When ranking the most dog friendly cities in America, Austin rises to
the top in nearly every poll. Toptenz.net ranks Austin No.1; Forbes.com
places it at No.4; and Dogfriendly.com at No. 2. No matter the source,
it is clear Austin knows what it takes to please its four-legged
friends.
Dog Parks and Recreation:
Austin boasts 13 off-leash parks and 122 acres of parks for every 1,000
pets. That’s a little more than a 1/10 of an acre of park for every
single pet in Austin. One go-to off-leash park is Red Bud Isle, which
can be considered dog paradise. In the middle of Lake Austin, right off
of Lake Austin Blvd., you will find an island full of pups. From
swimming in Lake Austin to running and playing with other dogs, it
doesn’t get much better than this for dogs. Parking is limited, so visit
the isle with you dog on a weekday for a hassle-free hangout.
For less behaved dogs...
Two of my favorite fully fenced dog parks are Norwood Estates (also
known as Riverside dog park) and West Austin Park. Norwood Estates is a
large fenced area located on Riverside Dr. and IH-35. There are always
dogs at this park, even in the rain, and parking is never a struggle
here. West Austin Park has a different vibe. While it is smaller than
others, it is located in the Clarksville neighborhood, which helps
create a community feel where you get to know the visiting dogs and
their owners.
Human-friendly spots...
From wine bars to trailer park eateries, this canine-friendly town is
ready to cater to you and your pets. The general rule of thumb is that
if the bar/restaurant has a patio, your dog will be welcome. Of course,
it never hurts to call and check beforehand. Almost anywhere you go in
Austin, your furry friend can come, too. For your convenience, I have
compiled a list of a few of my favorite pet-friendly places.
Parks:
Red Bud Isle - a leash-free dog park island
Auditorium Shores - leash-free along the Town Lake hike and bike trails near the 1st St bridge
Barton Springs - leash-free, ideal for doggie swimming
Norwood Estates - Riverside and I-35- fully-fenced dog park
West Austin Park and Wading Pool - 1317 W. 10th – fully fenced dog park
Pease Park/Shoal Creek- leash-free park with Disc Golf
Stores:
Half Price Books
www.halfpricebooks.com
Petco
www.petco.com
Petsmart
www.petsmart.com
Waterloo Records - 600A N. Lamar
www.waterloorecords.com
Whole Earth Provisions - 2410 San Antonio St.
www.wholeearthprovision.com
Bars, Restaurants, and Cafés:
Austin Java - 1608 Barton Springs Rd.
www.austinjava.com
Artz Rib House - 2330 S. Lamar
www.artzribhouse.com
Billy’s on Burnet - 2105 Hancock Dr.
www.billysonburnet.com
Black Sheep Lodge - 2108 S. Lamar
www.blacksheeplodge.com
Bouldin Creek Coffee House - 1501 S. 1st
www.bouldincreek.com
Cedar Door - 201 Brazos
www.cedardooraustin.com
Crown and Anchor - 2911 San Jacinto Blvd.
www.crownandanchorpub.com
Cuatro’s - 1004 W. 24th
www.cuatrosaustin.com
Doc’s Motorworks - 1123 S. Congress
www.eatdrinkdocs.com
Dog and Duck Pub - 406 W 17th
www.dogandduckpub.com
Draught House - 4112 Medical Parkway
www.draughthouse.com
Fado – 214 W 4th
www.fadoirishpub.com/austin
Flying Saucer - 815 W 47th
www.beerknurd.com
Freddie’s – S. 1st
www.freddiesplaceaustin.com
Izzo’s Tacos - 1207 S. 1st
www.izzoztacos.com
Little Woodrow’s - 520 W. 6th
www.littlewoodrows.com
Lustre Pearl - 97 Rainey St.
www.lustrepearlaustin.com
Mozarts - 3825 Lake Austin Blvd.
www.mozartscoffee.com
Opal Devine’s – 700 W. 6th
www.opaldivines.com
Red’s Porch - 3508 S. Lamar
www.redsporch.com
Rio Rita - 1308 E. 6th
www.riorita.net
Spider House - 2908 Fruth St.
www.spiderhousecafe.com
Trailer Park Eatery - 1311 S. 1st
Third Base - 1717 W 6th
www.thirdbaseaustin.com
Tiniest Bar in Texas - 817 W 5th
www.tiniestbarintexas.com
Uncle Billy’s - 1530 Barton Springs Rd.
www.unclebillysaustin.com
Uncorked Tasting Room - 900 E. 7th
www.uncorkedtastingroom.com
