#OllieUnleashed: A Dog-friendly Guide to Seattle

For our next stop on the #OllieUnleashed tour, we’re heading northwest to Seattle, Washington. Brimming with green spaces, mountain views, and all of the conveniences of urban life, it’s no surprise that Seattle is at the top of our list when it comes to dog-friendly destinations. Whether you’re just in town for the day or are planning a lengthier stay with your pup, we’ve got the ideal itinerary for you both. So, queue up your favorite Sub Pop records, grab your coziest flannel, and get ready to explore Seattle the canine way.

Rise and Grind

If you need a caffeine fix before you start your day, you’re among friends. Birthplace to Starbucks, Seattle has a history of taking its coffee pretty seriously. You’d be hard-pressed to find a bad cup of joe in these parts, but our favorite spots are the ones that let us bring our pups along.

Bark! Espresso

Dog-friendly doesn’t quite convey the passion for pups Bark! holds. Not only are dogs permitted into this Pinehurst cafe, but there is a designated Hound Hangout just for them! And if a doggo you know has a birthday coming up, Bark! has a special private event space set aside for just the occasion. The icing on the dog lover’s cake? The baristas can whip up a portrait of your pup using the ultimate medium: latte art!

Go Off-leash

Start the day off on the right paw with an off-leash romp at the dog park. Burn off some excess energy and relieve your pup before embarking on the rest of your city adventure.

Blue Dog Park

The perfect place to play a rousing game of fetch or let little legs stretch and enjoy unfettered freedom. Blue Dog Pond is a 1.7-acre park in Southeast Seattle with a wide, rectangular enclosure for safe off-leash play. This urban dog park is dotted with sculptures and art, including the eponymous Blue Dog you won’t be able to miss when entering the area.

Grandview Off-Leash Dog Park

If you’re in town for a little longer and don’t mind leaving the city center for your off-leash adventure, Grandview is worth the trek. 34 acres of trails and open space give you and your pup plenty to do if you’re killing time before a flight or waiting to check in to your hotel or Air BnB. The crown jewel of this scenic dog run is the epic view of Mount Ranier, which can easily inspire your pup’s wild side if you let it!

Feed the Beast

By now,  you’ve likely worked up an appetite. Leash up and get ready to get down with the best brunch the city has to offer with your pup by your side.

Pablo y Pablo

The restaurant’s spacious patio and special dog-approved menu make it a must for pup parents looking for a place to relax and refuel before hitting the streets. But it’s Pablo y Pablo’s huevos rancheros and extensive cocktail list that put it at the top of the list for any weekend warrior. If you didn’t get in enough park time earlier, head over to the neighboring Gas Works Park for 360 views of the city and remnants of a bygone era when coal was king.

Norm’s Eatery and Alehouse

If you find yourself trolling around Freemont, you’d be remiss not to make a grub stop at Norm’s. This Seattle snack haven goes above and beyond with a special dog menu just for canine diners, or pack your Ollie to treat your pup to a healthy meal in between activities.

Take a Hike

Washington State certainly has no shortage of trails to hike and mountains to climb. While some trails require a day trip to get to from Seattle, others can be accessed without having to leave the city.

Discovery Park Loop Trail

If you’re without a car or prefer to stick to the city limits, this one’s for you! This waterfront loop offers a casual yet scenic stroll past a beach and forested areas, and on a clear day, Mt. Rainier and the Olympics can be viewed across the water.

Mount Si Trail

For dogs and humans who want a little more of a challenge, Mount Si’s got your back. This 7.1-mile trail offers a nice 3,200-foot elevation gain with more than its fair share of epic views. This hike is not for the faint of heart, so be sure to pack plenty of food and water for you and your pup, and make sure to wear proper footwear as the trail gets pretty rocky towards the summit.

Catch a Ferry Boat

The Washington State Ferry offers fresh air and unique views of the city without the need to work up a sweat. Pups are permitted on all outdoor decks of the ferry, so they can enjoy a cool breeze running through their fur while you explore Seattle by water. A round trip from Seattle to Bainbridge Island is about 1.5 hours. At Bainbridge, there’s a dog-friend farmer’s market on Saturdays from April to November.

Explore the Great Indoors

Seattle is known for its rainy weather, particularly in the fall and spring, so it always helps to come prepared with indoor activities if you and your pup aren’t big puddle jumpers. Fortunately, there’s plenty to do inside on a rainy day.

9th and Thomas

Community and culture take shelter under the roof of this multi-use warehouse space. From food to art installations to coworking spaces, 9th and Thomas has it all.  Their lobby is open to the public (and dogs) from 8 am to 5 pm if you’re looking for a place to chill out in between destinations. Be sure to keep an eye on their event calendar, too, because they’re always hosting a wide variety of pop-ups and community events. You can even catch the Ollie food cart on Friday, September 30th, for a chance for your pup to try our fresh food if you haven’t already!

Eat, Drink, Repeat

There is an impressive amount of dog-themed bars and bar-themed dog parks in the city, but some fly under the radar while still being pup-approved.

The Dray

A local twist on a casual pizza and beer bar, the Dray has plenty on tap for you, your pup, and any friends who tag along. Split a rustic pie with fresh ingredients like goat cheese, zucchini, and sundried tomatoes, or choose from the plethora of beers and ciders they have on draft. There are also a lot of snacks and seating indoors and out if you need to take a load off after a long day of sightseeing.

The Hideout

The bar’s website says it all: art. cocktails. vibes. community.  Whether you’re looking to start an impromptu dance party or hide in a dimly lit corner with your pup, the Hideout is the spot. Memorable cocktails, eclectic decor, and colorful locals make this cocktail bar a must if you want a taste of the city outside of what’s printed in the guidebooks.

The Ollie team is hitting the streets of Seattle this month for our first stop on our #OllieUnleashed tour. We’ll be popping up all over town with our food cart packed with food for your pup.

Follow @Ollie on Instagram for specific times and locations, and be sure to drop by with your pup before we pack up and move on to the next stop. We’d love to help you fuel your adventures with a sample of one of our delicious and nutritious recipes!

Are you a Seattle resident or heading there with your pups? We’d love to hear more about your favorite hot spots or where you plan to visit. Drop us a line at stories@myollie.com.

The Ollie blog is devoted to helping pet parents lead healthier lives with their pups. If you want to learn more about our fresh, human-grade food, check out Ollie.com.