< Previous40 COASTMONTHLY.COM | AuguST 2023 FEATURE TAIL-WAGGING TIMES Pet-friendly patios, palapas and places abound on the Texas coast story by LAURA PENNINO P et owners tend to enjoy eating, drinking, playing, traveling and shopping with their furry friends. Parks, beaches and garden centers typically welcome dogs and puppies on leashes and, in some cases, also cats and kittens in escape-proof strollers or carriers. But what about bars, restaurants, shops and hotels? Here are just a few of many establishments on the upper Texas coast that welcome well-mannered canines of all ages and sizes. Check with venues in advance to be sure your pup is allowed to come along and remember that calling and speaking with a staff member or manager is a smart idea. Many websites and social media sites don’t specify pet policies. JENNIFER REYNOLDS COASTMONTHLY.COM | AuguST 2023 41 DIANA’S BARTIQUE Proprietor Diana Miller loves dogs and usually has pet treats to share with them. Fifi and Fido can hang out while their parents sip and shop in the bou- tique bar. During Mardi Gras season, Diana’s Bartique is a comfortable rest stop, especially for tired paws after the Galveston Island Humane Society’s Barkus and Meoux parade. Diana’s Bartique, 2425 The Strand, Suite 100, Galveston FRECKLEBERRY TEAHOUSE Friendly dogs are welcome any time — inside and out. And own- er Kahla Bankston tells us one family is known to bring a cat in a carrier, too. This picture-perfect and peaceful place in the island’s downtown is filled with good vibes for people and pets. An ample col- lection of carefully arranged indoor and outdoor seating areas makes Freckleberry a popular place for meetings, studying, working remote- ly or socializing while your faithful companion patiently waits at your feet. An extensive menu of colorful and creative hot and cold teas and coffees with delectable add-ons and add-ins tempt and tease the senses. Perhaps your dog would like some fresh mint in her water bowl? Freckleberry Teahouse, 2724 Market St., Galveston GALVESTON ISLAND BREWING Home to Tiki Wheat, which is known as the Official Beer of Galveston, and the “Heroes and Hounds” firefighter cal- endar signing event for many years, this island hydration station is extra kind to dogs, which are allowed inside the tap room as well as outside in the yard. The only place off limits for the fur kids is the actual brewhouse. Water bowls and pet treats come with the territory. Galveston Island Brewing, 8423 Stewart Road, Galveston (Above) Freckleberry Teahouse in downtown Galveston welcomes friendly dogs any time, inside and out. (Opposite) Penny carries a bean bag from a corn hole game at Texas Tail Distillery in Galveston. CO u RTESY KAHLA BANKSTON JACKIE’S BRICKHOUSE The outdoor patio is the place for dogs on leashes to see and be seen while their pet parents are munching down on a wide range of appetizers, entrées, desserts and sipping beverages of all types. Each spring, boiled crawfish is a key attraction. Servers are accommo- dating with water for their four-legged customers. On busy weekends, be sure to allow a bit of extra time. Live music is featured most days and nights. Jackie’s Brickhouse, 1053 Marina Bay Drive, Kemah42 COASTMONTHLY.COM | AuguST 2023 FEATURE NOAH’S ARK RESTAURANT & PALAPA BAR Two shaded patios and tables with umbrellas shield dogs and their owners from the Texas sun as they listen to the beat of live music that can be heard from the upstairs indoor bar and restaurant. Dogs who like to cool off can lead their human handlers over to the dock across the street and wade into the water for a swim. Noah’s Ark Restaurant & Palapa Bar, 4438 Boulevard St., Bacliff PIER 6 SEAFOOD & OYSTER HOUSE Billed as a “tide-to-table” premier restaurant by Raz Halili of Prestige Oysters fame, Pier 6 is a “non-tour- isty” place to go for great views and rave-worthy Gulf of Mexico seafood (From top) Galveston Island Brewing employee Lauren Miller offers up treats to pups Petey and Camo at the brewery in Galveston; Mike Niebuhr enjoys a beer with his dogs, Lilly, left, and Raine in the yard at the brewery. PHOTOS: ST u ART VILLAN u EVA COASTMONTHLY.COM | AuguST 2023 43 (Right, from top) Adrianna Garcia offers water to Chaplin, her friend’s dog, under the palapa at Jackie’s Brickhouse in Kemah; Tim Stephens and his wife, Eunice, have brunch with their Bedlington terriers, Wednesday, front, and Echo, at Lil’ Buffalo Grille in Galveston. The patio between the restaurant and Sugar Bean Coffee and Cream in the Evia neighborhood is a popular spot for dogs and their owners. ST u ART VILLAN u EVA JENNIFER REYNOLDS offerings. Dogs always are welcome on the shaded patio. You and your dog might also be happy to know about the 50-cent oyster happy hour deals on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Heads up for pet parents: be sure to bring water bowls for your fur babies. Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House, 113 Sixth St., San Leon SUGAR BEAN COFFEE & CREAM AND LIL’ BUFFALO GRILLE This coffee shop and neighboring restaurant are separate entities but share a generous outdoor common space where people with pets take in idyllic lake views and play lawn games in the secluded Galveston neighborhood Evia. Sugar Bean, known for coffee, smoothies and other treats, welcomes dogs to enjoy whip cream cups from baristas, long walks around the neighborhood and grass areas for play time. Lil’ Buffalo Grille and Sugar Bean both love greeting four-legged friends on leashes by accommo- dating them with water cups on hot days. A rustic-feel restaurant, Lil’ Buffalo Grille serves breakfast, lunch and dinner — American fare with some Tex-Mex twists — while also offering its most popular hu- man treat — large chocolate chip cookies. Out on the lawn, games for family and friends are offered under- neath the string lights at night