5 Dog Friendly Patios in Durham That Locals Love

1.       Namu: Hidden within New Hope Common Shopping Center, Namu is a Korean culinary gem. Beyond its delicious cafe eats, it boasts a coffee bar, beer hall, and a captivating outdoor oasis. The garden, enveloped by bamboo and soothing fountains, offers a serene escape from the bustling shopping center and nearby I-40.

With diverse seating options in private nooks, the patio invites you to unwind and savor your meal. Convenient QR code ordering enhances the dog-friendly experience, allowing you to order from your table. Don’t miss their indoor beer hall, another welcoming space for you and your furry companion.

2.       Gojo: Gojo, sister restaurant to the Durham staple Goorsha, brings Ethiopian flavors, coffee, and tea to Brightleaf Square. Their delectable egg and avocado breakfast sandwich paired with an iced vanilla oat latte is a must-try. Enjoy the inviting ambiance with your furry friend, rain or shine, thanks to their spacious covered patio.

The patio offers cozy seating options, making it an ideal spot for remote work. Wally, the dog, particularly enjoys the long booth against the wall, where he can greet fellow diners on both sides.

3.       Boxyard RTP: Who knew dining in shipping containers could be so enjoyable? Working from home full-time since 2022, I now enjoy monthly co-working sessions at The Frontier in RTP, a free and dog-friendly space. My canine companion, Wally, joins me and relishes our lunch breaks at Boxyard next door. This unique venue boasts two levels of outdoor seating, diverse dining options, and lively entertainment.

Boxyard is a dog-friendly haven, always bustling with other furry friends for Wally to greet. For added convenience, Beyu offers outdoor window ordering. The venue also hosts dog-themed markets throughout the year, like the upcoming Easter event organized by The Dog Moms of Durham on March 16th, featuring a market, Easter egg hunt, treasure hunt, and photos with the Easter Bunny!

4.       EverLou: EverLou Coffee Co., a haven for dog lovers, has become a beloved spot for both me and my furry friend, Wally, since its opening in 2021. On any given Saturday morning, you’ll be greeted by a pack of friendly pups enjoying the oat milk-based coffee and pup cups.

EverLou recently expanded its outdoor space by partnering with Chibanga’s Neighborhood Market next door. The larger combined area offers more tables and chairs for you and your four-legged companion to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. Be sure to check their Instagram for exciting events, like the adorable adoption events they host with Hope Animal Rescue.

5.       Velvet Hippo: The Velvet Hippo, a vibrant addition to Durham’s bar scene in 2023, quickly became a favorite for both humans and their canine companions. Named after the endearing nickname for Pitbulls, “velvet hippos,” this dog-friendly establishment boasts a stunning indoor bar connected to an outdoor bar with covered patio seating and breathtaking rooftop views of downtown.

Every Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6pm, they host “Yappy Hours” accessible through a separate stairway. Last October, my pup Wally had a blast at their “Pittie Pajama Party,” socializing and making new friends. Don’t miss the eye-catching neon “Velvet Hippo” sign in their front window on Orange Street, a creation by local neon artist, Hex Neon!

Be sure to follow our guest blogger, @lifewithhanny, for all things Durham & dog friendly. Then check out our list of Local Influencers You Should Be Following for even more local content!