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The 10 Best Dog-Friendly Patios in Hamilton for Food, Beer, and Belly Rubs
Ever felt that pang of guilt leaving your dog home while you head out for some fun? They give you those puppy eyes, reminding you that their whole world revolves around you and the four walls of your house.
It’s like they’re waiting for you just like Hachiko at the train station—heartbreaking, eh? But hey, let’s not spiral.
The good news? There are spots in town where you can hang out, grab a bite or a pint, and bring your four-legged sidekick along. Here’s a roundup of the best dog-friendly patios in Hamilton.
B-Side Social
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Address: 17 Augusta St Unit B
Contact details: +1 905-522-5111
Operating hours:
- Monday to Tuesday: 4 PM – 10 PM
- Wednesday to Thursday, Sunday: 4 PM – 11 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 4 PM – 2 AM
Housed in a restored 1895 Victorian home, B‑Side Social feels like a cozy mash-up of history and hip vibes. As you step inside, you’ll find retro artwork, wood finishes, and a lively bar scene—weekends kick the energy up a notch thanks to the live music that starts at 10 PM.
And yes, your pup will love the patio, especially since it’s a solid size with space for around 40 people and enough room that you won’t feel cramped with a leash underfoot. The staff are dog-friendly too, some might even sneak your pup some attention or a water bowl on the side.
Food-wise, you’ll like it even more if you’re into smoky, Southern comfort dishes since their menu leans heavily on house-smoked meats. You can expect juicy briskets, crispy pork belly, jerk chicken, cheddar mac, crab cakes, even Pitmaster BBQ Boards and Seafood Boils.
Pro tip:
To grab a nice spot for you and your dog on the patio, try to swing by just before 5 PM, especially on Fridays or weekends. And if you have dietary preferences, they also serve vegetarian and gluten-free dishes.
Merit Brewing
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Address: 107 James St N
Contact details: +1 905-393-1024
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 12 PM – 10 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 12 PM – 12 AM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 8 PM
When you walk into Merit Brewing, you’ll feel the industrial-chick charm instantly; think high ceilings, Edison bulbs, communal tables, and a view into the working brewery. The small rear patio lets you unwind with your dog leashed beside you, and a water bowl if you need one.
We also like how they keep their menu simple with standouts like house-made sausages, loaded fries, mac and cheese, fried pepperoni, crisp pickles, and a rotating board of gourmet sausages. You can also get vegetarian salads and pickled veggies, or vegan Cauliflower Bhaji Sausages.
And we can’t forget about their craft-forward spirit; they even experiment with beers brewed using fruit loops and host themed events like Milkshake days. Also, flights are available, and the tap list pushes local brewer boundaries.
Pro tip:
If it’s your first time here, order a flight to go with your sausage board, you’ll taste four beers alongside four flavour-packed sausages. And note that early evenings, especially Thursdays, are ideal for snagging dog-friendly seats outside.
Bernie’s Tavern
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Address: 1103 Cannon St E
Contact details: +1 905-312-4510
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 11:30 AM – 11 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 11:30 AM – 12 AM
Bernie’s Tavern has a roomy backyard patio, giving ample seating for you and your furbaby. We even encountered diners and guests who solely came for the convenience of the dog-friendly patio, which is a good sign that dogs are welcomed and not just tolerated.
You’ll be greeted with a cozy but elevated tavern menu with pub classics done well, like towering smash burgers, spaghetti “fingers,” pierogies, crispy wings, and loaded waffle fries with house aioli. And don’t skip the sticky toffee pudding for dessert.
Not to mention, Bernie’s has a secret (well, not exactly) kids’ menu, and many repeat diners bring families with them thanks to its inclusivity. For drinks, their list features great imports and local taps, including Guinness on draft and rotating Ontario crafts.
Pro tip:
Beat the rush and get the best patio spot for your pup by arriving just after their 11:30 AM opening. Also, weeknight waits are minimal, while weekends and brunch can bring lines.
West Town Bar & Grill
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Address: 214 Locke St S
Contact details: +1 905-570-1412
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday: 8 AM – 1 AM
- Thursday to Saturday: 8 AM – 2 AM
West Town Bar & Grill feels like it’s always been a part of Locke Street with its casual, unpretentious atmosphere. They’ve got TVs, an easy space for friendly chatter, and a well-shaded patio with walls that help buffer the street noise.
And speaking of their patio, it’s dog-friendly to the point it’s consistently praised by furparents for welcoming their pups warmly. You can also ask their staff for water bowls, and they’ll be happy to oblige.
To pair their vibe, they offer comfort food like burgers, nachos, sandwiches, Cajun-style pickerel, jambalaya, and breakfast plates like eggs Benedict. They even offer a standout rack of lamb special and seasonal options like spicy cabbage and sausage soup.
Pro tip:
If you want to elevate your burgers, eggs, or any other meal, ask for their “Joe’s famous hot sauce.” It’s made in-house with home-grown ingredients and a spicy secret weapon for different dishes.
Grain & Grit Beer Co.
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Address: 11 Ewen Rd
Contact details: +1 905-769-1320
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday: 12 PM – 9 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 5 PM
We have to say that Grain & Grit Beer Co. nails the industrial-chic look with their high ceilings, communal tables, and taproom. But the patio is the star here; it adds a relaxed, open-air feel perfect for dog-owning groups looking for shade and drinks.
