SrPerro.com is Spain's dog friendly website: I travel around with Colega, my patient mutt, and sniff out the best cafes, shops, art galleries and even hair salons where dogs are welcome. Our aim is to make life with a dog in the city much more fun and varied. We also promote a culture where educated dogs can access many more public areas than now: I’m certain that, in some strange way, dogs make a city much more human. They make us better people.
In my experience, after almost three years of walking around in many Spanish cities, talking to countless restaurant or shop owners, I have noticed that a place that a place which welcomes dogs also tends to be extra friendly with their masters. That’s one of the reasons why I really love sharing tips about cafés where there is always have fresh water for the pups and shops which keep a tin of dog biscuits on hand for their four legged visitors…
We've published two guides with the best dog friendly addresses in Madrid & Barcelona, in Spanish for now, but to give you an idea of the kind of fun experience you could have if you visit either of these cities with your pup, here are six special bars and restaurants where dogs are really welcome:
Madrid
La Barra pictured above
Their “tortilla” (Spanish omelette) is to die for. And so are their original tapas. Great wines and super friendly staff: they also have a daily menu so it’s a great spot to sit and have lunch after walking the dog. Plus, it’s really close to a lovely square were many dog people meet every day. More photos and info here.
Jai Alai
A traditional and classical restaurant which serves, possibly, the best Basque cooking in Madrid. It still surprises many Spaniards to find out that dogs are welcome here, but they most certainly are. They have a particularly lovely covered terrace, full of flowers, where it feels like summer all year round. More photos and info here.
La Piola
For a chat, a glass of vino (wines) or a choice of cañas (beers), La Piola is unbeatable. Friendly atmosphere and great salads, jazz music in the air and, often, interesting photo exhibits on the walls, La Piola is one of those cafes where it is easy to feel at home, with your dog by your side. More photos and info here.
Barcelona
Bar Calders
A very popular bar where it’s best to arrive early if you want to find a free spot. It’s a great place to have a good vermouth and their really special chips (they are home made, extra thick and served with spicy sauces). The staff simply could not be more dog friendly. Every time I eat here with Colega, I leave with a huge smile on my face. More photos and info here
Celler Cal Marino
This old wine cellar obviously has great wines - which you can buy to take home or savor on site- and they also serve delicious tapas, Spanish cheeses and many local delicacies. Their ‘croquetas’ are spectacular! Plus, they are always happy to welcome customers with their dogs. More photos and info here.
Ocaña
This spectacular bar is in on of Barcelona’s prettiest squares, la Plaça Reial. It has high ceilings and a theatrical atmosphere: wooden floors and flowers on the tables. It is a perfect spot to sip a drink or a coffee while watching all that is going on in the square. And dogs are always welcome, of course. More photos and info here.