The Lead: Five Best of Monroe — Pet-Friendly Restaurants
It's the dog days of summer, so we went looking for where the actual dogs are welcome. We checked BringFido.com for local dinner spots and then ranked them based on their Google reviews. A few of my favorites didn’t make the cut so, hey, I’m the editor so I added them.
A quick heads-up before you grab the leash: “pet-friendly” almost always means the patio, not the dining room, and policies can change by the day depending on staffing and weather. Call ahead to confirm before you make the trip, especially on a warm weekend when patio seating fills up fast.
1. Thai Thani Authentic Thai Cuisine — Stroudsburg — 4.7 Stars. A local favorite Thai spot in the county, with a patio that's become a regular pet-owner hangout alongside the drunken noodles and curries.
2. ShawneeCraft Brewing Company — Shawnee on Delaware — 4.6 Stars. The historic Shawnee Inn grounds make for a relaxed, wooded setting, and it's a regular stop for craft beer drinkers who'd rather not leave the dog at home.
3. Joe Bosco Authentic Smokehouse BBQ — Delaware Water Gap — 4.6 Stars. Seasonal, BYOB, and consistently praised for its pit-smoked brisket and ribs. Open Friday through Sunday this time of year, with an ice cream window to boot.
4. Sorrenti Family Estate Winery, Distillery & Pizzeria — Saylorsburg — 4.6 Stars. Wood-fired pizza from the on-site Mamma Lucia's, paired with the estate's own wines and spirits, with room to roam the grounds afterward.
5. Grange Valley Lakeside Inn & Winery — Mount Pocono — 4.6 Stars. Longtime Monroe County residents will remember this as Memorytown; the property has been rebranded, but the lakeside dinner spot itself hasn't missed a step. Open Wednesday through Sunday, now starting at 4 p.m.
Pub 447 — East Stroudsburg. Since Cara took over, the place has undergone a complete transformation. The outdoor Tiki Bar is an oasis that's been a staple of our Get Out coverage all summer. The food is great and everyone there makes you feel like family (or better, depending on your family). Cara’s own dogs, Axel and Tank, make frequent guest appearances as well.
Alaska Pete's — East Stroudsburg. The oversized flagstone fireplace is the indoor draw, but the newly renovated covered patio is where the dogs are welcome. The food is great and you MUST get dessert. Ask for anything made by Sylva. Take our word for it.
Happy Hour Bar & Grill — Stroudsburg. Family-owned, with a cozy patio and covered heated deck that blends nostalgic bar food with a few modern twists. The owner has reinvented the menu and really upgraded the service over the last year. As we reported back in May, he’s expanding into the old Red Cross building next door. We can’t wait to see what’s coming!
