Last Updated on November 12, 2024
It’s never been more true that a dog is a man’s (and a woman’s!) best friend, with more and more pet owners wanting to bring along their furry companions with them wherever they go. To accommodate this ever-growing trend, stores and restaurants across the country are quickly becoming pet-friendly—and cutting-edge Nashville is certainly no exception. There’s no doubt that the locals adore their dogs, so when it’s mealtime, they’re expected to dine with the family, even when the family is dining out!
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Why Are Nashville Restaurants Becoming So Pet-Friendly?
Nashville has become an uber-popular destination, both for travelers who want to experience the hip scene and for those looking to relocate to a bustling city that still has a welcoming, downhome feel. The thriving economy and vibrant culture are major draws to crowds both young and old, not to mention the beautiful scenery and plethora of educational institutions. Between all the great restaurants, bars, nightlife, music venues, attractions, and professional sports teams in the vicinity, there’s always something going on—and it’s no surprise that residents and visitors alike are bringing their pets along with them to experience all there is to see and do.
According to a study from SmartAsset that tracked what cities millennials (defined as people aged 25 to 44) moved to in 2023, Nashville ranked number 19. The number of millennials that moved was 63,012, which brought their percentage of the population in the city to a whopping 35.8%.
It’s been well noted in such media outlets as The Atlantic, Fortune, and Vice that millennials are especially attached to their pets and would go to great lengths to spend as much time with them as possible. The millennial market has a significant influence on the food service industry, pushing for menu changes, ingredient sourcing, and more dining options—including, you guessed it, pet-friendly spaces.
As a result, many restaurants have started allowing dogs on their patios and in their outdoor areas to appeal to this market and bring in those customers, so much so that Nashville has been certified by the BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ program as a city committed to pet-friendly housing and restaurants. In 2021, the Nashville International Airport (BNA) also became the first airport to attain pet-friendly certification through the program.
Where to Dine with Your Dog
Bringle’s Smoking Oasis
Get your barbecue fix at award-winning pitmaster Carey Bringle’s second concept, Bringle’s Smoking Oasis. Offering the smoke of the Southwest, the menu is stocked with smoked brisket, the brand’s famous pulled pork, a house version of beef ribs, and an array of homemade sides like Mexican street corn, chorizo queso, and Texas-style baked beans. Located in a former service station, the triangular island-shaped property features a spacious, open-air patio, outdoor bar, and turf lawn perfect for kids and pets to run around on. Bringle’s Smoking Oasis’ outdoor space has become a can’t-miss neighborhood gathering spot for the whole family to enjoy a casual but exceptional meal.
Diskin Cider
No trip to Nashville is complete without a stop for live music, and at Diskin Cider, your dog doesn’t have to miss out on the fun! Nashville’s first craft cidery has a honky-tonk stage and patio area that’s dog-friendly, allowing pets to accompany patrons as they partake of the live music, sips, and bites. All of the ciders and seltzers are gluten-free, fresh-pressed, and all-natural. There’s also plenty of flagship ciders, seasonal offerings, cocktails, and beers—something for every palette. Speaking of which, you’ll want to dig in to any of the eight signature pizzas, piled high with toppings like pepperoni, sausage, and smoked chicken, or feast on a creative variety of wing flavors, like sweet sticky honey gold wings or the “Three Sauce Mafia,” which is a mix of Buffalo sauce, lemon pepper, and honey.
Fido Cafe
As the name suggests, Fido is a dog-friendly coffeehouse and eatery named after the Ethiopian goat herder’s dog who discovered coffee. Located in the popular Hillsboro Village in an old converted pet shop, it also has a curated selection of local beers, interesting wines, a buzzy all-day breakfast menu, and elevated options for lunch too! The full coffee bar is stocked by sister company Bongo Java, featuring 100% organic beans purchased directly from small-scale farmers through producer cooperatives at prices above the Fair Trade minimum.
The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden
The Pharmacy Burger is delighted to welcome guests and their pooches to its beautiful biergarten to sit, enjoy the fresh air, and enjoy a meal together. The Pharmacy’s staff is known for their friendly demeanor and inviting attitude toward guests big and small, on two legs or four. The establishment boasts an impressive selection of German wurst and specialty beers, as well as an old-school soda fountain serving legendary phosphates, milkshakes, and ice cream sodas. But it’s the burgers that usually steal the show, made only with grass-fed beef, complemented by multiple vegetarian and pescatarian options for non-meating-eating burger lovers. Both you and your dog are gonna love this joint!
Redheaded Stranger
Redheaded Stranger is a hip and trendy neighborhood taco shop located in East Nashville, outfitted with covered outdoor seating, perfect for bringing your pup! Some of the fan-favorite items include a custom version of a crunch wrap, tacos filled with chorizo, totchos, and margaritas. If your doggie tags along for a visit, it might just make it onto the Dogs of Redheaded Stranger Instagram page, dedicated to all the adorable faces that have frequented the patio. (Go ahead, we know all you dog lovers out there are just dying to click over!)
So whether you’re in the mood for prize-winning BBQ, honky-tonk music and crisp cider, premium coffee, tater tot nachos, or the juiciest burger in town, Nashville heartily welcomes diners and their dogs, day and night, all over town!
