If you are a pet parent, you are constantly on the lookout for places to hang out with your pet. In the past few years, places in Chennai have become increasingly friendly and more accepting with open doors to host you and your pet. Here is a list of 10 dog friendly places your dog can accompany you to:
Alai Osai The Family Restaurant, Akkarai
This is a seafood restaurant with a unique concept of hook and cook. You get to eat the freshest catch of the day. There is a huge pond with fish of different varieties where you have the opportunity to do fishing and the catch is cooked in a marinade of your choice. If you do not have the time to enjoy fishing, they do have a live seafood counter with options such as lobsters, mud crabs, prawns and live fish. The atmosphere is breezy and it looks very beautiful with the lights at night which is perfect for your date with your pet. They also have an in-house dog and are very accommodative. Your pet can sit with you at the table and the best part is there is no need for any prior table reservation and you can just walk in. So, do not miss this restaurant if you are a seafood lover.
Address | Sholinganallur Main Rd, Akkarai, Injambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600115 |
Timings | 12:30pm – 4pm, 6:30pm-11:00pm |
Avg. cost for two | Rs. 200 – Rs. 5000 |
Recommended Dishes and Drinks | Crab lollipop, fish gravy |
The Bark, Alwarpet
This place is one of the first few dog cafes in Chennai. Many social events are conducted to create awareness on pet adoption such as the “Adoptathon” (an event where adopting pets is the main goal conducted by an animal welfare NGO). They have outdoor and indoor seating areas. You can take your pet along and sit at the outdoor seating area where dining service is available with a view of their pack of in-house dogs. They have a Golden retriever, Beagle, Bully kutta, Shih tzu etc. and your pet can improve his/her social skills by interacting with them too. They also provide a water bowl and food options for your pet so you do not have to enjoy the delicious food alone. You could also book the backyard space and celebrate your pet’s birthday and invite their doggy friends.
Address | 40, Maharaja Surya Rao Rd, Dutch Village, Venus Colony, Alwarpet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600018 |
Timings | Monday-Sunday 12:00pm-11:00pm |
Avg. cost for two | ₹950 (approx.) |
Recommended Dishes and Drinks | Cookie crumble shake, hazelnut pastry, fettuccine pasta, baked potato, Thai green curry, Chicken lasagna (Source – Zomato) |
Sandy’s chocolate laboratory, RA Puram
This place is popular among the gourmets. They are known for their yummy decadent desserts and café style food. The presentation of food is the main highlight of the place such as yummy chocolate milkshakes served in beakers true to their concept. Their motto is – “Life is short, eat dessert first”. They have an indoor and outdoor seating area. Your pet can sit with you at the table outdoors and enjoy spending quality time with you. They also offer a water bowl for your pet. Do not miss this café if you are a dessert lover and love café style food.
Address | 84, 1st Main Rd, opposite to RR Donnelley, Raja Annamalai Puram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600028 |
Timings | Monday to Sunday 7am-2am |
Avg. cost for two | ₹900 (approx.) |
Recommended Dishes and Drinks | Tiny chocolate cake, mezze platter, lasagna, hot chocolate, sausage, tiramisu (Source – Zomato) |
Sage & Lavender Bistro, Alwarpet
This all day bistro offers cuisines inspired by food from around the world. The food is nourishing, diverse and suitable to many a palate. It is a picturesque place in a quiet location with a lot of natural light and breeze giving a rustic look. They have an outdoor and indoor seating area and pets are allowed to be in the outdoor dining area. It is preferred if you make a reservation before dining. They are also work environment friendly so your pet can hang out with you while you attend your meetings.
Address | NEW, NO: 279, TT Krishnamachari Rd, next to Old Madras Baking Company, Alwarpet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600018 |
Timings | Monday to Friday – 12pm-11pm Saturday to Sunday – |
Avg. cost for two | ₹1,200 (approx.) |
Recommended Dishes and Drinks | Grilled chicken, spaghetti in sun-dried tomato, mutton chukka (Source – Zomato) |
KUP Coffee Roasters, Thousand Lights
For all the coffee lovers out there, this place is heaven. This is a small cafe which serves artisanal coffee of single origin, ice creams, food and more. If you want to read your book whilst the company of your pet and some great coffee in a vibrant atmosphere do not miss this place. They have indoor and outdoor seating options and are usually a busy hangout. Don’t forget to call and book your table before you go.
