Dog Friendly BBQ Restaurants in Northern Virginia – 8 Of the Best

Being a dog owner is one of the most fulfilling experiences, although it can also be frustrating, especially when navigating where you can and cannot take your dog. As dog owners, we know too well that feeling of never wanting to leave our dog’s side. If you’ve ever been out and about with your pup and wanted to grab a quick bite or a full meal, you know that dread of wondering if the place you want to dine at allows dogs. With plenty of dog-friendly restaurants in Northern Virginia, though, you never have to worry about leaving your pup at home whenever you want an away-from-home dining experience. And if you love a good barbeque, plenty of restaurants are willing to host you and your dog. From restaurants with spacious outdoor seating to pet-centered barbeque joints, here are the best dog-friendly BBQ restaurants in Northern Virginia.

Famous Dave’s Barbeque 

Famous Dave’s Barbeque is an award-winning barbeque restaurant in Alexandria. Dave Anderson opened the first restaurant in 1994 with a desire to create the best barbeque America has ever tasted. Fast forward to today, and the restaurant has amassed more than 700 awards and has become an authority in the BBQ world, earning the reputation of “America’s Best BBQ.” Famous Dave’s serves many unique and delicious protein dishes from ribs, pork, beef brisket, chicken, link sausages, sandwiches, soups, and salads. The restaurant has eight outdoor tables where your dog can join you for a meal.

Red Hot & Blue 

If you want to experience authentic southern-style BBQ, the Red Hot & Blue is the place to be. The first Red Hot & Blue restaurant was opened in 1988 in Arlington, VA, by friends who shared a passion for good ol’ southern BBQ and blues music. For over 30 years, the blues-themed restaurant has served signature hickory smoked barbeque favorites plus regional specialties. The restaurant has six pet-friendly outdoor tables where you can dine with your furry friend.

Pork Barrel BBQ

Pork Barrel BBQ’s story is similar to that of other American entrepreneurs who paved the path to innovation and prosperity. The idea for the restaurant was conceived in 2006 by a group of friends who dreamt of a place that could serve delicious southern-style BBQ. That idea became a reality in the spring of 2008, and the restaurant opened its doors. Since then, the restaurant has won several awards and has even featured on the TV show Shark Tank. Pork Barrel BBQ has a unique menu that includes slow-smoked and dry-rubbed BBQ doused with Carolina-style barbecue sauce. The menu includes smoked turkey, pulled chicken, pulled pork, and creamy chicken salad. The restaurant also features long picnic tables where dogs can join their owners for an unforgettable dining experience.

Mookie’s BBQ

Mookie’s BBQ is a full-service, family-owned restaurant in Great Fall. The restaurant that started as a competition barbecue and catering business offers food made from scratch using locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant offers delicious BBQ standards with unique smoked meat options that push beyond the norm. The spacious interior, outdoor tables on the patio, and full bar offer plenty of seating space for casual meals, groups, and pet owners looking to dine with their beloved pets.

Sweet Fire Donna’s

Sweet Fire Donna’s is another great dog-friendly BBQ restaurant in Northern Virginia that offers unique dining experiences for locals and visitors alike. The restaurant offers meat options like barbeque sandwiches, platters, appetizers, and salads. However, they are renowned for the menu that includes slabs of jumbo pork spareribs, creamy smoked chicken salad, Texas beef sausage sandwich, Pitmaster’s BBQ Nachos, and combo BBA plates with sides of mac n’ cheese, collard greens, and cornbread. Well-behaved canines can dine with their owners at the spacious outdoor tables.

Ruthie’s All-Day

Ruthie’s All-Day is a unique neighborhood, family-friendly BBQ restaurant with a custom-built word-burning hearth. The dog-friendly restaurant in Arlington offers breakfast, coffee, lunch, and dinner options. However, it is well known for its modern take on meat, which includes 100% wood-smoked barbecue. They also have an extensive beverage menu that includes old-world wine classics, cocktails with unique classic favorite twists, and a rotating eight-draft beer menu. Well-behaved pups on a leash are

 welcome to join their owners at one of the outdoor tables on the patio.

Texas Jack’s Barbecue 

If you want to experience authentic American BBQ smoked to perfection in Northern Virginia, try Texas Jack’s Barbecue. Their extensive menu includes signature meat options like St. Louis-style spare ribs, beef brisket, charro sausage, beef short ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, and fried chicken. On top of that, Texas Jack’s Barbecue has a spacious outdoor seating area with dog-friendly tables.

Rocklands Barbeque 

Rocklands Barbeque has served the DC area since 1990 before opening a new location in Arlington in 2007. The Arlington restaurant is famous for its mural and pet-friendly outdoor patio. The menu includes beef brisket, chopped pork, baby back ribs, grilled Italian sausage, and pulled chicken. The restaurant even hosts Yappy hours for dog owners and their furry friends duringthe summer.

Nothing beats a good barbecue in good company, and more so if that company includes an adorable four-legged canine. Northern Virginia has so much to offer when it comes to pet-friendly establishments. When in the mood for a great BBQ, as you can see, many dog-friendly BBQ restaurants in Northern Virginia serve delicious meat options to satisfy all your cravings. But to make the most of your dining experience, your dog must be well-trained to handle the busy restaurant environment and the distractions of outside dining. High-rated professional dog trainers like Off Leash K9 Training can help with basic and advanced obedience training.

Off Leash K9 Training focuses on off-leash obedience training under distraction. Our training packages include “freedom” board & train, basic obedience training, advanced obedience training, aggressive dog training, and a comprehensive puppy training course to give your puppy the best start. Enjoy a stress-free dining experience without worrying about how your dog will react.