Editor’s note: This article was published in 2024 and updated in June 2025.
You don’t have to leave your four-legged family member behind when you’re dining in Des Moines. Across the Des Moines metro are restaurants with dog-friendly patios perfect for an al fresco experience during the warm-weather months.
Restaurants in Iowa that allow dogs on their outdoor patios must establish rules that include your pet remaining leashed and having a separate entrance to the patio space, per Iowa code.
Here are just some of the places (listed alphabetically) where you can grab a drink or a dish and bring your dog along.
Want to see your restaurant or bar included on this list? Email iowaconnect@gannett.com with details for consideration.
515 Brewing Company, Clive
Well-behaved pets are welcome, says 515 Brewing’s website — just be sure to enter and exit via the patio gate. The brewery is located along the Clive Greenbelt Trail, a paved surface of about 11 miles in length, according to Clive’s parks and recreation department.
For owners, there are 20 rotating taps as well as Midwest-crafted beers, ciders and non-alcoholic beverages.
Where: 7700 University Ave., Clive
Big Grove Brewery, Des Moines (Sherman Hill)
Enjoy views of the downtown Des Moines skyline at Big Grove Brewery’s 12,000-square-foot patio. When Big Grove Brewery isn’t hosting yoga on the patio over the summer, it turns into a dog-friendly dining space for pet owners.
Where: 555 17th St., Des Moines
Confluence Brewing Co., Des Moines
Dog are welcome at Confluence’s outdoor beer garden and deck, however, your four-legged friend can not come indoors to the taproom, according to its website. Use the Gray’s Lake Bike Trail or walk around the fences from the parking lot with your pups to enter the beer garden. Dogs must be leashed at all times and not disrupt others. Disposable bowls and water are available on the patio for dogs as well.
Where: 1235 Thomas Beck Road, Des Moines
Either/Or, Des Moines
It’s fitting that diners can sit inside or outdoors at a restaurant with a name like Either/Or. This Des Moines eatery describes itself as serving elevated American fare serving lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.
The restaurant offers a “massive outdoor space” along with a covered patio, according to Either/Or’s website. There is an acre of grass and green space, plus a playground for kids
Where: 6222 Grand Ave., Des Moines
Gilroy’s, West Des Moines
Share lunch, dinner and even brunch with your pup at Gilroy’s in West Des Moines. The stylish American comfort food restaurant is open seven days a week. Live music is also available on the patio on Wednesday nights.
Where: 1238 Eighth St., West Des Moines
Lua Brewing, Des Moines (Sherman Hill)
Named as one of the best brewpubs in the U.S., Lua Brewing has space for everyone, including your four-legged friends. Lua Brewing offers a patio where your dogs can bask in the sun while you have some local brew.
Where: 1525 High St., Des Moines
Paws & Pints, Des Moines
Known as a place for dogs and their humans, Paws and Pints is a space dedicated to your pups. You don’t have to dine alone. There is a full dog menu with freshly made meals and even dog “beer.” Paws and Pints’ website has helpful tips for owners to review before their dogs’ first visit.
Where: 6218 Willowmere Drive, Des Moines
Scenic Route Bakery, Des Moines (East Village)
Enjoy baked goods and sandwiches in the company of your fur baby at Scenic Route Bakery, the corner coffee shop and cafe that’s been part of the East Village for a decade.
Where: 350 E. Locust St., Suite 104, Des Moines
Sully’s Irish Pub, West Des Moines
You and your dog can visit Sully’s Irish Pub every day of the summer because the West Des Moines bar and restaurant is open 365 days a year, according to its website. Sully’s is also the No. 1 seller of Guinness in the state of Iowa. Every day of the week also has different specials ranging from all-day happy hour to $4 tall boys and seltzers.
Where: 860 First St., West Des Moines
Former Des Moines Register reporter Paris Barraza contributed to this report.
Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: These dog-friendly patios at Des Moines restaurants, breweries make dining with pets easy
Reporting by Paris Barraza and Kate Kealey, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
