Pet-Friendly Restaurants in Fairfield County

With its classic New England charm, including picturesque coastal towns, abundant open spaces, and impressive balance of historic and modern residential and retail offerings, Fairfield County proves an irresistible destination. Pet owners, particularly, find plenty to appreciate about this verdant, seaside corner of Connecticut, with its most popular communities, including Westport, Fairfield, Southport, and New Canaan, just an hour north of Manhattan.

From a pair of dog-friendly beaches to lush walking trails to restaurants that welcome well-behaved canine companions, there's no shortage of places to explore with your pet by your side.

Below, we take a closer look at some of the best pet-friendly restaurants and outdoor spaces in Fairfield County.

While many Fairfield County restaurants don't have specific pet policies, many do allow leashed and well-mannered dogs to hang out on their patios while their owners drink and dine, including the following five favorites.

Known for its relaxed vibe and classic American fare, Flipside Burgers & Bar offers pet-friendly patio seating where dogs are welcome to lounge while their humans enjoy burgers, fries, and craft cocktails. Flipside's central location on Post Road, minutes from Jennings Beach, makes it a convenient stop after a walk through downtown Fairfield.

The family-owned Nod Hill Brewery is a Ridgefield favorite for small-batch beers and laid-back outdoor gatherings. Dogs are more than welcome in the spacious beer garden, where live music and food trucks are often part of the weekend scene. Bowls of water and plenty of social pups make this a great hangout for dog lovers.

Located in a 200-year-old building in downtown Westport, the Spotted Horse Tavern has a trendy yet cozy patio where dogs are always welcome. The upscale tavern menu and dog-friendly staff cement the Tavern's status as a popular go-to spot for Westport's pet-loving community.

With a casual rustic feel and hearty New England fare, Little Barn is another excellent Westport option that opens its patio to pups. It's a favorite for lunch, brunch, or post-beach dining with your dog at your side.

For a more upscale option, Terra Ristorante in downtown Greenwich offers a beautiful sidewalk seating area perfect for dining with dogs. Thanks to their contemporary Italian menu and attentive staff, this is an ideal Greenwich Avenue spot to satisfy your pasta craving with or without your pup in tow.

Casual restaurants are often your best bet for finding dog-friendly patios, but always call ahead to confirm an establishment's pet policy, which typically follows local health guidelines but is not always published on the eatery's website.

Home to more than 20 dog-friendly parks, including a number of dedicated bark parks, dog owners are never far from providing their four-legged friends with outside social time. A few of the most popular locations include:

Ridgefield’s 1.5-acre Bark Park Dog Park is fully fenced and offers separate areas for large and small dogs, seating pavilions, dog water stations, and wash-down hydrants. Two additional fenced areas are available for training and fetch sessions. It's clean, well-maintained, and a top choice for Ridgefield's dog owners.

The waterfront Grass Island Dog Park includes separate sections for large and small dogs and features running water, bowls, a kiddie pool, and ample bench seating. Though it sits near the wastewater treatment plant, the open space and cedar chip ground cover make it a practical and popular option.

While not a formal dog park, the trails around Lake Mohegan Open Space are a favorite for dog owners seeking a more natural outing. Dogs are frequently seen off-leash on the trails surrounding the lake and Cascades waterfall (park policy requires unleashed dogs to be under voice control). Waste bins are available, but bring your own pet waste bags and water.

Spencer's Run is a dedicated two-acre off-leash dog park within New Canaan's Waveny Park. The fenced-in area includes trees, benches, a dog watering station, and a double-gated entry. Membership is required, and dog tags are provided upon application. Waveny's surrounding 250-acre parkland offers 3.5 miles of walking trails for on-leash strolls.

Adjacent to the Westport Country Playhouse, Winslow Park is a dog-lovers dream with its rolling off-leash areas, wooded trails, and shaded gathering spots. The dog area is accessible from Compo Road and features waste stations, a watering area, and plenty of room for dogs to roam.

Dog owners seeking luxury homes in Southport will appreciate the  12-acre nature preserve in the heart of the town. Southport Park offers serene trails for leashed dog walks and hosts events like the Earth Day Cleanup. With its historic roots and natural beauty, Southport Park is perfect for quiet, thoughtful walks.

In addition to the grassy park spaces, Fairfield County's Long Island Sound location offers dog owners the unique opportunity to traverse the region's sandy shores.

Dogs are allowed off-leash on Compo Beach from October 1 through March 30. The area near the cannons offers an open span of shoreline where dogs can run and play. There's no fencing, so owners must have voice control, and you'll need to bring your own waste bags.

Fairfield's largest beach, Jennings Beach, opens to dogs during the off-season. It offers a sandy shoreline and gorgeous views of Long Island Sound. Located next to a marina and playground, the beach has ample parking and is a favorite among local dog walkers in the cooler months.

For locals and newcomers alike, these pet-friendly restaurants and parks reflect the very best of Fairfield County: stylish, community-oriented, and always ready to welcome every member of the family.

If you're interested in learning more about any of these extraordinary Connecticut communities, contact Cindy Raney & Team today to be your guide in exploring Fairfield County luxury real estate.