Syracuse, located in upstate New York (I also suggest to read What to Do in New York City) is a fantastic destination for year-round adventures, whether you’re exploring the Erie Canal Museum, wandering through historic Armory Square, or embracing the winter magic with outdoor festivals and snow sports. We visited Syracuse on a trip from Europe a while ago and were pleasantly surprised by how welcoming it is—not just for travelers like us, but also for our four-legged companions!
From scenic strolls in Green Lake State Park and Onondaga Lake Park to dog-friendly cafés and restaurants, Syracuse is a great place to explore with your pup. Many restaurants have pet-friendly patios, and some even go the extra mile with water bowls and special treats for dogs. So, no need to leave your furry companion behind while you dine out—we’ve got you covered with the best dog-friendly restaurants in Syracuse to check out on your next adventure!
1. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
246 West Willow St – Syracuse, NY 13202 – (315) 476-4937
Serving southern style meat and draft brews is the Dinosaur Bar-B-Que restaurant chain with 5 other locations. This place is good for kids and also dog friendly on its outdoor patio. A private dining room is also available at this location.
Sit on any of its covered patio tables and enjoy any of the amazing BBQs served here with your pup by your side. Friendly staff and excellent service will make you feel welcomed offering a bowl of water and sometimes even a treat to your pooch.
With a large dog park just 5 mins away, Dinosaur is the perfect place to stop for a quick meal on your way to the park with your furry friend.
Inside this restaurant is usually very busy with a lot of visitors especially at night. The decor matches that intensity with lively and vibrant fixtures. There are also sports TVs hanging off the walls to watch your favorite teams play. All these things make this place somewhat loud. However, the activities are all part of the appeal.
Try their chicken wings, New York strip steak, rack of ribs, and the most popular pulled pork when you visit.
2. Pastabilities
311 S Franklin St – Syracuse, NY 13202 – (315) 474-1153
Pastabilities like the name implies, is a restaurant serving homemade pasta dishes and Italian-American fare.
It is a contemporary eatery with a simple interior. The chairs are well spaced and the fixtures are warm and inviting. Cool lighting, bar seating, and various indoor seating rooms and compartments are what to expect inside Pastabilities.
For its meals, visitors rate it high, with some attributing the amazing meals as the reason it gets really busy with long wait times here. Some of these meals include the popular meatballs, alfredo, bolognese, and carbonara. Salads, sauces and the famous Stretch Bread from their bakery are also among their offerings. The menu at pastabilities is seasonal to ensure fresh ingredients are used.
If you’re visiting in the evening, it is best to make a reservation to avoid the wait times for seats to open up.
Pastabilities is dog friendly on any of the outdoor tables in front of the restaurant. The tables are shaded to protect you and your furry friend from the sun.
3. Funk ‘n Waffles
307-313 S Clinton St – Syracuse, NY 13202 – (315) 474-1060
Looking for a family-friendly waffles restaurant to dine with your dog? Funk ‘n Waffles fits the bill perfectly with its hipster vibe and packed interior making it a lively spot to dine.
There are also Funk merch hanging on the wall from shirts to face caps. Visitors are encouraged to dress the part in the funky restaurant. Waffles with different toppings, sandwiches, friend chicken, and espresso are some of the dishes to enjoy while here. Don’t miss their special jive turkey as it is extremely popular among visitors.
Enjoy the outdoor tables with your dog just beside the sidewalk. With their friendly staff ensuring you’re comfortable. Each table has umbrellas that protect you from the sun; however, sitting here is seasonal.
Funk ‘n Waffles opens everyday of the week except Tuesday. Come in and explore waffles like never before with so many styles and toppings to please your tastebuds.
There are no dull moments here with live music at night lifting up the mood. The concert is part of the Funk ‘n Waffles experience, however, you can decide to order food and not go for the concert since there are separate entrances.
4. Freedom of Espresso
115 Solar St Ste 101 – Syracuse, NY 13204 – (315) 424-7650
Freedom of Expresso is a laid back cafe serving tea, coffee, and pastries. It is a dog friendly location offering their outdoor sitting area to people visiting with pups. They even let people come in with dogs when there has been a harsh weather forecast.
The building is interesting, the ambiance is quiet and accommodating. You can have conversations and even work from here due to the calm nature. Inside is simple with a few tables. The coffee here is great but not many food options except sandwiches, bagels and some other baked goods.
If you visit during the fall, you’ll quickly fall in love with Freedom of espresso with the surrounding area providing a beautiful ambiance for visitors. Definitely feels ;like a different town even though it is located right in Freedom Square.
You can let your eyes wander at the Park just across while you sip your coffee from any of the outdoor tables with your pooch.
Conclusion
Dog owners love Syracuse because it just has a pet friendly atmosphere. They could get accommodation, visit restaurants and cafes, explore parks and have many other fun activities with their dogs.
It gets even better immediately when they discover Sit Means Sit’s professional dog training offer. These dog owners can’t believe their luck and jump right at the offer. A chance to train their dog using one of the best dog training programs in the country. All while visiting Syracuse.
You too can take advantage of this offer when you visit Syracuse so Sit Means Sit can help your dogs become their best selves and be more confident. This training will boost your confidence in your tail wagging travel companion making sure you can go on more trips together.
Interested in taking advantage of Sit Means Sit’s offer and helping your pup’s confidence? Learn all about it here.
Lived in England since 1998 and travelled the world since 2005, visiting over 100 countries on 5 continents. Writer, blogger, photographer with a passion for adventure and travel, discovering those off beat places not yet on the tourist trail. Marco contributes the very best in independent travel tips and lifestyle articles.
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