By: Sally Baker

Let's face it; dinner and drinks just aren't as enjoyable without a best friend by your side. In many cases, this best friend is better known as "man's best friend." As local bars and restaurants in Tampa began to notice this demand, they answered with solutions from pet friendly outdoor patios to entertaining Yappy Hours. Here are some great pet friendly restaurants in Tampa:

GrillSmith – The comfortable outdoor patios at GrillSmith restaurants offer a relaxing atmosphere for both pets and humans alike. Water bowls and dog biscuits are offered and of course their delicious food and cocktail menu with favorites like their signature Spicy Thai Shrimp. All of these features are what make GrillSmith one of the best pet friendly restaurants in Tampa.

Gaspar's Grotto – Located in historic Ybor City, Gaspar's Grotto has a monthly "Pets on the Patio" event that has continued to grow in popularity. Pet owners don't have to wait for these monthly events, however, as Gaspar's states pets are always welcome!

MacDinton's – Monthly Yappy Hours happen at the spacious outdoor patio at MacDinton's. A local favorite for human happy hours, karaoke, special events and now yappy hours, MacDinton's provides a sweet spot for both pet and owner to relax with a beer and doggy treat.

Curtis Hixon Park at Sono Cafe – On the 3rd Friday of every month, pet owners meet at the Sono Cafe at the Tampa Museum of Art all located at Curtis Hixon Park for a monthly Yappy Hour. Arguably one of the largest Yappy Hours in Tampa, and a fun place to grab a relaxing drink and Italian bite to eat.

New World Brewery – Ybor's New World Brewery has a pet friendly outdoor patio where live music plays most nights, delighting the ears of pets and humans who join the festivities!

Dubliner – The last Saturday of the month brings the "Pets & Pints" event at the Dubliner Irish Pubs in both South and North Tampa. With live music, prize drawings and of course drink specials, the Dubliner is a great choice when looking for entertaining pet friendly restaurants in Tampa.

Sail Pavilion – The Sail Pavilion is a fun spot next to the Tampa Convention Center that overlooks the bay waters. Although this is mostly a bar and not so much a restaurant, it is still notable to mention they are a pet friendly bar in Tampa with water bowls, a clean-up station, complimentary dog bones and even a doggie menu!