Enjoy a Meal at Dog-Friendly Restaurants Here In San Clemente, CA
San Clemente has a beautiful coastline and relaxed beach vibe and is home to plenty of dog-friendly dining spots. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, craft beer, or a hearty meal with a view, these local establishments offer delicious menus and allow dog owners to bring their furry friends!
Here at Sit Means Sit South Orange County Dog Training, we believe that owners and dogs should enjoy patios together. Here are some local haunts that we love visiting with out pups!
If you are new to the area or traveling through and are looking for tips on finding the best pet-friendly restaurant with outdoor seating, read on! First-time dog owners might also be excited to find dog-friendly restaurants so they can bring their new pet everywhere!
We have listed some of the favorites of San Clemente locals and their canine companions. We also provide guidance on how to help teach your dog proper manners before heading out to your favorite happy hour!
1. Pierside Kitchen & Bar
Located right on the beach, at Pierside Kitchen & Bar, you can enjoy a glass of wine, beautiful views, and an easygoing, pet-friendly vibe. A hot spot for tacos, this casual establishment is sure to become one of your favorite places to sip on a cocktail while nibbling on fresh seafood with your furry friend.
There is plenty of room on their dog-friendly outdoor seating on their patio with enjoyable ocean views. The staff cannot wait to welcome you and your well-behaved dog to the Pierside Kitchen & Bar.
- Location: 611 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente, CA
- Cuisine: Seafood, Tacos, Cocktail Bar
- Features: Outdoor seating, Delivery, Takeout
2. Docent Brewing
Docent Brewing is known for craft beers and its chill atmosphere! It is the perfect place to enjoy beer, fresh burgers, and salad for both you and your pup in their pet-friendly outdoor seating.
Try a pint of their celebrated beer, or if you can’t choose, they do offer flights. Your dog will love being able to meet other pets while you hang out with other dog owners. Docent Brewing cannot wait for you and your dog to spend the afternoon with a brew and some tasty grub.
- Location: 3554 Calle Guadix, San Clemente, CA
- Cuisine: Burgers, Salad, Brewpub
- Features: Outdoor seating, Takeout
3. Seasurf Fish Co.
After hanging out at the beach with your dog, come enjoy the easy-going vibe and a delicious menu at Seasurf Fish Co. With a lovely patio for you and your dog, they offer fresh seafood, salad, fish and chips, and tacos.
Enjoy your casual meal while soaking in the seaside ambiance with your canine companion. Both you and your dog will love the wonderful staff providing excellent service!
- Location: 213 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, CA
- Cuisine: Seafood, Fish & Chips, Salad
- Features: Outdoor seating, Delivery, Takeout
How to Train Your Dog to Behave at Dog-Friendly Restaurants
Before heading out to your favorite dog-friendly restaurant in San Clemente, make sure your pup can behave appropriately in public. It does take some practice, but luckily, we have some tips for training your pup’s manners to be restaurant-ready!
1. Start with the Basics at Home
Your dog’s most important skill for behaving at a restaurant is staying calm in public spaces. Begin building these skills in neutral places like your yard or a quiet park. Commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “down” will help your dog learn to relax and be comfortable for a long duration. Eventually, your dog will learn to generalize these good manners in other places, including dog-friendly restaurants!
2. Socialization Is Key
Socializing your dog by introducing them to new environments, different people, and other dogs will help desensitize them to new distractions. A well-socialized dog is less likely to react to other dog owners, their pets, or the staff when dining out. Good socialization will help give your pet positive exposure, guaranteeing calm behavior at your favorite dog-friendly restaurant!
3. Leash Training
A leash not only keeps control over a dog but also helps keep their attention on their owner. For safety reasons and respect for other diners and staff, your dog should always wear a leash when outside the home. Harnesses are a great way to keep your pup tethered while ensuring they are comfortable eating out.
4. Bring Their Favorite Toy or Treat
If your dog needs a little extra help to relax, consider bringing their favorite toy or yummy treats to encourage them to sit at your table and to reinforce calm manners. This keeps their focus on you while creating a more relaxing restaurant experience for you, your dog, and other diners and staff. Most people are happier at their local eateries when not being slobbered on by a strange dog!
5. Reinforce Good Behavior
By rewarding your dog‘s good manners while you are enjoying a meal at your favorite pet-friendly restaurant, you reinforce their calm behavior for later dining experiences. With positive reinforcement, your dog will have an understanding of what behavior you expect and associate that good behavior with the rewards. Another reason to bring their favorite treats or toys!
Ready to Train Your Dog for New Adventures?
Sit Means Sit offers training for all dog breeds, ages, and behavioral challenges. Our expert dog trainers are prepared to help you train your dog to have perfect manners for eating at your favorite dog-friendly restaurants in San Clemente.
We offer professional obedience training focused on building relationships between dog owners and their canine companions. We want to help dog owners reach their training goals, including teaching dogs to be comfortable in new environments such as dining out at a busy restaurant! Choose from puppy, private, drop-off, or group classes at our training facility, designed for every dog. Contact us today and start training your dog or puppy to be the perfect dining companion!