“Two legs good; four legs bad” doesn’t have to be your dining-out mantra. If your attachment to your dog has forced you to become the king or queen of Styrofoam takeout boxes or if you’re tired of rushing home to let Fido out, it’s time to rethink your approach. A string of stylish restaurants on the North Side and in downtown Chicago offer seasonal outdoor seating to hungry human and canine clientele alike. Even the most capricious dog owners and pets will find their niche in the following assortment of elegant dining locations.
Bordo's Eatery and Sauce
File under: Dine with dogs post-midnight
Bordo’s not only tempts pets with doggie biscuits but also leaves Laffy Taffys and Bazooka Joe gum on the tables for their owners. Although you can only sit with your dog outdoors, it’s worth checking out the interior’s screaming red and blonde walls and gold ceiling, muted only by mauve velvet curtains. The menu of this full-size bar next to a full-size restaurant features plenty of “sauce.” Classic wine and beer selections are offset with a choice of delectable martinis, with the Cherrybomb-Tini, Girl Scout Cookie and Raspberry Truffletini occupying the top of the most requested list. An assortment of pizzas, pastas and sandwiches beckon those who would rather fill their stomachs with solids. Seafood fans will be impressed with the creative use of marine life, such as smoking crab augratin dip, tarragon vegetable shrimp and Bordo’s crab cake.
Cucina Bella Osteria & Wine Bar
File under: Chianti and canines
It is no wonder that Ozzy Osbourne, U2, the Rolling Stones and Madonna all picked Cucina Bella to satisfy their culinary needs. Dining in this Italian restaurant is much like stepping into the boot-shaped country itself: It is packed with loud colors, friendly people and mouth-watering Mediterranean eats. The cacciatore pasta with chicken, mushrooms, olives, marinara and parmesan and the succulent pear poached in Chianti with caramel sauce and toasted walnuts are among the most sought after menu choices. If the Chianti-soaked pear doesn’t bring color to your cheeks, fear not; the list of red, white and sparkling Italian and European wines will. Sample the wines while sitting at one of the crimson tables, or step through the bright yellow veils to the 1800s Brunswick bar for a sip. In addition, your pooch’s needs won’t be neglected. All dogs enjoying the outdoor tables are welcome to a gratis taste of Italy: A mouthful of pasta and some water.
Cyrano's Bistro & Wine Bar
File under: Fido goes French
The French flag proudly waves in front of this establishment, signifying the homeland pride of its chef and owner, Didier Durand. He has compiled a deliciously accurate culinary and cultural representation of his native Bergerac (hence the mention of Cyrano de Bergerac in the bistro’s title.) A heap of French paintings, sculptures and decorations adorn the restaurant’s walls and corners, creating a warm country feel. Several roosters, which are symbolic of French hospitality, are perched on thick wooden beams throughout. Curious visitors can observe the master chef at work on a bench by the lively kitchen. It is no wonder that soon after, many can’t wait to dive into the classic pommes frites and soup du jour, or the more exotic garlic escargots and chilled vichyssoise. If you are bringing your four-legged friend, make sure to take advantage of their $5 Wednesday doggy menu. Your pooch will go to French heaven after a lick of special doggy beef, dairy, ostrich and rice bites.
Brasserie Jo
File under: Dedicated to dogs
Rumor has it that this brasserie was once a bank, which would explain the black and white mosaic floor and the maze of colossal Greek-style support columns. Upon entering, a gargantuan clock and backlit wall will command your attention to a gleaming zinc bar to the right, while oversized rectangular lights elucidate a wall of mirrors to the left, expanding the space further. Even if you don’t care to explore the restaurant’s inimitably busy style, your dog will.
This French-imported restaurant has pampered doggies with such activities as fashion shows in the past and plans on doing so again, with a special doggie dinner on Sept. 13. On any other day, your dog can indulge on the complimentary steak tartar while you do likewise in the restaurant’s French and Belgian beers, Alsatian wines, shrimp, mushroom, escargots and lobster delicacies. If you are interested in saving a few bucks, wear a beret (or any hat for that matter) on a Thursday and you will be awarded a free "Chocolate Hat” creation. Bartenders also pass around tastes of a tarte flambee to Tuesday night bar-goers.
Uncommon Ground
File under: Uncommonly friendly to canines
As the title suggests, this is far cry from an ordinary cafe. The inside radiates comfort: Polished hardwood floors meet bare brick walls as the fireplace warms the senses even during the chilliest months. Ever-changing local artists’ work brings a funky edge to the cafe’s homey feel. Paintings, photographs and even installations have all taken their turn as wall centerpieces.
The dinner specials vary almost as much as the artwork; past favorites include the roast swordfish, tri-color cavatappi, and Italian sausage, mushroom and goat cheese pizza. The “uncommon” macaroni and cheese is worth trying simply to find out why it is labeled so. (It’s topped with seven-year-aged cheddar cheese and tomato chutney). The rest of the menu boasts hand-made healthy food, 75 percent of which is vegetarian. Dogs are often seen hanging out under the large shady umbrellas outside, taking pleasure in water and a doggie biscuit while their owners indulge in whatever’s on their own plate.
Cullen's Bar & Grill
File under: Pet-friendly to the max
Cullen’s screams two things: Irish tradition and “pet-friendliness.” Your pooch will appreciate the welcoming jars of biscuits and tin water bowls by Cullen’s open-air seating area. In contrast to the bright outdoor flower pots, the bar’s interior has a dark yet energetic vibe, reinforced by the dim tin ceiling and wood accents. Booths line the walls, which are covered in Irish art ranging from William Yates to less known but nonetheless original work. The pictures on the back wall serve as a tribute to dead celebrities. Stop by on a Tuesday to take in live Celtic music. In the meantime, try the British, Irish, American and even Oriental eats, such as the Kinsale fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, all-American turkey club and teriyaki chicken salad.
Gallery Cafe
File under: The art of snacking well
If your eyes are too tired to take in an art show, you can cheat by going to the Gallery Cafe. This place lives up to its name by incorporating artistic elements into both its decor and menu. A painter’s palate above the door greets customers on their way in and out. Depending on the month, a series of local artists’ photography, pastels or acrylic paintings hang on the bright walls.
Food-wise, get your mocha-banana milkshake fix with your pick off the oven-roasted sandwich menu. All sandwiches are a witty nod to popular artists from the past. The BLT is the lone sandwich with a telltale title amongst the Dali, Kandinsky, Rembrandt and Michelangelo. However, naming the steamed egg, bacon, tomato and sprout creation the “Da Vinci” was an interesting choice, considering the innovator was a fervent animal lover and vegetarian. You can bite into your artist, err, sandwich of choice in the outdoor seating area while your dog digs into a doggie biscotti and a bowl of water.
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