Best dog-friendly restaurants/cafes/stores

Think outdoors, think free dog treats and water bowls...

(information from "Check out these South Florida spots that are going to the dogs " By Liza Hearon
South Florida Sun-Sentinel Posted June 22 2006

• Habitat Cafe

11682 US Highway 1
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33408-3035
561-622-0014

Owners can enjoy breakfast and lunch at this Palm Beach Gardens cafe, and dogs can feel welcome at the outside courtyard. Owners Lori and Phil Smillie are happy to bring water to thirsty pooches and accommodate any of their fellow dog owners. The Smillies are the proud owners of a Yorkie named Lucy, who doesn't hang out at the restaurant.

During the week, the cafe attracts a business lunch crowd. Stop by with a dog on the weekends, when things are a little livelier at this plaza, with live music during lunch.

The whole area is dog friendly, too, with a doggy boutique next store called Bella Paws. The dog store features everything for the posh pup, and in-store events like pet photography. The cafe and boutique complement each other nicely, creating a mini haven for dogs in north Palm Beach County.

• Cort's Coffeehouse

801 S. University Drive
Plantation, FL 33324-3336
954-473-5163

Dogs can hang out with their owners at the outside seating, and enjoy the open-mike nights and various events hosted by the coffeehouse.

Saturday morning is "Dog Day at the Cafe," says Wes Cort, the owner's son, who helps run the coffeehouse. A small group of devotees bring their dogs from 9 to 11 a.m. for breakfast.

However, dogs are welcome any time, and a glass jar with free Milk Bone treats sits on the counter.

• Bar Boutique
  2019 Harrison St.

Hollywood, FL 33020-5019
954-921-2804

Lawyer Jill Ginsberg wanted to open her law office in downtown Hollywood, but was running into trouble getting the permit.

So she opened a boutique and bar in the front of her office, and created a dog-friendly space.

Bar Boutique hosts Woof Wednesdays, a wine and cheese event on the first Wednesday of every month, that benefits Pet Rescue. The last event featured a dog and owner fashion show.

Ginsberg owns three shih tzus that she adopted from shelters. A board in the back of the store features photos of pets that need sponsors, a way to help an animal out without adopting it.

Dogs are always welcome at Bar Boutique, with water and food provided to visiting animals, but pet traffic definitely picks up during Hollywood's ArtWalks, every third Saturday. Downtown Hollywood is full of roving canines, from large to small.

• Dairy Queen

1950 Wilton Dr.
Wilton Manors, FL 33305
954-566-5735

Treat your dog to the same treat you'd give yourself at Dairy Queen. On Mondays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., dogs can enjoy a free cup or cone of Dairy Queen's trademark vanilla ice cream.

Everyone from couples to artists to trendsetters bring their dog -- a must-have in Wilton Manors. On most Mondays more than 100 dogs will traipse through this local landmark.