JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Jacksonville is slowly growing into a food town, with publications like Food and Wine giving the River City its high praise. Obviously, Jax natives think our city is "top dog."
Dining out is always fun, but what about your pups? First Coast News has compiled a list of some of the best (this list is subjective) restaurants and bars that are dog-friendly.
First pick: The Garage
Address: 2692 Post Street
Riverside • Jacksonville, FL 32204
Open 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. daily
The Garage, nestled in the heart of Riverside, is a perfect place to go grab a quick bite to eat and grab a couple of cold ones with some friends and your furry pet.
The Garage has plenty of outdoor seating, as well as indoor seating with large open windows that will make you feel like you're sitting outside. Perfect for the year-round summer weather in Florida. While pets are obviously allowed to sit in the outdoor patio spots, they are also allowed inside the bar. So next time you want to grab a happy hour special in Jacksonville, why not head over to The Garage and bring that cute pup with you?
Second pick: Rivercity Brewery
Address: 835 Museum Circle
Jacksonville, FL 32207
Rivercity Brewery is a casually elegant restaurant located on the Southbank of downtown Jacksonville with a wide variety of seafood dishes as well as fresh pasta.
Small dogs are allowed on the Brew House deck. All dogs must be under 25 pounds and on a leash at all times. If you bring your dog to RCB you'll receive a discount.
**Dogs are ONLY allowed on the Brew House Deck and NOT on the Main Dining Deck.**
Third pick: Bistro Aix
Address: 1440 San Marco Boulevard
Jacksonville, Florida 32207
Bistro Aix has just opened following its closure due to Hurricane Irma. The San Marco restaurant was forced to close for months after receiving extensive water damage from the storm.
Bisto Aix serves a rustic seasonally inspired French and Mediterranean cuisine dishes.
Dogs are allowed in the dining patio area.
Fourth pick: Uptown Kitchen and Bar
Address: 1303 North Main Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32206
Uptown Kitchen and Bar is a locally owned southern-style diner located in historic Springfield area, hit hard by Hurricane Irma.
Dogs are allowed in the patio dining area of the restaurant
Fourth pick: Orsay
Address: 3630 Park St, Jacksonville, FL 32205
Orsay is an upscale restaurant that focuses on traditional American, FFrenchand brunch style dining.
The restaurant offers outdoor seating, which is where you can bring your furry pet. Like all places in Jacksonville, dogs must be on a leash at all times.
Fifth pick: M Shack
Address: 1012 Margaret St, Jacksonville, FL 32204
There are multiple M Shack restaurants in Jacksonville. Most, if not, all M Shack locations have a nice large patio perfect for your little pup to lay down on. M Shack fuses the old-fashioned burger joint with style and fresh ingredient.
Sixth pick: Derby on Park
Address:
1068 Park St
Jacksonville, Florida
"Derby on Park is an American dining experience unlike any other. Inventive and long-time favorite menu items, snappy service, upscale atmosphere and retro style give this Jacksonville icon a funky flair all its own."
Dogs are allowed in the outside patio seating areas.
Please note: There are tons of great dog-friendly restaurants in Jacksonville and it's impossible to name them all. This is just a subjective list compiled by our digital reporter. You can always leave your suggestions in the comment section.
Find Meilin on Twitter: @meilintompkins
Send story suggestions: mtompkins@firstcoastnews.com
