Now that summer is in full swing, there’s no better time to discover Nevada County’s large variety of pet-friendly cafes and watering holes. While all of these businesses extend a warm welcome to our fur friends, most require your pooch remain leashed and well-mannered while visiting.
1849 Brewing Co
468 Sutton Way, Grass Valley, CA, 530.477.1849
Mostly frequented by a younger crowd, 1849 offers a fun, boisterous scene offering wood-fired pizza, pool tables, microbrews, live music and a large outdoor patio. And if you’re looking for something other than pizza, you’ll find a diverse menu, from paninis and cauliflower wings to soups and salads.
Afternoon Deli
101 W. McKnight Way, Grass Valley, Ca, 530.273.6066
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the patio at this hidden gem, tucked in the back of the (new-and-improved) The Grove strip mall next to Target. Afternoon Deli is so much more than sandwiches. In addition to burgers, they have salads, gyro and falafel, and an abundance of veg-friendly options, like tempeh reuben, tofu clubs, tofu cheesesteaks and more.
Brewhaus
300 Spring St., Nevada City, CA, 530.205.3924
“Great people, good times” is the motto of this relative newcomer to downtown Nevada City, where a vibrant patio atmosphere, casual chic decor, delicious Brewbilt craft beer and full menu of German fare has been known to draw a crowd. Don’t miss the oversized German pretzels. They’re yummy!
Briarpatch Food Co-op
290 Sierra College Dr., Grass Valley, CA, 530.272.5333
Sure, Briarpatch offers a great go-to spot to shop local, organic and sustainable food and goods, but this whole foods co-op also provides a spacious, friendly outdoor patio where you can kick back with your pet and people-watch to your heart’s content over a cup of Joe and a bite from the deli.
Communal Cafe
233 Broad St., Nevada City, CA, 530.264.7240
Coffee, food, juice, beer, wine and community come together in this large, wood-toned gathering spot located in the heart of Nevada City. Work on your laptop or meet up with friends for a light lunch between the exposed brick walls accented with local art.
Diego’s Restaurant
217 Colfax Ave., Grass Valley, CA, 530.477.1460
Where else in town can you enjoy traditional South American food, like house-made Chilean bread rolls, enchiladas and Latin-style crepes, while your pet lounges under your legs on a mosaic tile art-inspired patio?
Flour Garden Bakery
999 Sutton Way, Grass Valley, CA, 530.272.2043
Tucked in the middle of the Gold Country Center shopping center, this bakery cafe offers a convenient place to relax and enjoy coffee and conversation over a slice of pie, a tart or one of many homemade soups and sandwiches made from scratch daily. Personally, I go for the bagels, which are always hot and fresh. While there’s more than one location, I recommend the Sutton Way site as there’s plenty of outdoor seating.
Fudenjuce
815 Zion St., Nevada City, CA, 530.265.5282
Healthy fresh-pressed juices, smoothies, wraps, homemade soups and vegan options make this casual, hippie-friendly patio environment a top pick for pet owners.
Gold Vibe Kombuchary
12615 Charles Dr., Grass Valley, CA, 530.802.7337
A short drive from Brunswick Village lies a dog- and family-friendly fun zone where they serve kombucha, beer and non-alcoholic drinks. You can play ping pong or board games, grab vegan fare from a food truck, listen to live music and, best of all, your leashed, well-behaved dog is always welcome. Don’t miss Pups & Pints noon-3 p.m. on Saturdays, where you can enjoy happy hour prices for bringing your fur friend. Plus, pups get free treats and toys!
Grass Valley Brewing Co.
141 E. Main St., Grass Valley, CA 530.271.2739
A fan-favorite of locals, Grass Valley’s 15-barrel craft brewery serves a variety of tap beer as well as hard ciders, kombucha and delicious burgers, sandwiches and salads in a casual indoor/outdoor industrial-style environment.
Lika’s Quarter Cafe
401 Commercial St., Nevada City, CA, 530.265.6138
Lika’s offers a well-shaded courtyard-style patio at the corner of Commercial and York streets. You can park your pooch under a table and the iconic cherry tree as you savor French-American cuisine off an eclectic menu, ranging from breakfast and burgers to cheese and charcuterie boards.
Jernigan’s Tap House & Grill
123 Argall Way, Nevada City, CA, 530.265.6999
Kick back on the covered patio, grab a brew and tuck into delicious, locally sourced dishes at this vibrant, sometimes rowdy sports bar and restaurant.
Pete’s Pizza & Tap House
114 W. Main St., Grass Valley, CA, 530.274.9600
Stone-baked pizza, a chalkboard-long list of beers and casual outdoor seating makes Pete’s the perfect pit stop to enjoy a slice with your pet on the patio while visiting downtown Grass Valley.
Three Forks Bakery & Brewing Co.
211 Commercial St., Nevada City, CA, 530.470.8333
Three Forks’ large outdoor patio offers a welcoming atmosphere to pet owners, locals and tourists, who gather on the regular at this friendly, small-town restaurant favored for its wood-fired pizza, craft beer and locally sourced artisan breads, soups, salads, sweet treats and more.
Tofanelli’s Gold Country Bistro
302 West Main St., Grass Valley, CA, 530.272.1468
When your pet is your plus-one, live music, great food and a large award-winning, landscaped outdoor patio makes Tofanelli’s a prime spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner.