The Ultimate Dog-Friendly Guide to New Orleans

The Big Easy is calling your name —and your pup’s, too! After all, New Orleans isn’t solely famous for its jazz scene, Mardi Gras, and Creole cuisine; it’s a hub for pet-friendly fun, as well. To prove it, we scoured Louisiana’s most beloved town to present you with the ultimate dog-friendly guide to New Orleans. 

Whether you’re embarking on a day trip or a weekend getaway, the restaurants, bars, shops, parks, and hotels below are waiting with open arms for you and your doggo. 

Cafes and eateries

This town has a big personality and a big food scene. Fortunately, pups are permitted on many of the patios throughout the city, so traveling with your dog won’t hold you back from the coveted cuisine. For starters, check out the popular dog-friendly spots below. 

Cafe Du Monde

800 Decatur St. @cafedumonde

You can’t go to NOLA and not indulge in an order (or a few) of the world-famous Cafe Du Monde beignets. Truly, after one bite, you’ll be dreaming of the sweet, puffy treats your entire trip. The especially good news? Thanks to the popularity of this iconic coffee stand, there are now various locations throughout the city, some of which, like the Decatur Street location, allow pups on the patio. 

Chartres House

540 Chartres St. @chartreshouse

This French Quarter landmark is beloved by locals and tourists alike. Serving up fried pickles, oudin balls, po’boys, burgers, crawfish etouffée, gumbo, and red beans and rice, you’ll be thrilled to know Chartres House welcomes well-behaved pups on the patio. 

Flamingo A-Go-Go

869 Magazine St. @flamingonola

Bottomless brunch, anyone? Flamingo A-Go-Go is a gem known for having not only a scrumptious menu but the largest dog-friendly courtyard in the Warehouse District. Visitors can look forward to a mouth-watering brunch offering of chicken and waffles, eggs Benedict, and breakfast burritos, while the mid-day crowd can expect dishes like tuna poke bowls, flatbreads, po’boys, cubans, and more. 

Café Amelie

900 Royal St. @cafeamelie

Visitors can choose between brunch and dinner at Café Amelie in the French Quarter. Known for its beautiful, dog-friendly courtyard and tasty New American cuisine, Café Amelie is a popular place for pet parents looking to take a step back from this city’s louder, more crowded side. 

Oceana Grill 

739 Conti St. @oceanagrill

Craving crab cakes, gumbo, po’boys, and all the seafood delights in between? Oceana Grill will wow you. The French Quarter fave allows pups on the patio, too! 

The Joint… Always Smokin’

701 Mazant St. @thejointbbq

For stellar barbecue, head over to The Joint, where mounds of meats are always smokin’ for the next round of guests. Patrons can pick from a menu brimming with brisket, ribs, pulled pork, chicken, sausage, and sides. 

Breweries, wineries, and bars

It’s 5 o’clock somewhere, right? In the Big Easy, dog-friendly breweries, wineries, and bars open early and stay packed late. 

Bayou Beer Garden

326 N Norman C Francis Pkwy. @bayoubeergarden

With over 50 beers on tap, Bayou Beer Garden is sure not to bore you. The popular dog-friendly hot spot also serves wine and food. 

Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant

701 Tchoupitoulas St. @LucysNOLA

NOLA might be situated on the Mississippi, but Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant brings major beachy vibes to this river city. The laidback, coastal-inspired dining destination features a spacious, dog-friendly courtyard that you’ll love hanging loose with your pooch in. 

The Bulldog

3236 Magazine St. 5135 Canal Bl. 4385 Perkins Rd.  @bulldog_midcity

Known as NOLA’s original craft beer bar, The Bulldog showcases over 40 unique brews at any given time. Of course, with a full bar and wine on tap, guests aren’t pigeonholed to ales and IPAs. There’s something for everyone at this Magazine Street, dog-friendly fave! 

Bourbon Street Drinkery 

217 Bourbon St. @bourbonstreetdrinkery

If your dog can chill with the best of them, consider a pop-in to Bourbon Street Drinkery, where live music is on the roster from noon ’til 2 in the morning, and beer and cocktails stay flowing. Just know: This place gets rowdy. If your dog doesn’t like crowds or loud noises, this is not the spot for you. 

Wrong Iron on the Greenway

3532 Toulouse @wrongiron

Wrong Iron on the Greenway is another local beer garden that has a true appreciation for craft brews. Serving over 50 beers on tap, this dog-friendly fave is sure to introduce you to a few flavors you’ve never tried. 

NOLA Brewing

3033 Tchoupitoulas St. @nolabrewing

What goes better together than beer and pizza? Beer, pizza, and pups, of course! At NOLA Brewing, pet parents can bring pooches along for brews, ’za, and all the good vibes. Looking to plan your visit? Suss out the live music calendar here. 

Shops

In addition to a top-notch food and bev scene, NOLA is also renowned for being a quirky, cool place to shop — on your own or with your pup. The shops and shopping districts below allow dogs.

