The Commercial Appeal | For those who want to dine out with their dogs, new law offers patio option

Image: Commercial Appeal

Every day can be Bring Your Pooch to Dinner Day in Wilmington, Delaware where the hottest trend to hit the market is a pet-friendly dining experience. This fall, it’s easy to enjoy an intimate afternoon of dining out with your dog – Wilmington now boasts nine dog-friendly restaurants in the downtown area alone! Here is a list of the best of the best.

First up is Brew Ha Ha. The Tuscan décor perfectly complements the casual atmosphere of this Wilmington breakfast staple with a pet-friendly patio. Brew Ha Ha was awarded Best of Delaware 19 years in a row for their rich roasts of coffee and cappuccinos. They boast a hearty breakfast menu sure to satisfy your pastry and morning beverage cravings and their patio is the perfect place to relax with your pet after a breezy morning stroll.

Coming in at a close second is the Iron Hill Brewery. This pet-friendly pub offers a fine selection of craft beers and on Wednesday, October 23rd, they are running a fall beer dinner special. The special includes five courses and five beers for $65. In addition to being dog friendly, The Iron Hill Brewery is also active in the local community – during Oktoberfest, this establishment will hold an Oktoberfest after party in the form of a charitable community benefit. The festivities will include live entertainment, contests, prizes and giveaways. Being pet-friendly and charitable puts the Iron Hill Brewery at the top of the trend list (along with being a few blocks away from the The Residences Riverfront Wilmington apartments!)

Coming in third with a four star rating on Yelp, Open Table, and Yahoo Travel is the upscale Italian eatery known as Piccolina Toscana. This contemporary styled restaurant boasts an extremely spacious patio to give you, your dog, and your party of twelve plenty of room. Piccolina Toscana is ideal for large families who happen to also be dog lovers. They were Spark Magazine’s pick for the Best Food of 2010 and they pride themselves on being pet- and eco-friendly. Their new farm table is built entirely from recycled barn wood and was hand-crafted by Milk Truck Vintage.

There are many other dog-friendly restaurants in Wilmington that deserve an honorable mention. Jake’s Hamburgers and Café Mezzanotte have just joined in on the trend. Dining out with your pet is a unique and exciting way to enjoy your day in Wilmington, Delaware.