By Shelby Deering | Photo by Shanna Wolf
In our fair city, there are endless ways to get out and have fun — but if you have a dog, you know that those activities are more enjoyable with your pup at your side.
Luckily, Madison is brimming with things that you can do alongside your doggo. Craving a bite while your dog lays in the sun on a patio? Head to one of the area’s many restaurants with dog- friendly outdoor seating, like downtown’s Lucille, with “streatery” seating perfect for lingering over a slice of wood-fired pizza — and sneaking a bite or two to your canine companion. If you’re craving outdoor dining with a view, you and your pup can soak up lakeside breezes and nibbles like tacos or cheese curds at The Boathouse at The Edgewater.
Want to get your pup in on some delicious fare, too? Then look no further than Monroe Street’s Bloom Bake Shop, which, in addition to sweets for humans, like salted caramel brownies and cupcakes, purveys a homemade, peanut butter-flavored “Bag O’ Dog Biscuits” that your pup is sure to love.
Maybe you’d love to have a frosty brew while your dog laps up some thirst- quenching water of their own. For this, we recommend libation destinations that also gladly accept dogs as guests, like Atwood Avenue’s BarleyPop Tap and Shop, where dogs are welcome in the tap room. People love bringing their dogs to Wisconsin Brewing Company for outdoor play while their humans sip craft beers and the Olbrich Biergarten (above) is also a draw for dog lovers, with unbeatable views of Lake Monona and a curated selection of snacks and Wisconsin-made brews. For a top- to-bottom dog-friendly experience, stop by The Boneyard on the east side, with a biergarten, dog park and even on-site grooming.
Is shopping with a pup in tow more your speed? Then look to dog- friendly shopping at Hilldale, Bad Dog Frida, Petphoria (which has Middleton and Hilldale locations) and The Crazy Dog Mom in Stoughton.
If it’s time to get in some exercise along with some fun mental stimulation, take your pooch to one of the area’s off-leash dog parks, which include Warner, Brittingham and Sycamore parks.
No matter where you go in Madison, you’re basically guaranteed to be able to go with your dog right next to you — otherwise known as their favorite spot in the world.
