We’re Clevelanders. We like big mutts and we cannot lie. And we can’t think of any better way to experience our city than with your BFF – best furry friend, that is. From beagles and bulldogs to poodles and pomeranians, all dogs are welcome here in The Land. So book your dog-friendly hotel, pack the squeak toys and get your tail to Cleveland.
Day 1
Few breakfasts places are quite as legendary as Lucky’s Café in Tremont. With a multitude of accolades, this tiny little eatery packs a huge punch with decadent menu items like their gingerbread woofles … err waffles, pecan-crusted bacon or their renowned biscuits and gravy. Make way to their large outdoor dining area where your dog can join you for breakfast in the sunshine.
Got a squirrel-chaser on your hands? Leash up and get to the Cleveland Metroparks Rocky River Reservation where you can hike through 3.8 acres of trails that wind through shale cliffs, deep floodplain forests, meadows and wetlands.
Lakewood Dog Park, located in the suburb of Lakewood just south of the Emerald Necklace Marina, sits inside the Cleveland Metroparks Rocky River Reservation — and this place is great for mingling with like-minded dog parents … and their pups. There’s no telling who you might see or sniff.
Grab lunch or brunch along the Cuyahoga River with patio seating at dog-friendly Merwin’s Wharf. Located in the Cleveland Metroparks’ Rivergate Park, Merwin’s Wharf features seasonal and locally sourced menu items. Watch enormous freighters wind around the curves of the river and check out kayakers steering their way to Lake Erie. And, if you’re there with your furry companion, they’ll get their very own water bowl.
Splash into K-9 Coastline at Edgewater Beach
Make your way over to the Lakefront Reservation’s Edgewater Beach to take in a Lake Erie sunset and even grab a drink at the Edgewater Beach House with your pup in tow. While there, head over to the “K-9 Coastline” located on the western side of Edgewater Beach where dogs are invited to splash around off their leash in Lake Erie. This is a must-visit when you come to CLE with your dog.
The nearby Tremont neighborhood is home to recently renovated Clark Field Park, complete with a walking loop, picnic shelters, play areas, splash pad, tennis/pickle ball courts and basketball courts. As part of this $2.5 million renovation, Clark Field Park now features a spacious dog park with a dedicated doggie water fountain.
Open to visitors 21 and over, Taps and Tails is a cross between a bar and a dog park (aka every dog owner’s dream come true). This unique venue boasts over 9,000 square feet of secure, indoor/outdoor play space for your pup – including a heated garage window overlooking the dog park. Doggo-inspired cocktails crank up the paw-some with fun drink names like “Pug-getta Bout It” and “Zoomies.” Nosh on bar food and order off the doggie menu for your fur-baby. This place is truly a rare breed.
Day 2
Call the pup-erazzi, because this dog-friendly coffee shop, lounge and eatery is owned by Cleveland native and pink enthusiast Machine Gun Kelly (aka MGK). This place boasts a massive beverage menu that includes everything from the “Pink Latte” topped with pink milk, to the “You Know I’m No Good” adult beverage featuring blackberry wine, vodka and chocolate bitters. Start your day like a rock star on the patio with your furry friend.
Things look quite fetching along the Whiskey Island Trail and Wendy Park, located along Lake Erie and intersecting the Cuyahoga River. Cross the gorgeous Wendy Park pedestrian bridge and explore the Migration Station, which features more than 270 species of local birds, as well as migrating bats, dragonflies and Monarch butterflies. Head west and heel at Whiskey Island Still and Eatery for some lakeside beverages.
Beer + Belgian waffles + your BFF = perfection. Get your hind legs over to Cleveland’s east side for brunch at Boss Dog Brewing. The name alone suggests this location is dog-friendly with its large back patio. Be sure to ask to see the dog menu, which includes spent grains and peanut butter bones, as well as other options for your pooch.
Recently renovated, this community dog park includes individual areas for large and small dogs. It’s the perfect spot for an afternoon jaunt to burn off those extra brunch calories before a nice bath.
Grooming Sesh at PawsCLE
Schedule a blow-out for your BFF at PawsCLE, a doggie daycare located in Cleveland Heights. Call to book a grooming sesh and let Fido burn off some energy before a night on the town.
Batuqui is a Brazilian restaurant located in Cleveland’s Larchmere neighborhood on the east side of Cleveland. Nibble on salgadinhos and tip back caipirinhas while Rover relaxes by your side on the patio.
Late-Night Cocktails at Poppy
When it comes to patios, Poppy has one of the biggest. Added bonus: it’s dog-friendly, too. Enjoy evening cocktails on the patio at this restored, 115-year-old home in the Larchmere Neighborhood. The eclectic menu, led by James Beard semifinalist Chef Jill Vedaa, also features some incredible sweet treats like Cookies + Milk and maple biscotti – perfect to pair with that evening nightcap.
Raise the Woof, Because There’s More
Click here for more dog-friendly restaurants and things to do in Cleveland.
PRO TIP: When traveling with Fido, be sure to pack leashes, collars, food/water dishes, dog food, veterinarian contact info, identification tags and proof of vaccinations. Call ahead to confirm each location’s dog policies.