7 We Tried: The Most Pet-Friendly Bars and Restaurants on O‘ahu to Grab a Drink With Your Dog

Saturdays were made for day drinking with all the good boys and girls.

By Katie Kenny

Every year we seek out the best food, shopping, services and more for our Best of Honolulu feature. Here are some of the top contenders for Best Place to Grab a Drink With Your Dog—find out who won here! Available on newsstands in July 2019, or purchase the issue at shop.honolulumagazine.com. Subscribe to the print and digital editions now.

Editor’s note: Bars and restaurants in Hawai‘i are only allowed to accept service animals, so we ask that all pet owners be responsible and respectful.

SEE ALSO: HONOLULU Magazine’s Pet Photo Contest 2019

This Hawai‘i rescue pup, and her human, approve these contenders (and their matching outfits from Roberta Oaks).

Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

Happy hour at this popular pizza place boasts great deals on a selection of both food and booze. Head here after a long day at the office (while you were away from your lonely pup), grab an outdoor table and order a whole margherita pizza ($10) and a couple of house wines ($5 each) for less than $20.

150 Ka‘iulani Ave., 1/F, Outrigger ‘Ohana East Hotel, (808) 922-1150, appetitowaikiki.com

SEE ALSO: 2019 Hale ‘Aina Award Winners: The Best Restaurants in Hawai‘i

BAREFOOT CAFÉ

Photos: Katie Kenny

Technically this alfresco eatery along Queen’s Surf Beach shouldn’t be on the list since it does not have any alcohol on the menu. But the favorite casual beachfront hangout of locals and visitors alike allows BYOB, so we think that counts. After a pleasant morning dog walk through the park and along the sand (maybe even a dip in the shallow water), grab a seat at one of the large picnic-style tables for pancakes and a fruit smoothie. And with weekly live music, oceanfront views, delicious beach eats, the fact that it’s just far enough away from the craziness of Waikīkī and that there’s ample shade for the dogs, Barefoot Café presents a solid argument for being named Top Dog.

2699 Kalākaua Ave., (808) 924-2233, barefootbeachcafe.com

Taco Tuesdays at this Chinatown hot spot serves great vibes, stellar discounted soft tacos and a tasty range of tequila tipples. Looking to turn it into a proper pawty? Just add dog. The enclosed outdoor courtyard is a perfect place for you and your dog to take a break from your evening walk. Give your pup a break from the heat while you cram as many tacos into your mouth as you can.

10 N. Hotel St., (808) 367-1656, encoresaloon.com

SEE ALSO: 12 Tasty Ways to Satisfy Your Taco Cravings in Honolulu

ENCORE POP-UP BAR AT KAKA‘AKO SUNSET MARKET

Update: The Kaka‘ako farmers market now only runs on Saturdays, 8 a.m.–noon. Encore does not attend.

The cocktail crafters at the very same Chinatown saloon mentioned above have recently set up shop at the hottest new farmers market on O‘ahu. Every Wednesday night between 4 and 8 p.m., a small market pops up along Ala Moana Boulevard. Dog owners who have been to the Saturday morning markets at the same location know that carrying your fur baby comes with the experience (the black top gets too hot for their paws). So, the Sunset Market is not only more fur-friendly but 100% better now that it is cocktail-fueled.

1050 Ward Ave., facebook.com/kakaakofarmersmarket

SEE ALSO: 5 Reasons to Shop and Eat at the New Wednesday Night Kaka‘ako Farmers Market

Did you think a Hale ‘Aina Award-winning restaurant would make the list? Not only does this seafood spot have a lively bar, spacious dining areas for groups and a famously fresh menu, it also invites dog owners to take a seat out on the outdoor terrace. With views of the harbor and a Kona’s Big Wave Golden Ale in hand, you won’t even feel bad for not sharing any of your furikake pan-seared ‘ahi with your hungry-eyed doggy.

1129 N. Nimitz Highway, (808) 540-1377, nicospier38.com

OFF THE WALL

Update: Off the Wall is no longer a dog-friendly spot.

For the do-it-yourself kinda owner, and anyone who is looking for the best chicken wings in town, there’s no better place than South Shore Market’s newish self-serve bar. Grab a touch card, fill up your glass to the desired amount to sample some (or all!) of the local beers, ciders and wines, and relax with the pooch in the quiet outdoor area. Is the pup feeling hot? Grab a doggie ice cream ($2) from Lucy’s Lab Creamery next door when they have a batch in stock.

1170 Auahi St., (808) 593-BEER (2337), offthewallhawaii.com

SEE ALSO: First Look: Off the Wall Emerges as Ward Village’s Newest Happy Hour Hot Spot

PUKA’S BAR AT KĀHALA WHOLE FOODS

When HONOLULU’s fearless fashionista Brie Thalmann alerted me to a dog menu at Whole Foods’ Kāhala location, I tried my best to internalize my screech of excitement. I have always preferred to end my food shopping experience with a refreshing pint of local lager and now that I can make it a doggy date, I’m in love. It’s tough picking between the grilled hot dog ($4), two mini burgers ($5) and the bacon slices ($4) but such is a lucky dog’s life.

4211 Wai'alae Ave., (808) 738-0820, wholefoodsmarket.com

SEE ALSO: 3 We Tried: Who Has the Best Seafood Tower on O‘ahu?

UNCLE BO’S HALE‘IWA

When we’re up on the North Shore exploring the dog-friendly (and sufficiently shady) beaches and hikes, we always end up at one of Uncle Bo’s outdoor tables. With an extensive menu, ample space for your dog to sniff, nap and beg for cheesy bread, this is just an easy go-to for dog owners. Plus, if you pick the right table outside, you’ll have a nice view of the game playing inside by the bar.

66-111 Kamehameha Highway, #101, Hale‘iwa, (808) 797-9649, unclebosrestaurant.com

Thanks to the alfresco and spacious setup, outdoor area and pup-approved dog menu, the Kaka‘ako location of this local brewery is dog and owner heaven. While you and your human friends enjoy the more extensive (than it’s Waikīkī counterpart) barbecue menu paired with one of the many delicious beers brewed on-site, your furry friends have their pick of either grilled chicken strips or ground beef, both served with white rice ($7 each).

831 Queen St., (808) 591-0387, waikikibrewing.com

And the one we look forward to trying next:

ISLAND DISTILLERS

We hear that the local distillery, which hosts tours and tastings, is also dog-friendly. We like the sound this and are scheduling a taste test and dog date right now. Stay tuned!

577 Pakala St., (808) 492-4632, islanddistillers.com