Southern Paws

633 Toulouse St. @shopsouthernpaws

Good boys and girls deserve tasty treats, engaging toys, and the cutest apparel and accessories. Thankfully, Southern Paws has all that and more. The popular dog boutique stocks highly-rated brands like Bocce’s Bakery and The Worthy Dog. 

Riverwalk Outlets

500 Port of New Orleans Pl. @riverwalknola

Enjoy the sights and sounds of downtown NOLA with your pup at Riverwalk Outlets, right on the banks of the Mississippi. Leashed dogs are welcome to stroll the shopping district, which features stores like Chico’s, Gap, and Kate Spade, and some shops may even invite them in for a treat. 

Bark Market

3041 North Rampart St. @nolabarkmarket

Another place to stock up on treats, toys, and kibble is at Bark Market. The store sells popular brands like Fromm, Orijen, and Up Country.

Magazine Street

Magazine Street @magazinestreet

Magazine Street is one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods, offering ample dog-friendly shopping and dining options. Check out Fleurty Girl for kitschy homewares, gifts, and accessories, and Slow Down NOLA for clothing, accessories, art, books, and stationery.

Parks and trails

Need a breather from all of NOLA’s booze and boils? A bevy of dog-friendly parks and trails awaits. 

The Dog House

2736 Banks St. @thedoghouse.nola

Drinks for you and free roam to run off-leash for them? It doesn’t get better than an afternoon at The Dog House. 

NOLA City Bark

10 Magnolia Dr. @nolacitybark

For an authentic New Orleans dog park experience, check out NOLA City Bark, where pups can enjoy turf, pools, shade, and plenty of room to romp and run. FYI: There are separate sections for large and small dogs. 

Bayou Sauvage Ridge Trail

20876 Chef Menteur Hwy.

Explore the great outdoors beyond downtown at Bayou Sauvage Ridge Trail, where freshwater marshes and wildlife are around every corner. Pups are permitted to join on leash — and you’ll want to abide by those rules, as you may very well see a gator sunning itself.  

Bonnabel Boat Launch Dog Park

1599 Bonnabel Blvd.

Take in beautiful views of Lake Pontchartrain as your pup romps and runs off-leash with dogs of similar size. 

Lafreniere Bark Park

3000 Downs Blvd.

Lafreniere is a popular pet parent pick for its large size (five acres!), cute themed dog sculptures, and separate areas for small and large dogs. 

Hotels

Catch a little shut-eye in between the fun of it all at one of the dog-friendly NOLA hotels, below. 

Kimpton Hotel Fontenot

501 Tchoupitoulas St. @hotelfontenot

Kimpton Hotel Fontenot is located downtown, offering close proximity to the French Quarter. The modern minimalist property is simple yet chic and features various on-site dining options. What’s not to love about that?

Know before you go:

• Pet fee: $0 — pets stay free 

• Number/size restrictions: No restrictions

• In room: Pets shouldn’t be left unattended (but it’s not strictly prohibited).

Hotel De La Poste

316 Chartres St. @hoteldelapostenola

Hotel De La Poste is a quality dog-friendly lodging option in the French Quarter. It features unique, bayou-inspired rooms dripping in jewel tones and contemporary luxe finishes. 

Know before you go:

• Pet fee: $250 per stay

• Number/size restrictions: Two dogs up to 40 pounds 

• In room: Pets shouldn’t be left unattended.

The Barnett

600 Carondelet St. @thebarnettneworleans

The Barnett is a beautiful, boutique hotel located in the warehouse district. The eclectic, music-inspired space has an on-site jazz club, rooftop bar, and pool (which often hosts live music events), as well as various eateries. 

Know before you go:

• Pet fee: $125 per pet, per stay

• Number/size restrictions: Two dogs up to 25 pounds

• In room: Pets shouldn’t be left unattended.

Bienville House

320 Decatur St. @bienvillehouse

Bienville House is located in the French Quarter, welcoming people and pups to enjoy its boutique accommodations, courtyard pool, and overall luxe vibe. 

Know before you go:

• Pet fee: $100 per stay, plus $25 per night

• Number/size restrictions: Two dogs of any size

• In room: Pets shouldn’t be left unattended.

Hôtel Peter and Paul

2317 Burgundy St. @hotelpeterandpaul

Located in NOLA’s Faubourg Marigny neighborhood, Hôtel Peter and Paul is a slightly more removed dog-friendly property that still maintains close enough proximity to the city’s most alluring attractions. Of course, as soon as you set foot into the jaw-droppingly gorgeous hotel, you may very well want to hole up for days on end. Dripping in pattern, color, and luxury finishes, this boutique property sets the bar for picture-perfect, pet-friendly travel in the Big Easy.

Know before you go:

• Pet fee: $25 per night

• Number/size restrictions: No restrictions

• In room: Pets shouldn’t be left unattended (but it’s not strictly prohibited).