Dog-Friendly Columbia – What’s a single dog mom to do?

By Jillian Owens
September 13, 2013

As a single dog mom, I’m beset with the constant struggle to have a social life while not neglecting my wonderful pup.  Gazing into those sad little eyes looking up at me as I walk out the door is tough.  But what is there to do?  While anyone can bring their screaming infant or badly-behaved toddler pretty much anywhere they want, my well-mannered pooch has to stay at home.  It doesn’t seem fair.

I decided to do a bit of research to find dog-friendly places where I could hang out with my friends.  When I say dog-friendly, I mean genuinely welcoming and accepting of all dogs, regardless of size.  I don’t want to settle for dog-tolerating, or dog-annoyed.  Sure, you can find several really nice dog parks, but if your after work plans involve food rather than fetch, that just won’t do!

 
Although outdoor play IS important!

According to the FDA, no live animals except fish in tanks are allowed in an establishment that serves food.  Your goldfish can hang out, but Fido has to stay outside.  The only exception to this rule is Service Animals.  Several restaurant and bar owners told me they’d love to allow dogs in their restaurants, but didn’t want to risk getting a hefty fine.  But there are lots of places with dog-friendly outdoor spaces that are quite comfy!

One of my favorites is Paradise Ice. You can hang out at one of their cute little bistro tables while enjoying delicious homemade gelato.  If your pup looks jealous, you can appease him with a treat of his own!

 
Help your pup beat the heat with a delicious treat!

Drip Coffee is another fabulous place where you can grab lunch and a made-to-order cup of joe while your pooch people watches.  If you have something more high-end in mind, don’t worry!  Solstice’s outdoor seating area will happily accommodate your pup while you wine and dine.

Alright, so now you’re fed, but what if you want to walk down the street to do a bit of shopping?  You can’t get much more dog-friendly than Two G’s in Five Points.  The owner’s dogs (an Irish Setter and a Gordon Setter) have been the welcoming committee for this eclectic clothing and home goods boutique for years.  They’re dog-friendly as long as your dog is friendly. 

S&S Art Supply on Main Street doesn’t mind a bit if your pup wants to assist you in exploring your artistic side! 

 
Grab some supplies to complete your own pet portrait!

Usually, I just ask if I can bring my dog in to most stores.  As he’s a little guy, they usually don’t mind too much as long as I carry him.  It’s always worth an ask!

One of my new favorite activities is drinking with my dog.  My friends always want to meet up after work, and I hate to leave my little Douglas at home alone when I’ve already been away at work all day!  Luckily, I don’t have to choose!  The Best Dog-Friendly bar in Columbia title goes to Jake’s on Devine Street.  Hands down.  Their bartenders LOVE dogs and it shows!

 
But how could you not love Douglas? 

They have a HUGE outdoor patio, and they even have a weekly Yappy Hour where you can bring your pups and let them play off-leash while tossing back a couple of pints!

 
Be warned.  Friendly strangers will want to pick up your dog!     

Yappy Hour alternates between Mondays and Tuesdays, so just follow them on Facebook to keep up!

If you want to hang out somewhere a bit more cozy, hop on over to Foxfield Bar & Grill on Rosewood Drive!

   
What does the Fox say?

This fun neighborhood bar has a nice fenced-in outdoor area with tables, great drink specials, and a friendly bar staff!

 
Summer is totally happy to meet your fur baby!

I hope these suggestions aid you in your quest to spend more time with your cute canine.  Do you have the skinny on any other great dog-friendly places?  Email me at [email protected] and let me know about them!

Jillian Owens is a writer, designer, motivational speaker, and eco-fashion revolutionary.   A Columbia SC transplant, she graduated from the University of South Carolina with a BFA in Theatre and English.  When she’s not gallivanting about, she’s busy refashioning ugly thrift store duds into fashionable frocks at ReFashionista.net.  Jillian has been featured on The Rachael Ray Show, Good Afternoon America, ABC Columbia, Jasper Magazine, Skirt, Columbia Metropolitan, The Free Times, Grist, and NYC’s Guest of a Guest.  She also reviews local theater productions for Jasper Magazine and Onstage Columbia.

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