To mix idioms, a dog may be man’s best friend, but it takes a village to keep him well fed.
For many homes, fur babies are more than pets—they’re part of the family! And from scenic mountain hikes to a casual pint in town, it’s great to take them out with you to enjoy all the amenities WNC has to offer. But at which local restaurants are pets most welcome to join you for a snack or beverage?
Luckily, our agents love their pups as much as anyone. Plus, they’re experts in where to get a great bite. We asked them: Where are the most dog-friendly restaurants in Western North Carolina?
I recommend Bold Rock Hard Cider in Mills River. Bold Rock is the purrrrrfect place to take your furbaby. The drinks are yummy and cold, and the atmosphere is always fabulously fun. The outdoor areas are cozy and oh-so pet friendly. #henniehuffman loves it!
Mezzaluna on Main Street in Hendersonville is an awesome place to take a furbaby or even a pet pig. Their outside seating offers a roomy spot for your pet to lounge while you enjoy the downtown atmosphere and Mezzaluna’s great Italian food!
My dog is still young and full of energy, so when thinking of places to eat with him, plenty of space is key! That is why we love taking him to New Belgium Brewing. They have so many different outdoor areas, as well as rotating food trucks, so there is great variety in every visit.
We love taking our dog Mae Belle to Hillman Brewery on Sweeten Creek Road in Biltmore Village. The burgers are fantastic and they also make a very good Reuben sandwich. There are lots of menu choices for everyone, and they bring a water bowl to your dog!
Local Joint in Fairview is one of our favorite spots to enjoy a delicious meal with Charlie the labradoodle.
Lured Market & Grill in Lake Lure is an awesome little stop for you and your fur babies.
My top dog-friendly Saluda, NC restaurant is Wildflour Bakery. They have a lot of outdoor seating that is first come, first served, so your pup can plop down on the cool cement without any hassle. Great food for the pet owners, and maybe even a bacon-cheddar dog biscuit for our furry family members! Water bowls are abundant and full.
Waynesville offers many great dining options with outdoor seating that can accommodate your fur friends while you are out exploring the area. In no particular order, I would recommend The Patio Bistro, Church Street Depot, Boojum Brewing, Sauced, Frog Level Brewing, Bocelli’s Italian, and Haywood Smokehouse.
I would recommend visiting Mills River Brewery with your fur babies. If you are looking for a place to grab a drink and food with your friends while taking your dog, look no further! The brewery has a nice, large outside area with various picnic tables where you can sit and enjoy your time. Additionally, there are outside shaded areas that can be helpful when you visit on a hot summer day with your dog.
My favorite place to get together with friends and family, including my fur babies, is Ben’s Tune Up. The outdoor garden represents Asheville’s laid-back feel while providing outdoor entertainment, homemade sake, and great food.
The Grove Arcade is the ultimate spot for dog lovers. My Wire Hair Fox Terrier Tracy loves to stroll along the sidewalk and pop into Roberto Coin for a treat (while I peruse the latest from the renowned Italian jewelry designer) and then settle down at the Battery Park Book Exchange—aka “The Champagne Bar”—for some bubbly and a charcuterie board that never disappoints.
Live Near Your Favorite Dog-Friendly Restaurants!
Among the many ways we Live Abundantly in WNC is by enjoying some of the best restaurants in the Southeast—with the whole family! Find a home near one of the great restaurants and businesses mentioned in this post, and every day can be a day out with your pooch.
- Battery Park Books & Champagne Bar, Ben’s Tune Up, Grove Arcade, Hillman Beer, New Belgium Brewing – Search for homes in Asheville.
- Bocelli’s Italian, Boojum Brewing, Church Street Depot, Frog Level Brewing, Haywood Smokehouse, The Patio Bistro, Sauced – Search for homes in Waynesville.
- Bold Rock Hard Cider, Mills River Brewery – Search for homes in Mills River.
- Local Joint – Search for homes in Fairview.
- Lured Market & Grill – Search for homes in Lake Lure.
- Mezzaluna – Search for homes in Hendersonville.
- Wildflour Bakery – Search for homes in Saluda.
