Dogs are a pivotal part of the family but time and again, we go for celebrations leaving them behind or sometimes miss out on parties altogether, because no way can we leave our tail waggers alone. The concept of dog friendly cafes has been around for a long time, but was recognised in Delhi only recently and has been gaining popularity ever since.
If you have been waiting to take your beloved pet out (other than the occasional car rides to the vet) try these dog friendly cafes so they can enjoy as much as you!
Puppychino
Puppychino is a unique treat for all pet owners. Founded by Nayani and Mallika Tandon, it is an idea born out of guilt for leaving their pets, Bobo and Simba behind; which can be well understood by any pet owner. Bobo, the Labrador and Simba, the Husky are also the official mascots of the cafe. Acclaimed as Delhi’s first co-working dog friendly cafe, they boost on never running out of dogs. Upon entering the cafe we took our dogs to the pet area, a place solely dedicated for our pooches to play and run around. The ample space and toys burned-out our dog’s energy rapidly (and ours), so we ordered some food from their special doggie menu for our friends to gorge on.
If you have any health concerns for your pet, give those nerves a rest as the menu is curated keeping in mind their dietary needs. After making enough snapchats, we moved on to grab a bite for ourselves, entering the hoomans, i.e, humans-only cafe with the hooman food menu. The area distinction, sanitisers on the tables and an efficient cleaner for the pet area ensured us of their hygiene levels. While we enjoyed a nesquick shake and pb+j sandwich, reminiscing in some old memories, our dogs were in good care with an experienced trainer. If your dog is hyper and loves running around, you can still get him/ her here for a fun day, knowing they will be safe.
Playing and eating wasn’t enough, our dogs deserved more! So, we took it a step further by buying them some fetching pressies from the cafe’s shopping centre. If you have some dog friends, invite them for a soiree where you enjoy a stimulating conversation, while your furry friends communicate in their own way. They also organise special parties, giving you a chance to celebrate your dog’s next birthday with aplomb!
We are booking the dates for our dogs in advance, so you better pick up the phone too.
On an off chance, you don’t own a pet and are suffering from a serious case of Monday blues or working weekdays, come here for some healthy canine therapy and enjoy with the two mascots Bobo and Simba.
Cafe Canine
Sometimes we want to soak ourselves in nature and walk away from the concrete jungle; this is exactly why we chose Cafe Canine for our doggie’s day out. Located in lush green meadows surrounded by the picturesque Aravali mountains, it has abundant space for our furry munchkins to play around without constraint. We spent our day playing catch and jumping hurdles after being chased around with happiness, because it’s not often they experience something like this and communicating that by hunting and licking us was given. Summers are not dog’s best friend but here, they sure are!
Swimming, splashing, soaking and licking is how our pooches enjoyed the sun at this cafe’s pool. Wilfully enjoying every bit of water, it’s like they forgot all about AC’s! After the swim, they headed on for some grooming services, coming out like dashing hounds from the cafe, it was an experience like none other.
Initiated by Richa and Vikalp, they enforce their belief of no leash for dogs at the cafe, making it even more special. They go as far as providing a stay-over option for the dogs, incase you are headed out of town. As believed by the owners, it’s a place to socialise and celebrate for dogs and humans alike. We couldn’t agree more.
Tabula Beach Cafe 2.0
A day on the beach with our tailwaggers is something we have dreamed of for the longest time. Tabula Beach Cafe comes really close to fulfilling it; our dogs rolling on the sandy beach surface was happiness at its peak. While they entertained themselves with sand to their hearts content, we enjoyed a meal filling our hearts with food. Paired with a concoction of relaxing drinks, we entered bliss.
Allowing pets from Monday to Saturday, they serve merry times with our furry friends. Though they do not have a special doggie menu, they are still very accommodating to our pets and can customise something accordingly. You can always carry your dog’s favourite food and water if you want them to feel the comfort of home. Anxiety amongst dogs is real, so carrying his/her water bowl is always a good idea.
Blue Tokai
A hidden gem and unknown to most, this coffeehouse isn’t just popular for coffee. Often used as a co-working space, it is pet-friendly, allowing our pooches to accompany us to work. So, while we headed here for a freshly brewed cup of coffee and solace to catch up on deadlines, later to be joined by our friends, we took our pooch along. As we worked profusely to get everything done, our dog was relaxing like it was Sunday on a beach, sleeping wilfully and oblivious to the surroundings.
Though, they do not have a dog menu and you have to carry water bowls for your pet, its simple, relaxing vibe will comfort your dog. You also have to remain conscious of other guests and keep your dog on a leash, making sure no one else is hampered. However, the staff is very accommodating and will move you to another location if your pet isn’t comfortable.
Diggin
Diggin is a favourite for its on point bohemian decor and fab comfort food. As if that wasn’t enough, they gave us another reason to adore them-you guessed it, allowing pets! They knew how many of us treat our pets no less than family, and didn’t want to deny us the basic human right of merry making with our kin.
The cafe, spread across two floors, transports you to the by-lanes of a European town, with brick walls, large windows, a potted bicycle to welcome you and the works. Perched opposite Gargi College, in Anand Lok, it allows diners to feast on their scrumptious fare in the company of their pooches. You can bring along your pet for a lazy Sunday, and Diggin will not only let them play in the outdoor area, but offer them complimentary food too! They welcome dogs only on Sundays for now, but we’re hoping it’ll soon become an all-week thing.
So, go ahead and plan a day with your most loyal friend. We can promise it will be better than any other.
Bone Appétit (yea, we crack ourselves up).
Cover Photo Courtesy : SHINYA SASAKI/Aflo Getty Images