Doggie meatloaf at Café Lago
For three years, Gabriela Kovacic battled with city hall to allow dogs on restaurant patios. Eventually, she won, and Café Lago became Dallas’ first legal dog-friendly establishment. The result? A much better atmosphere. “When a human came in with their dog, immediately people started interacting,” Kovacic says. “It brings everyone down to a friendlier level. They’re willing to converse with others.” She took the idea even further, developing the “puppy menu,” which includes safe canine cuisine like scrambled eggs, sliced turkey meat, grilled chicken and Nanny’s Homemade Meatloaf — a blend of meats, fat, veggies and oats. But no onions — those are on the “doggie die list,” a collection of foods that make mutts sick. Fifteen percent of puppy menu sales benefits the East Lake Pet Orphanage. Besides the pet-friendly environment, Café Lago has gained popularity for its authentic sangria and tasty tapas, such as the corn pudding topped with an aromatic poblano cream sauce. The menu also includes lots of veggie dishes. Try the purple risotto, which is packed with celery, broccoli and spinach. The herbs are picked from the Promise of Peace organic garden. “To me, healthfulness is really important,” Kovacic says. “If you’re going to eat something, you don’t want to feel miserable afterward.”
Café Lago
9219 Garland
214.320.0726
Three more dog-friendly patios:
1 Capitol Pub
On a cool afternoon, you’ll see several patrons and their pooches enjoying bottomless mimosas at this Henderson Avenue establishment.
Henderson & Capitol
214.887.9330
2 Garden Café
Grab some garden-fresh grub at this neighborhood cult favorite, which serves dogs, too, depending on their diet.
Junius & Henderson at Munger Square Center
214.887.8330
3 Twisted Root Burger
Located across the street from Deep Ellum Dog Park, this famed burger spot is a convenient stop along the way.
Commerce & Good Latimer
214.741.7668
