I mostly cook, but every once in a while, I want to meet friends out for a bite to eat after a hike with my dog (Jersey). However, as a general rule, dogs aren’t allowed in restaurants. Something about health code, I imagine, but since Jersey is the only reason my kitchen floor is crumb-free, I think we’re missing an opportunity here. The nice side-step here is “patio dining.” As long as the weather’s nice (and it’s nice all summer long), there are quite a few dining options around Tahoe South, where a well-behaved human and her dog are welcome. Here are my top five picks:

MacDuff’s Public House
MacDuff’s has plenty of patio seating and a grassy lawn, a little bit of a lake view, and is centrally located in town. A local’s favorite, there are more than a few gems on the menu, but do not skip the artichoke spinach dip. Seriously -- I cannot stress that enough. Artichoke dip!

Sno Flake Drive In
They have tasty burgers and shakes, but in our view, this is the spot for grabbing a soft serve ice cream cone before heading down to the Regan Beach dog park. If they see Jersey waiting patiently at a picnic table, they usually offer her a treat, too!

Blue Angel Café
Yum! I love all of their food, but the Wednesday night pasta special is a great deal. They have a few tables set-up for dining along Ski Run Blvd., and are in a great location for people-watching. I love the excellent service, local vibe, and weeknight specials.

Murphy’s Irish Pub
Located on Emerald Bay Road, Murphy’s is our go-to stop on the way home from dog-friendly Kiva Beach. With a fantastic patio area and fenced grassy area, Jersey always has a great time playing with the other dogs and searching for fries. Add a burger and a beer for me, and we have the makings of a great evening. 

Sprouts Natural Foods Café
In a great location near Lakeview Commons and Regan Beach, Sprouts Café has a nice patio seating area and an awesome menu. The food is always great, fresh and healthful, and the smoothies are out of this world.

Enjoy!

Please note: Well-behaved humans only! If you are grouchy, beg at other people’s tables, don’t clean up after yourself, or like to bite – maybe it’s a good night for take-out.

-- Georgette Riley

Georgette is a South Lake Tahoe resident and the newly-minted marketing coordinator for the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority. Jersey, a lab-mix, enjoys long hikes, bike rides and swims, but her favorite pastime is picking up any French fries that get dropped to the ground.