Address | KUP., 7/2, Pycrofts Garden Rd, Thousand Lights West, Thousand Lights, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600006 |
Timings | 11am-11pm |
Avg. cost for two | Rs. 900- Rs. 1200 |
Recommended Dishes and Drinks | Soft centred cake, Madagascar hot chocolate, lemon iced tea (Source – Zomato) |
The Farm, Semmancheri
This eat out is perfect for a day’s break from the hustle and bustle of the city. The food they serve is exclusively based out of their farm. The dairy products such as curd, ghee, butter are made from milk of the livestock they raise in the farm. They do play host to a few horses as well. They have coconut groves, rice fields and plantations in their farm. They also allow school visits or a complimentary farm walk after your heavy lunch to balance out the meal. This is available between 1:30pm-4:00pm on working days for a duration of 30 minutes. Some baked goods, dairy products, pickles, a varied variety of coffee beans, honey and fresh produce are also available for sale in their farm shop. There is no reason to miss spending a quiet day out with your fur baby where a picnic is given a modern twist and you spend exclusive personal time without gadgets.
Address | V68G+MCV, 1-277, Old Mahabalipuram Road, near by cell petrol pump, Kamaraj Nagar, Semmancheri, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600119 |
Timings | Wednesday – Sunday 11am-6pm |
Avg. cost for two | ₹1,800 (approx.) |
Recommended Dishes and Drinks | Kadhi pakora, paneer parantha, paneer fingers, turkey, french toast, mango lassi (Source – Zomato) |
Scooby’s cafe – Nungambakkam
This is one of the first cafes in Chennai to welcome pets with open paws. The menu is curated especially with a wide range of dishes like dog friendly pizza’s, pastas, spaghetti, cakes and cupcakes. They also have human friendly food. You can host pet birthday parties and spend some play time with them. There is a pet shop and veterinary clinic attached in the same compound too to complete any other pet related errand too.
Address | 9, Jaganathan Rd, Ponnangipuram, Tirumurthy Nagar, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600034 |
Timings | 8am-8pm |
Avg. cost for two | ₹300 (approx.) |
Recommended Dishes and Drinks | Bakery, sandwich, desserts, beverages, coffee (Source – Zomato) |
Les Amis – Alwarpet
If you have an avid interest in French cuisine and culture you must visit this café/gelateria. The best part is not only you, but your pet also can experience that feeling of “The Kid in the ice cream shop”. They have pupsicles or pet friendly popsicles that your pet can enjoy. The first floor has an exclusive coffee bar and some special baked goods and the ground floor has a flower shop to pamper yourself. The sorbet, gelato flavours, pastries and toasts etc. change according to season. The kitchen is left transparent to the customer and the product gives a feel of the excellent quality they have embarked upon.
Address | New, No.83, Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar Rd, Raja Annamalai Puram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600028 |
Timings | Monday – Thursday – 12pm – 1am Saturday – Sunday – 10am – 1am |
Avg. cost for two | ₹1,000 for two people (approx.) |
Recommended Dishes and Drinks | Baileys Ice Cream, Gelato Ice Creams, Waffles, Coffee, Chocolate, Dessert (Source – Zomato) |
Top Dog Resort – Uthandi
This place doubles as a day care centre and pet boarding for your pet. Your dog is encouraged to swim when under their care and supervision. You can also take your dog out for an hourly based swimming session in the hot summers when you feel they need some time out to themselves because not only us humans, our pets need some recreational self time too. Swimming provides numerous benefits for dogs but it is important to remember that not all dogs love the water, some are not comfortable and you must not force them. Hence introduce them to water slowly and observe their reaction. There are plenty of other activities you can still do with your pet if they are not comfortable with this activity in particular.
Address | 3/169, Nainarkuppam, Uthandi, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600119 |
Timings | 9am-6pm |
Price | Approx. Rs. 750 |
The beach
Chennai plays host to numerous beaches such as the Marina beach, Elliot’s beach etc. Entry is free and you and your pet can enjoy the sand dunes, ocean waves while building castles and enjoying a beach side picnic. Your pet can also accompany you while you play games or go on the merry go round and enjoy beach style food. However one must be wary of your dog catching ticks. Take sufficient water, dog sunscreen, food and some toys to play fetch.
The places listed above are great for bonding time with your pet but this pet friendly facility is subject to change based on weather conditions or other miscellaneous reasons. We would suggest you call the hangout to confirm the availability so that your pet and you do not return home disappointed on a sad note. Take out the leash and enjoy café hopping.
Mayuri,
Clinical Dietitian, Simplyweight
