Welcoming Sentiments

People who know me well are going to be shocked by this post. Why? Because — and I say this with no offense — I’ve never really been a dog person. I know, I know. But now? I’m writing a blog about where to take your dog. The irony is not lost on me.

So, what changed?

We got a dog. His name is Boomer. And I love him.

I’m still not the person who’s going to run up to your dog and ask to pet them, but I completely understand now why people love their pups so much.

This past spring break, we took a trip to Arkansas (you can read about it in a previous post). With just a quick online search, I found several dog-friendly spots to take Boomer. It was so easy!

Naturally, I tried the same search for our local area… and all that popped up were dog parks. Nothing about restaurants, shops, or businesses where we could bring our dog along. That felt like a big missed opportunity — both for businesses and for dog-loving community members.

So I decided to do something about it. Right now this is mostly the Mokena and Frankfort area. As time allows I can try for other Lincoln-Way areas.

Why This List Exists

We love bringing Boomer out and about — and he loves it too. In fact, just the other day at a local restaurant, a man stopped to chat and said Boomer reminded him of a Walmart greeter. Spot on. Boomer loves saying hi to everyone.

I started reaching out to businesses in the area to see if they were dog friendly and am surprised by how few responses I’ve received. It’s been a couple of months, and I’m still waiting to hear back from several. So, consider this an evolving list — and if you’re a business owner, feel free to reach out with updates or corrections!

Just a note: I didn’t include pet stores like I’ll Be Doggone, Alsip Nursery, Bentley’s Pet Stuff, or PetSmart — I figured most dog owners already assume (correctly) that their dogs are welcome there.

Also, this list is based on pet policies — if you have a true service dog, different rules apply, and you likely already know them.

Businesses That Are Dog Friendly

If you visit any of these businesses with your pup show some support by posting a picture on socials and tag them.

• Ace Hardware – Whitmore Ace Hardware in Mokena does allow dogs into our establishment.  Many of our employees love to see and pet the dogs that customers bring in if the owners will allow them to.  We even have dog treats at our register and hand them out if desired.
• Andys Frozen Custard – Our Andys team LOVES when furry friends visit! 🍦😁🐾Tell your fur baby you love them by taking them to Andy’s for a puppy cone! 
• BOXED Gift Co. – Yes, as long as they are friendly.
• Camino Viejo – Pet friendly patio.
• Cultivate – We have 6 tables in our courtyard that are dog friendly.
• Gost Coffee – Yes, very dog friendly.
• Michaels – Michael’s generally accepts animals in its stores.
• Nautical Bowls – As far as our place in Frankfort, Illinois does follow the state’s food code, which technically doesn’t allow non-service dogs inside food establishments or in areas where food is being served or prepared. Unfortunately, unlike some bigger cities, Frankfort doesn’t have an ordinance that allows dogs in outdoor dining spaces either. So legally, we’re limited in what we can officially offer for pups on the property. That said, we’re dog lovers too. While we can’t make our patio officially dog-friendly, we definitely don’t crack down on guests who swing by quickly with their pup to grab a bowl and a little something for their dog. We’ve even got an organic peanut butter “pup bowl” that’s become a bit of a favorite! Our guests are usually in and out, and as long as everyone’s respectful and things stay quick and clean, we’re happy to keep things easygoing.
• Oberweis – Our Mokena Dairy Store does have outdoor tables where dogs are welcome. We also offer pup cups for our furry friends – and of course we have delicious ice cream as well.
• Old Plant Trail Tavern – Our outside patio area is dog friendly. Need to be kept on a leash and get along with other dogs.
• Retail Market – We are friendly to dogs, yes, to an extent. Obviously if we get several in store, things get raucous or our customers are bothered by it, we will ask owners to remove their dogs.
• Senso – We are dog friendly on our patio and only service animals inside (must be leashed, trained, behaved etc).
• Sweet Frog – Must stay on the patio, can’t come in.
• The Loft – Dogs allowed on the patio.
• The Stray Bar – Inside and outside.
• The Wine Thief – On the patio.
• Trails Edge – Dogs can go on our sidewalk side of our patio, but not on the astroturf side.

**Updated 9/18

• Kup A Joe Cafe – in the summer months, when our patio is open, we absolutely welcome dogs.
• Parker James – Pets welcome (no snakes though we’re afraid!)
• Stoney Point Grill – We unfortunately do not allows dogs inside the restaurant. However, we do have a patio that they are more than welcome to enjoy.

Businesses Not Dog Friendly

• Jets Pizza
• Meijer
• Nancy’s Pizza
• Pops Beef
• Short & Sweet Tasty Treat
• Starbucks
• Target
• The Book Bar – They are hopeful this will change when they open the patio.
• The Home Depot – The response I got back from them was no, they are not allowed. However, our dog trainer said they were allowed. We’ve taken Boomer in during the winter to get him out of the house. In doing that we’ve come across other people with their dogs doing the same thing.

**Updated 9/18

• Hustle & Heart – We have a ton of brand new clothing in the store so it’s not really a super dog friendly place.
• Raffy’s Candy Store

Wrapping Up

Thanks for reading! I hope this gives you some new places to explore with your pup by your side. I’ll keep this list updated as more businesses respond — or as I stumble across new ones myself. If you’re a business owner and want to be added (or need to correct info), just reach out.

And if you take your dog out to any of these spots, post a pic and tag the business to show your support.

Here’s to more adventures with Boomer!

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• 3 Corners
• 19th Hole
• All Star Sports bar/The Chill House
• Alley Grill
• Aurelio’s Pizza
• Beggars Pizza
• Boba Heaven
• Brothership Brewing
• Boriosa Boutique
• Buenas Nachos
• Buffalo Wild Wings
• Cafe Milan
• Casey’s
• Chili’s
• Clancy Brothers Coffee Roasters
• Collections at 110
• Country Charm
• Crafted 1979 Bottle Shop & Tap Room
• Crepology
• Crumble Cookie
• Culvers
• Dbat
• Dollar Tree
• Dominos
• Dunkin
• El Cortez
• Fabys Tacos
• Fat Rosies
• Francesca’s Fortunato
• Fratello’s Deli & Cafe
• Gattos
• Giordanos
• Grounded Coffee Bar
• Heriloom/Frankfort Candle Co
• Hickory Creek Bre3wing
• Jameson’s Pub
• Jamo’s Live
• Joey’s Red Hots
• J’s Philly’s
• Kismet
• La Dolce Vita
• Legends Bar & Grill
• Lenox Rose Boutique
• Lil Surprises
• Little Al’s
• Lumes
• Maple House Cafe
• McDonald’s
• Mickey’s Gyros
• Mindy’s Ribs
• My Taco
• New Hong Kong Chinese
• Nothing Bundt Cakes
• Old Plank Pizza Company
• Pepper Mill
• Pete Mitchels
• Popeyes
• Post Game Pub
• Ranch Frostie
• Rising Sun
• Rustic Knead
• Simply Slices
• Social 45
• The Candle Vault
• The Creamery
• The Doc On Front
• This & That Gifts
• Tonys VIlla Rosa
• Tropical Smoothie Cafe
• Which Which
• Whimsy
• White Horse
• Zap Taco