On that note, your dogs are also welcome inside the taproom. It’s also worth mentioning that they stock dog treats like pumpkin, sweet potato, peanut butter, and apple cinnamon bites, which means your pup can have a good time on their garden patio while snacking on treats.
Just keep in mind that it’s a brewery first, so there’s no kitchen. But they regularly host local food vendors and pop-ups, and you can snag items like gourmet grilled cheese from Grilled Gold Eats on Friday nights.
Pro tip:
Grab a flight and make sure you check their events schedule before you go. You can also look out for events like their Dog Day Bash, themed releases, and more.
The Pheasant Plucker
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Address: 20 Augusta St
Contact details: +1 905-529-9000
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 11:30 AM – 2 AM
- Saturday to Sunday: 10 AM – 2 AM
You can find The Pheasant Plucker in a historic 1840s red-brick building with an interior of wood finishes and even rumours of resident ghosts, making it a nice conversation starter. And because of its popularity, particularly on weekend brunch or live music nights, expect some wait.
We can easily tell that dog owners love this place, especially with its reliable patio on Augusta Street. Another thoughtful touch is how staff bring over a water bowl for your pup, which also makes the dogs feel more at ease.
As for their food offerings, expect classics like fish and chips, steak pie, bangers and mash, liver and onions, and even haggis. They also serve elevated handhelds like the Phez burger, honey chicken club, and buttermilk fried chicken sandwich, plus fresh-cut fries or salad on the side.
Pro tip:
For a smooth dog-friendly dining experience, head over after opening on weekdays or early weekend brunch around 11 AM to beat the rush and grab a patio table for you and your dog.
The Ship
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Address: 23 Augusta St
Contact details: +1 905-526-0792
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday:11:30 AM – 12 AM
- Friday to Saturday:11:30 AM – 2 AM
The Ship is an independent gastropub that’s known for its bold burgers, seafood twists, and comfort fare. So, you’ll get to try dishes like French onion or Big Smoke Burgers, duck wings with honey-lime sriracha, catfish po’ boys, crab poutine, and even a vegan bean-patty burger.
This spot also ticks off the dog-friendly box. The hidden rear patio is relaxed and shaded, with ample space for pups on their leashes—you can even expect a water bowl and a few pats on your pup from their staff.
Don’t sleep on their “hidden” menu items, too, like clam chowder poutine and duck wings, which are local favourites. And their beer lineup is focused on Ontario craft beers, making it a go-to for brew lovers.
Pro tip:
If you want a relaxing dog-friendly meal and prime patio seating, arrive just after opening time (around 11:30 AM). You’ll likely snag the back patio seating before the lunch crowd arrives.
Joe Dog’s Gasbar Grill
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Address: 531 Brant St, Burlington
Contact details: +1 905-632-5110
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 11 AM – 12 AM
Pricing: $$
Menu
Website
Joe Dog’s Gasbar Grill has been serving pub favourites for over 25 years; think stone-oven pizzas, giant burgers, chicken wings, slow-cooked ribs, fajitas, and even a kids’ menu. We also caught up to their Wednesday nights that bring out 75-cent wing specials.
And true to its name, they take dog-friendliness seriously. Their front patio and side tiki-bar seating are open to leashed pups, with staff bringing water bowls and even branded bandanas to give your dog a cool new look.
Not to mention, there’s an arcade-style lounge downstairs, a big screen for sports, and live music or DJs on weekends.
Pro tip:
If you’re driving, you’ll find ample parking in municipal lots, so skip the No Frills lot, since cars may get towed.
The Gown & Gavel
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Address: 24 Hess St S
Contact details: +1 905-523-8881
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11 AM – 1 AM
- Friday: 11 AM – 2 AM
- Saturday: 12 PM – 2 AM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 1 AM
Nestled in two beautifully restored Victorian buildings, The Gown & Gavel patio is a summer social magnet. In fact, they even host regular Saturday patio parties, turning the space into a mini-festival of drinks, socialization, and just fun energy.
And yes, their spacious patio—the largest in Hamilton’s Hess Village—is 100% dog-friendly. Plus, we appreciate how their staff is attentive without being overbearing; they’ll serve both you and your dog well.
As for their offerings, they serve crispy chicken wings dusted with jerk spices, fresh-cut fries, pulled poutine, jalapeño poppers, and nachos. Their burger and sandwich lineup is also solid, and pairs well with their drink list, like Strongbow, beer, wine, and cocktails.
Pro tip:
If you’re not after the Saturday energy, consider going midweek or mid-afternoon on weekends to beat the crowd and enjoy a calmer service, especially if your pup isn’t fond of crowds.
Fairweather Brewing Company
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Address: 5 Ofield Rd Unit #1
Contact details: +1 905-570-0606
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 12 PM – 10 PM
- Thursday: 12 PM – 11 PM
- Friday: 12 PM – 10 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM – 10 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM – 8 PM
First things first, Fairweather Brewing Company doesn’t serve food, but what they do offer is a rotating lineup of inventive craft beers, from bold sours like Sweet Life and Baby Steps to crisp IPAs like Green House and High Grade.
But don’t worry, while the food isn’t served on-site, they often partner with pop-up food vendors or encourage guests to bring takeout from nearby spots.
It’s also common for guests to bring their dogs here out on the patio, especially since it’s spacious and welcoming. Some even come with their own blankets or mats for their dogs to lounge on.
Pro tip:
Bring your own favourite takeout or pick up something around the block that would pair well with some beer before you arrive.
