Throw me a bone (and a steak)

I was told by the local BOH that dogs are not allowed in a fenced in outdoor eating area any more than they are allowed inside a restaurant (although I have seen dogs inside Mambo Grill and Brewd Awakening before - 2 places I won't go into because of that). In Europe no one has a problem with dogs going inside stores, food places, etc......I was told its not the dogs fault in this country - it is bad owners who don't take the time to train their pooches.

We recently ate lunch at Blue Taleh outside with our dog under the table. A waiter even brought (unasked) a take out container full of water for the pooch.

I should mention a couple of things:
1) We were the only ones outside at the time, and ...
2) Our dog is exceptionally cute and well-behaved.

As long as a dog is well-behaved, I have no issues with them sitting outside with their owners, enjoying the few months of lovely weather that we actually get here in New England.

What I do have a problem with is the pet owners who allow they dog to use any tree, building, sidewalk, or green space as their own personal bathroom. It's almost impossible to walk down any street in DTL without have to sidestep piles of poo. The few tress we have poking through the sidewalk are not free-for-all poo receptacles. So gross. Clean up after your pet (and then bring them to sit outside with you!)

Animals of any type or size do not belong in any public place. I would not frequent any establishment who would allow animals... inside or out. Those of you who think your animal are cute and well behaved are deluding yourselves.... they are animals not humans.

What's so gross about having a Pet at an outdoor eating area? Is the dog out in the kitchen preparing your meal? Ummm...probably not.
People live with their pets and still manage to eat clean food at home...gasp! Well, unless you (Yuck!) like to eat off the floor. In which case, I would suggest you stay away from homes with pets and eating areas that are pet friendly.

"Everything tastes better with cat/dog hair in it!". ;)

what a coincidence, as we found ourselves in the exact situation that you describe just this weekend. are you stalking us, gg? creepy.

in any case, while i am indeed curious as to what places allow dogs in their outdoor eating areas, i'm equally curious about what downtown spot has these fried clams that you reference in the above hypothetical scenario. was that made up? or are there really good fried clams downtown somewhere?

and as an additional aside, we visited that market street market for the first time this weekend. quite adorable, good selection of stuff, and the owner guy at the register - assuming he was the owner - couldn't have been nicer. i hope they do well.

We'll I didn't see said fried clams in DTL, it was actually Gloucester at the new Sam Adams Brewery and I had them on the brain. But, Ricardos used to have a great fried clam app. and the River Road Cafe in Tewks. has golden beauties.

I think if a well-behaved dog can handle sitting contently, without begging, while you dine outside, then go for it. It's the dogs that wine and drool while waiting for a scrap to fall at their feet, that would cause an annoyance.
As long as people actually use their noodle and decide that an overly packed patio during prime time dining hours might not be the best place for a drooling pooch-then there shoudn't be a problem. But rather a not so crowded patio during off hours wouldn't be bothersome while you sit and enjoy a cup of joe or a sandwich with your pup.
Just have regard for other people and this place we call home would be more enjoyable.

I'm surprised Brew'd hasn't been shut down by the board of health yet since there are frequently dogs literally roaming and lounging around in there. I am a dog lover but find that incredibly uncool for a restaurant/cafe, especially when lots of people are afraid of or don't like dogs. I know two people who refuse to go to Brew'd for that reason.

On the other hand though...a lot of people, myself included, frequent Brew'd more often because of the dog factor. You can't please everyone. So if the dog-friendly route has worked thus far for Brew'd...why change now?

Ruby - everything DOES taste better with dog/cat hair in it! :-)
I have taken my dogs to a few outdoor dining establishments in DTL, and all but one of the establishments welcomed us (Hookslide Kelly's) - if you're responsible and watch your dogs while you enjoy dinner, I don't see what the problem is. If my dogs start barking and/or begging, we correct them, or one of us will bring the dogs home - luckily we also live downtown, so it's not difficult for us to do so. The key thing to keep in mind is making sure your dog is well-behaved...and that you pay attention. There have been a few times I have seen dogs lunge at people walking by their tables, which isn't acceptable at all.

I second that BeLu! There are plenty of non-dog friendly establishments, can the dog lover's have one just for themselves?! I say YES...and I'm a cat person.

Sorry Belu - but having a dog in a coffee shop is ILLEGAL and they have been warned on numerous occasions by Laurie at the health department.

Do any of these establishments offer a doogy menu?

OK, I am furious. Went to Kimbals yesterday with the kids. We got diiner under the tent which was fab! GG should cover a story about this. Sitting under a tent a golden retriever walked right on over and sat next to my daughter who was eating a hot dog. As soon as my daughter lowered her hand the dog went to swipe it. The dog's Lily Pulitzer dressed owner strolled over and yelled at the dog as if it was 18 months old. come over here she joked. No apologie, nothing....She couldn't even pull him away because he plopped himself down. Then, it happened again ten minutes later as my husband was eating. She came over and again could not get the dog away. Should the dog have been leashed? No, the dog should not have been there period. I will be contacting the Westford Board of Health. So not fair to us who spent our hard earned money trying to enjoy a meal with our family. I believe this is illegal since it is a food establishment.

We have a dog (the cutest one you ever saw, of course) and personally, I like dogs WAY more than I like people, and yet...I have to agree with those who object to dogs in food establishments. I am thrilled with outside venues that allow dogs, but allowing dogs inside cafes or restaurants is not only illegal, it is just plain inconsiderate. Dog people should have places to go, but the privilege shouldn't be taken for granted as it is by so many who are oblivious to the people around them who don't share their dog love.

FYI:

Restaurant health laws, whether administrative or statute, originate at the state level. There are no Federal laws that apply to the issue of dogs in restaurants with the exception of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), which requires that restaurants allow service and guide dogs at indoor and outdoor dining areas. The only other major Federal contribution to the restaurant health codes is a recommendation by the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) called the FDA Food Code. This code is updated every four years. It is very important to note that this code is not a law but a recommendation. Each state may have different laws at the state level and different implementations of the inspection process.

IOTW: It may not be illegal everywhere to allow a dog into a restaurant.

Actual Mass laws that pertain to dogs: http://www.animallaw.info/statutes/stusmast136A_175.htm

Let's leave Brew'd for all us dog lovers and those open to it. For all others, Dunks is right around the corner.

I'd have no problem with that BUT it is illegal - and if they break ONE health rule then I have to ask "How many more are they breaking?" I prefer to eat somewhere that follows ALL the health rules