[lolalonza]

Hello All,
My Dad is visiting us from Canada with his little Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and expressed a desire to see The Villages (we live in north Florida and are considering moving to TV when we retire and our sweet large dogs have moved on to the Rainbow Bridge - which I hate to think of). So we are taking him there this weekend for a day visit. We were hoping to visit one of the village squares to have an early lunch somewhere. Are there any pet friendly restaurants where we can sit outside with his dog? I did a search on all forums and did not see any mention of this (just one thread about dogs being allowed or not allowed in the square...). I wasn't sure if this was the best place to post this, but I figured pet lovers would know best.

Would appreciate your input.

Pat

Originally Posted by lolalonza

Hello All,
My Dad is visiting us from Canada with his little Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and expressed a desire to see The Villages (we live in north Florida and are considering moving to TV when we retire and our sweet large dogs have moved on to the Rainbow Bridge - which I hate to think of). So we are taking him there this weekend for a day visit. We were hoping to visit one of the village squares to have an early lunch somewhere. Are there any pet friendly restaurants where we can sit outside with his dog? I did a search on all forums and did not see any mention of this (just one thread about dogs being allowed or not allowed in the square...). I wasn't sure if this was the best place to post this, but I figured pet lovers would know best.

Would appreciate your input.

Pat

Bruster's Real Ice Cream
8699 SE 165th Mulberry Ln
Lady Lake, FL, US
(352) 205-8987

Urban Flats I have heard allows dogs on the outside section. Unless they have changed their policy. You may want to call them and double check.

Urban Flats - The Villages at Sumter Lake Landing
1018 Canal St., The Villages, FL, 32162
(352) 205-7169

[Talk Host]

Is there a local ordinance allowing it? State Law says:

Q. What does the law allow?

A. Local governments are authorized to enact local laws allowing dogs in limited, designated outdoor seating areas of food service establishments. Pet dogs are still prohibited inside food service establishments including traveling through the establishment.

Q. Are health or food safety requirements required to allow pet dogs?

A. Yes. Any local ordinances allowing dogs must include the following minimum requirements, and any others enacted by local ordinance:

* All food service employees must wash their hands promptly after touching, petting, or otherwise handling dogs.
* Employees cannot touch, pet, or otherwise handle dogs while serving food or beverages or handling tableware or before entering other parts of the establishment.
* Patrons must be advised to wash their hands before eating. The establishment must provide waterless hand sanitizer at each table.
* Dogs shall not come into contact with serving dishes, utensils, tableware, linens, paper products or any other items involved in food service operations.
* Dogs shall be kept on a leash at all times and under reasonable control.
* Dogs shall not be allowed on chairs, tables, or other furnishings.
* Table and chair surfaces and any spillage shall be cleaned and sanitized between seating of patrons.
* Accidents involving dog waste shall be cleaned immediately and the area sanitized with an approved product. Establishments are required to keep a kit containing cleaning materials in the designated outdoor area.
* Signage reminding employees and patrons of adopted rules must be posted as required by local ordinance.
* Dogs are not permitted to travel through any indoor or non-designated outdoor portions of the establishment. Ingress and egress to the designated, permitted, area cannot require entrance into or passage through any indoor area of the establishment.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by lolalonza

Hello All,
My Dad is visiting us from Canada with his little Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and expressed a desire to see The Villages (we live in north Florida and are considering moving to TV when we retire and our sweet large dogs have moved on to the Rainbow Bridge - which I hate to think of). So we are taking him there this weekend for a day visit. We were hoping to visit one of the village squares to have an early lunch somewhere. Are there any pet friendly restaurants where we can sit outside with his dog? I did a search on all forums and did not see any mention of this (just one thread about dogs being allowed or not allowed in the square...). I wasn't sure if this was the best place to post this, but I figured pet lovers would know best.

Would appreciate your input. Pat

The last time that I checked, there are at least three restaurants allowing dogs outside on the patio. And dogs are definitely allowed in the town squares. But only well socialized dogs should go there, as it is busy.

Lake Sumter Landing ... Dogs are allowed outside at Gators and at Cody's. Not at the Lighthouse.

Country Road 466 - Crispers at Southern Trace Plaza .. Dogs are allowed outside on the patio.

[zcaveman]

Why can't he just leave the dog at home for that short period?

Originally Posted by zcaveman

Why can't he just leave the dog at home for that short period?

I have a dog and wouldn't even think of bringing her to a restaurant.I realize she's a big dog by why should that matter?I see folks with their dogs in supermarkets,walmart,bells,target...I don't think it's appropriate..but that's just me

[zcaveman]

Originally Posted by Bosoxfan

I have a dog and wouldn't even think of bringing her to a restaurant.I realize she's a big dog by why should that matter?I see folks with their dogs in supermarkets,walmart,bells,target...I don't think it's appropriate..but that's just me

That was the reason for my post. My Bart was a big dog but well behaved. I just did not seem to think that he would enjoy sitting outside doing nothing while we ate and ignored him. He always got a doggy bag when we got home which he looked forward to and appreciated.

[bluedog103]

Lolalonza is not asking anyone's permission nor seeking their approval. He or she is simply asking if there are any restaurants which permit dogs on the patio. Barefoot answered that question.

[zcaveman]

Originally Posted by bluedog103

Lolalonza is not asking anyone's permission nor seeking their approval. He or she is simply asking if there are any restaurants which permit dogs on the patio. Barefoot answered that question.

Maybe we were providing an option. I think that according to TH's answer any place with an outdoor patio is open to pets.

[orgunvs]

I know that you can have your dog in the patio of Sonny's b b que and at Gators on the patio

[lolalonza]

Thank you to those that had provided restaurant suggestions. We went to Urban Flats and they were fine with dogs but you need to sit at the far corner of the patio - which worked out fine for us. We were with a realtor who took us into model homes and they had no problem with the dog there as well. Even the Sales Center did not mind us walking through. So it worked out great! and the little dog really enjoyed a golf cart ride for the first time. I think my big dogs would not enjoy the square - one would be frightened of the boat whistle that went off every hour and the other would probably be 'wigged' out by all the activity (they stayed at home with a petsitter).

Anyways, we had a great time - my Dad was very impressed.

My husband is counting the days when we can move there.

Again thanks!

[hh6641]

There are indeed some pet friendly restaurants in and around The Villages. These areas are limited and specific. All outside. Toojay's, Starbuck's (Lake Sumter only). Supposed to be coming soon: Friday's and Cody's. Also Pisces Rising on the deck in historic Mt. Dora. Please check with any restaurant that offers outside dining. Unlike one other response, the individual restaurant is not obligated by FL law to provide Doggy Dining. It is their option. Hope this helps?

Howard Horwitz
President
Dynamic Dog Club
The Villages