Something to Bark About: Eight Montrose Spots to Sniff Out During the Dog Days of Summer

Whether you’re fostering a dog for your favorite rescue group and teaching it how to behave or just hanging out with your own handsome hound (and spoiling him rotten), Montrose is one of the most canine compatible neighborhoods in Houston. From bakeries to bars to doggy daycare, here are a handful of top dog destinations.

Blonde Biscotti /  1000 W Gray,  #100

Step aside, Starbucks puppacino, it’s time for the pup-scotti to wag in the spotlight. At newly opened Blonde Biscotti bakery and coffeehouse, a variety of soft biscotti is available daily, made in-house. From birthday cake and lemon vanilla flavors to savory goat cheese and herb, you can buy the for-humans-only biscuits a la carte or by the box. Also available are pup-scottis, a special peanut butter recipe created just for dogs. One for you, one for your hairiest friend.

The Chocolate Bar / 1835 West Alabama

Want to delight a dog owner? From pet bowls full of dipped and sprinkle-covered dog treats to small boxes of party puppy biscuits, you can find a sweet (but safe) novelty gift at The Chocolate Bar. You can also send a package of canine goodies to someone who just adopted a new four-legged friend through Favor, along with a box of chocolate or cookies for the human, too.

The Burger Joint / 2703 Montrose Boulevard

While the majority of the seating at The Burger Joint is outdoors, it’s done especially well: Several big-screen televisions air whatever sporting events are on each day, and the umbrellas and covered areas are plentiful. Want to feel a cool breeze? Fans are spinning non-stop for outdoor diners. The whole family (including Fido) can sit in the shade and enjoy milkshakes while watching the Texans or Astros play. Chef/co-owner Matt Pak designed a peanut butter “pupshake” that features organic locally made dog biscuits, peanut butter and whipped cream.

Wag’n World / 3230 Yoakum

Dog socialization is a growing industry. Doggie daycare, walking services and play groups are in high demand amongst pet owners who don’t want their beloved to sit home and be a couch potato. At Wag’n World, which just opened this past May, services include grooming and boarding  (not to mention “Wag Swag” for sale like candles, toys and hygiene products designed for pups) as well as daytime care for the canine set, with a running club to launch this coming winter.  Owner Nathan Rao is a marathon enthusiast who wants to help both two-legged and four-legged runners perform their best and stay in shape.

West Alabama Ice House /  1919 West Alabama

West Alabama Ice House is a rare breed in the world of hospitality. Generally you’ll spot more dogs at WAIH than any other bar in Houston, lying on the picnic tables sunning themselves, playing together under the covered patio and napping under shady picnic tables. There is a resident dog (or two) that belongs to the owner and tours the grounds all day long. Buckets of water are kept fresh to hydrate pups every day. Dogs must be friendly, leashed and picked up after.

Jackson’s Place Pet Resort  /  1635 Dunlavy

Jackson’s Place refers to their business as Houston’s original cage-free pet resort, but you don’t have to commit to an overnight stay to treat your sweet cuddle buddy: Jackson’s Place also has an impressive bakery open daily that offers cookies, cupcakes and even birthday cakes baked just for dogs. Using yogurt, carob and peanut butter, every treat is safe for pets to eat and might even have you drooling.

Good Dog Hot Dog / 1312 West Alabama

While this haute hot dog eatery doesn’t cater menu options to dogs, owners Amalia Pferd and David Caballero were inspired to use their own dachshund for the logo and spirit of the restaurant. The backyard atmosphere in the rear and front deck dining area are dog-friendly, however. Olive Oil herself, the queen wiener behind the business, has been known to make an appearance and allows adoring fans to pet her.

Barnaby’s / 604 Fairview

A long-time Montrose institution, nearly everyone who resides in the neighborhood is familiar with the large grey and white sheepdog, Barnaby, that is an essential element of branding at Barnaby’s Cafe. If your dog is a socialite, you can dine with him or her on the patio for any meal—you’ll both be sure to make a friend or two.