Chicago is the #1 U.S. city for dogs—and it shows. From dog beaches to pet-friendly bars and restaurants to countless off-leash parks, doggy daycares, and more, there’s so much for pets and their owners to do around the city. If you’re planning a move to Chicagoland and have a furry friend (or several), be sure to check out the following communities:
1. Rogers Park
Stroll through Rogers Park, and you’ll see all kinds of pups, cats, and, according to locals, even guinea pigs on leashes from time to time. To ensure these pets have everything they need, the neighborhood is home to several popular pet stores, including Bark Place and Roger’s Bark. But pups aren’t limited to pet stores in Rogers Park. Here, many restaurants and shops are pet-friendly. We love grabbing brunch at SmackDab with our furry friends. Another favorite is drinks at Rogers Park Social or The Glenwood, where happy hour revelers and their pets are welcomed. Many pups also love the dog-friendly area around Pottawattomie Park and all of the neighborhood’s green space.
2. Wilmette
Image credit: The Record North Shore
Forty-five minutes from downtown Chicago, Wilmette is perfect for pet owners looking to escape the hustle and bustle. Wilmette is home to top-notch pet stores, including Just Food For Dogs. But the real draw for pets—especially the water-loving ones—is Wilmette’s Gillson Park Dog Beach. Let your dog run, swim, and play in the water, then grab a coffee at Central Station Coffee and Tea or a bite at J.P.’s Pizza and Grill. Both have dog-friendly patios.
3. Lincoln Park
Image credit: Dog-Friendly Chicago
Lincoln Park is a paradise for pets and pet owners. From the neighborhood’s namesake park to Jonquil, Oz, Wrightwood and other area green spaces, Lincoln Park is home to dedicated outdoor spaces at nearly every turn, providing plenty of space for your pup to run and play. The neighborhood is also home to several dog parks, doggy daycares, and more – from Citizen Canine to Barks N’ Rec and Wiggly Field, there’s never a dull moment. There are even dog-friendly restaurants and bars in this neighborhood. We love grabbing drinks at The Monkey’s Paw after a busy day.
4. Portage Park
Portage Park is packed with pet-friendly restaurants and other hotspots. Spend an afternoon on the patio at Easy Street or The Windsor Tavern and Grill, among Portage Park’s go-to restaurants for pet owners. This community is also home to its namesake, Portage Park, a large public green space with a designated area for dogs to run and play. And if your pup is in need of some pampering, there are plenty of groomers in the neighborhood, including All 4 Dirty Paws, Shorty Styles, and Bark Out Loud.
5. West Loop
The West Loop offers the best of dog-friendly living in the heart of the city. For a great place to get in some outdoor time with your pup, take a walk to Bark Park, directly across from Skinner Park. The West Loop has plenty of other outdoor spaces for your pup to explore, including Mary Bartelme Park and Heritage Green Park, and if their swimming skills are in need of some fine-tuning, you can sign them up for a class at the Doggy Paddle Aquatic Center.
We can’t forget the West Loop’s legendary dining scene, of course. The area is home to a number of dog-friendly restaurants and bars, including Recess, Bar Siena, and our favorite, the Time Out Market Chicago, home to dozens of places to grab a bite.
6. Bronzeville
Steeped in Chicago history, Bronzeville is a vibrant community for pups and people alike. You can take your furry friend with you on the neighborhood’s Walk of Fame, go for a stroll on the lakefront trail or visit one of the several that were recently opened. The neighborhood is also home to the organization Bronzeville Association for Recreation with Canines, or BARC for short, which works to ensure that Bronzeville and the surrounding communities have dog-friendly parks and outdoor spaces.
And if the several dog parks aren’t enough outdoor adventure for one day, you can pop a cork over at the Bronzeville Winery. Their outdoor patio is dog-friendly! Meanwhile, Lucky’s Pet Store, the first Black-owned pet store in the neighborhood. will keep your kibble storage full and your best friend squeaky clean – with plenty of squeaky toys, too.