and live music during the summertime. Some visitors enjoy their coffee with their pets in gazebos overlooking lakes, the perfect perch for coastal birdwatching. Sugar Bean Coffee & Cream, 11 Evia Main; Lil’ Buffalo Grille, 13 Evia Main, Galveston TEXAS TAIL DISTILLERY Wagging tails frequently are spot- ted at this distillery that specializes in small batch whiskey, vodka and rum crafted with locally sourced ingredients for enjoyment on or off premises. Four-legged patrons on leashes are allowed not only in the large outdoor spaces, but also inside the restaurant/bar/tasting room. Monthly food and drink specials are posted online. Texas Tail Distillery, 2416 Postoffice St., Galveston THE TREMONT HOUSE Water bowls outside the main entrance are sure signs dogs are welcome here. Bumping into some- one you know with their faithful canine companion or two in tow is a common thing at The Tremont. Live music often is available and the dogs love it, too. A favorite among Galveston residents and visitors alike, this historic venue graciously welcomes dogs up to 40 pounds as overnight guests. Dogs and their humans can relax and unwind at the café, lobby bar and rooftop bar as well as in the guest rooms. Ask about the pet policy before booking accommodations. 2300 Ship Mechanic Row, Galveston WATERMAN’S RESTAURANT AND MARINA The expansive outdoor decks and the dock bar welcome patrons with pets. Dogs and their owners can enjoy live music, tasty dishes, refreshing drinks and spectacular views. Although a special dog menu isn’t available, just ask your server for food recommendations to please your pup’s palate. How about roasted sweet potatoes and steamed green 44 COASTMONTHLY.COM | AuguST 2023 FEATURE (From top) Penny, a red heeler, gets a belly rub from owner Lani Wilson on the patio at Texas Tail Distillery in Galveston; Zane Spence and Kinley White frequently bring their dogs Milo, left, and Banjo, to dinner or brunch on the patio at Yaga’s Cafe in Galveston. PHOTOS JENNIFER REYNOLDS beans with grilled chicken or salmon? Waterman’s Restaurant and Mari- na, 14302 Stewart Road, Galveston YAGA’S CAFÉ Dogs are most welcome on the pa- tio of this eatery in the island’s Strand Historic District downtown. Enjoy pizza, burgers, refreshing salads, adult beverages and companionship of your favorite canine while taking in the bustling downtown views. Yaga’s Café, 2314 Strand, Galveston Daily News reporter Camryn Bacon contributed to this report.Find A Home The Entire Family Will LVE Visit Often? Stay Always! MELISSA REKOFF BROKER ASSOCIATE melissa@onyxrealtygrouptx.com mygalvestondreamhome.com 409-996-9838 Educators Start by bringing in moving boxes early. Avoid changing routines Acclimate pet to moving crate/carrier, if necessary Familiarize yourself with new pet ordinances, licensing, leash laws, etc. Bring along bowls for water & food/snacks, bed/blankets, leash, medication, and favorite toy(s). Make frequent potty and stretch breaks Once you arrive, acclimate your pet to your new home & neighborhood. Let pet adjust at own pace. Give extra love and snuggles. Update tags with new info and if necessary, find a new & trusted vet. Find A Home The Entire Family Will LVE Visit Often? Stay Always! Tips for moving with a pet Tips for moving with a petExquisite Homes Laffite’s Cove, Galveston TX 3425 Petite Circle | $3,850,000 3235 Lafittes Point | $2,000,000 13823 Doubloon Avenue | $408,000 13243 Binnacle Way | $1,699,000 For Sale For Sale Sold For Sale 281.773.3477 bjennings@greenwoodking.com Chase Jennings, Associate chasejennings@greenwoodking.com BET JENNINGS 2022 Real Trends America’s Best Real Estate Pros in Galveston & Texas Specializing in the Pirates communities: Laffite’s Cove, Pirates Cove, Pirates Beach & Pirates Beach West A long-time resident of Laffite’s Cove Director of Laffite’s Cove Board Pirates POA & UTMB Development Board48 COASTMONTHLY.COM | AuguST 2023 FEATURE PUTTING ON THE DOG A pair of coastal hotels provide opulent digs for four-legged family members story by B. SCOTT MCLENDON V acationers seeking luxurious accommodations have found opulent offerings on the upper Texas coast for more than a century. It’s the playground and pampering spot of choice for millions of hu- mans across the state and nation. And it’s quickly becoming a premiere destination for pup-friendly excursions, as well. Sun-soaked shores and lushly lined waterways create an ideal outdoor getaway for dog-loving families. But as welcoming as the coast’s landscape has been for dogs, there haven’t been many offerings specifically catering to four-legged members of the family. A pair of luxury coastal hotels, however, are changing that landscape for the furrier. CATERING TO THE CANINES Most coastal hotels allow service animals, as required by law, but few offer the level of service or variety of options The San Luis Resort provides its canine guests. Doors of the vaunted Galveston beachfront hotel, 5222 Sea- wall Blvd., always have been open to service dogs, but family pets were barred before 2017. That all changed with a simple question posed by hotel owner and island-born billionaire Til- man Fertitta. “He asked, ‘Have you ever thought about opening it up to Fido and Rover?’” Paul Schultz, vice president of hospitality at Landry’s Inc., recalled. “He said, ‘You know, dogs are part of the family.’ So, we ex- plored opening it up. And people feel so much more connected to family because they can bring the dog — they’re such a key element.” Even a 10-minute sit in The San Luis’ foyer reveals how dog-friendly the hotel has become. One June afternoon, four well-behaved dogs at different intervals trotted proudly COASTMONTHLY.COM | AuguST 2023 49 The San Luis Resort in Galveston provides a range of dog-friendly amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for both guests and their beloved pets. CO u RTESYNext >