Sometimes you just can’t stand the thought of leaving your fur-baby at home. Thankfully, Lakeland is pretty dog-friendly and has a handful of patios + restaurants where you and your pup can enjoy an outing together.

To help you figure out some of the best pro-puppy places around town, we connected with BringFido — the ultimate pet-friendly resource— and compiled a few recommendations from locals + visitors alike who have been there.

Pro tip: You can also use BringFido for dog-friendly hotels and events,too.

Abuelo's
“I’ve brought my 2 Beagles twice, and have been more than pleased! Excellent food and service and my dogs were treated very well. They brought water for them and kept coming to pet them! Love this place!!” — Debi

Beef 'O' Brady's
"We were camping nearby [the north Lakeland location] and brought our chocolate lab, Molly, with us. We looked on the BringFido app and saw that this location was very good for pets. When we arrived we asked if they were okay with Molly being with us, and they said absolutely. They brought Molly water and even offered to bring her dinner! We will definitely be back in the future." — Allyson

City Editor Rilee tried out Black & Brew Southside's patio with her pup, Ruby. | Photo by LALtoday

Black & Brew Coffee House and Bistro
"I went to the S Florida Ave Black & Brew. The place was very clean and lively and the staff was very friendly. They even offered my dog a pup cup without me having to ask for it. I was allowed to bring my dog inside the cafe to order. They offer indoor and outdoor seating. The food was tasty too. Will be coming back for sure!" — Jaitza

Cob & Pen
"We love Cob & Pen and had to take Ragnar here for his first real outing. The lawn and patio area is great for pets! You simply place your order inside at the bar and waitstaff will deliver your food and drinks to your table outside." — Aubreigh

Cozy Oaks Restaurant
“They have a small patio that they are going to cover but they were very dog friendly and even brought my dog a small bowl of water. The food is really good too!” — Teri

Fish City Grill
"Great food and great service! Shared the seafood combo and they divided it for us in the kitchen! The server brought out water for Benji!" — Cindy

Ford's Garage
"We have been coming to this location weekly because of how accommodating they [are] to our pooch. They give her a water dish. And lots of attention. Our pitty loves their grilled chicken." — Michele

Frescos Southern Kitchen & Bar
“We stopped here after going to the farmers market with our dog, they brought us complimentary water as well as a complimentary water bowl for Cooper. The food was good and I was even able to order a small plate of bacon and eggs for Cooper, would 100% visit with Coop again!” — Amanda

You'll run into all types of shoppers here — it's family and pet-friendly.

Glory Days Grill
"Following greeting brought a bowl of ice water. Outdoor patio accommodated our dog well. Good food and drink." — Kathy

Grillsmith
"I had lunch on the patio. The food was good, the service was great and the servers were very friendly. Our servers brought a bowl of water for my puppy and several servers stopped to admire him. I’ll definitely go back!" — Christi

Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille
“First off, they even let our pups wait inside while they got our table ready!! The food, drinks, and desserts are beyond amazing! The pups were brought their own water bowl, and the servers kept coming over to pet them. They serve delicious authentic New Orleans cuisine, and we can’t wait to go back!!” — Debi

The Juice Box Cafe
"Healthy food & perfect patio for my pooch." — Megan

Mellow Mushroom
"Nice screened in patio. Friendly staff, great food and brought a water bowl for our dog." — Sally

Lakeland is a dog owner's paradise, to say the leashed. | Photo by @nachoweeenie

Nineteen61
"The food was beyond excellent! The patio is perfect! My dog Grayson is a Goldendoodle medium/large dog size! He had fun seating there and having all guests coming to pet lol he loves the attention! The server McKenzie is awesome! Very friendly helpful and she knows how to host a group with a dog included!!! Do not miss this place on your visit to Lakeland!!!! Kudos to the chef" — Ilaina

Palace Pizza
"Beautiful patio with string lights, great spot to enjoy some delicious pizza. They even brought Waffles some water without being asked — so thoughtful!" — Shelby

Reececliff Family Diner
"We had wonderful service outside under the covered pergola. Food was delicious and we got our money’s worth. Highly recommend if you are looking to dine with your dog." — Tangee

Texas Cattle Company
"The outdoor patio is a perfect spot to view Lake Mirror, eat a great steak, and chill. The wait staff was so accommodating to us and our puppy, an eight month old labradoodle. Nice night out." — Patty

That 716 Pizza Joint
"Great food and friendly, dog-loving staff. Tessie loves it when we bring her here, and we are happy to oblige whenever we’re in the area." — Kristine

This is by no means a definitive list of every dog-friendly space in Lakeland. Have another recommendation?Let us know.