Dining out with dogs in metro Phoenix is just a “Fluff” story about taking my dogs out to eat. It all sort of started with my dog Louie. He was elderly. He was also diagnosed with aggressive cancer. We were told he only had three – six months to live. Louie couldn’t do a lot but he always enjoyed eating. I took him out to eat as often as I could. Today I take my current dogs out to eat when I can.

There are several things to know about dining out with dogs. One thing is that not all restaurant patios are dog friendly. Usually a sign is posted that reads, “Dog Friendly Patio.” If you don’t see that then you have to call the restaurant and inquire. You also need to know that it is ALWAYS BEST to dine at off times. You need to avoid as many people and other dogs as possible. You need to avoid people because some people hate dogs and other people are allergic to dogs. You want to avoid other dogs because dogs like to bark at each other and if that happens then you might be asked to leave. Here in Arizona it often gets too hot to dine out with dogs. Your dog(s) is NOT AS HEAT TOLERANT as you are. They wear fur coats. They can’t sweat. They also absorb heat up threw their paws. All people and pets do have different tolerances for heat. Generally 90 degrees and up is too hot to dine out with dogs. When there is any doubt just leave your furry friend home. Did you know that most food and drink that you consume can be harmful or toxic to your dog. You must get a list of foods that are safe and what to avoid from your veterinarian. Usually a small lean piece of meat without sauce is usually a safe bet.

There are some rules for restaurant dining. You dog or dogs must stay close to you and be by your side. at all times. Dogs are not to sit on restaurant furniture or to eat off restaurant plates.

I called up Squid Ink Sushi inn North Peoria (#UpperWestSide) and they said that they were dog friendly so we went there. Of course they offer sushi but they also offer seasonal menus that always have something interesting to try. Some of my favorites from past menus were the Scottish salmon bowl and the wagyu steak salad. Today I saw Thai chicken fried rice.

My husband had the 8oz wagyu burger with havarti cheese, shoyu onions, truffle mayo (on the side for him), arugula, on a Noble challah bun with fries.

We did alright at Squid Ink Sushi.

www.SquidInkSushi.com

9947 W Happy Valley Rd Peoria AZ

623-561-7747

We also dined at Bottega Pizzeria Ristorante in Glendale, (Arrowhead, #UpperWestSideAZ). They are an Italian Restaurant that also serves Neapolitan Pizzas.

I went with the branzino special.

I received two grilled branzino filets (plenty to share) and a big serving of vegetable studded risotto.

My husband went with the chicken pizziola.

The dogs got some of that too!

www.BottegaRistorante.com

19430 N 59th Ave Glendale AZ

623-777-1868

We also went to Banh Mi Bistro Vietnamese Eatery in North Phoenix. They serve most of your Vietnamese favorites except for pho. They specialize in serving the Vietnamese baguette sandwich called the banh mi and offer it in around a dozen varieties. Today. we had a pork noodle bowl and a chicken noodle bowl.

We were all very pleased like we usually are. My husband eats the whole bowl. I think it’s a lot of food. For me and the dogs it really is two meals.

www.BanhMiBistroAZ.com

2340 W Bell Rd Phoenix AZ

602-843-3637

The next week it was unusually cold and windy or Phoenix so we took the dogs threw a Culver’s Drive Threw (a national chain) for a butter burger.

Wee fed them outside on the Culver’s patio real fast.

That was dining out with DOGS in Metro Phoenix for January 2022. We hope that you have enjoyed and we hope to see you next month.