more upscale spots that opens its patio to dogs.

​10 Barrel Brewing​ (826 W Bannock St) allows dogs on its sidewalk patio.

​Bacon​ (121 N 9th St) welcomes dogs on its patio for breakfast and lunch. It’s not open for dinner.

​Payette Provisions​ (733 S Pioneer St), formerly Payette Brewing, is ready to host dogs both inside and outside.

​Mother Earth Brewing​ (406 S 3rd St in Boise and 1428 Madison Ave in Nampa) are dog friendly inside and out.

North End

​Lost Grove Brewing​ (1602 N 13th St) continues the dog-patio vibe that originated when this repurposed gas station at 13th and Eastman streets first opened in 1981. It became Lucky 13 in 1989 and was known as a gathering spot for cyclists and their dogs.

Is it the OG Boise dog patio? Who knows, but the tail-waggin’ has been happenin’ here for more than four decades. The dog policy continued after Lucky 13 moved to Harris Ranch, and Sun Ray Cafe took its place until 2022.

Lost Grove opened at the location in 2023 and amps up the doggieness by adding multiple water bowls. Just pick one up and set it at your table, then order a “Dog Patty” for $6. It’s an unseasoned burger patty just for Fido.

​Hyde Park Pub & Grill​ (1501 N 13th St) also serves a special dog menu on its shady patio that includes a Puppy Patty or Puppy Mix of ground beef and vegetables for $5.

​Java Hyde Park​ (1612 N 13th St) and its sister Java Downtown (223 N 6th St) are super dog friendly. After all, these coffee, breakfast, and lunch spots were named for founder Todd Ripo’s chocolate Lab, Java. There might not be a special menu but there is lots of love and free dog treats at the counter.

​Cloud 9​ (1750 W State St) has a patio that is year-round dog-friendly. The staff put out heaters for both humans and pets when it’s cold, and the water dish is kept full.

Around Town

​Lucky 13​ (3662 S Eckert Road) moved its beloved pizza and dog-friendly ethic to East Boise in 2008 to become an anchor business in that neighborhood. And it’s still going strong, with its new owner welcoming dogs on the patio. There might not be anything special on the menu, but the staff try to make sure every pet gets a treat.

​The Sandbar​, at the ​Riverside Hotel​ (2900 W Chinden Blvd, Garden City), is super dog friendly. It’s right off The Boise Greenbelt, so you can walk your dog while you wait for a table. It also features live music daily when it’s open mid-April through the second week in October.

​Barbarian Brewing​ (114 E 32nd St, Garden City) is very dog friendly inside the taproom and out on the large patio. Dogs must stay on leash. They have tons of beer on tap, as well as seltzer, and a great selection of NA options. The resident food truck, Crispy Business, is absolutely delicious.

​The Lift​ (4091 W State St) is a sports bar with a large dog-friendly patio, complete with leash rings near the tables. They bring a dog bowl with water to your table and you can order a dog patty off the menu.

The Ultimate Dog Patio

For an even bigger dog-dose, check out ​Idaho Pups and Ales Dog Park Bar​ (70 S Outpost Lane, Meridian). It’s a little slice of puppy paradise.

“We’re very dog centric,” said Michelle Johnson, who owns IPA with her husband Shawn.

Here’s how it works: When you arrive, you register your dog. You’re free to order from the IPA food truck — Wagyu burgers, housemade cheese curds and more — eat out on the patio or grab a beer inside. Dogs must be on leash.

If you want to let your pooch run in the 12,000 square-foot dog fenced dog park, you will need either a day pass or monthly membership. Get more info ​here​. No food allowed in the big-dog park, understandably, but you can bring your beverage.

IPA also includes a “Bubble Room,” a do-it-yourself dog wash, and the BoDOGa store with raw food and treat bars.

Patio season won’t last forever, so grab the leash and go while the weather’s still on our side. If your dog’s fave place isn’t in here, hit reply and let us know.

Thanks for reading!

With love from Boise,

Marissa

This story was written by Dana Oland, a writer, journalist, yoga instructor and former professional dancer, who wrote for the Idaho Statesman for nearly 30 years as a journalist and award-winning arts writer. Originally from California, she moved to Idaho in 1996 and immediately fell in love with the Gem State. She’s covered the cultural life and growth of Greater Boise — and Idaho — and is now excited to continue that pursuit with From Boise.

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