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Flagler County’s 5 Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants

A dog under a table in a restaurant

In a perfect world, we could bring our dogs with us everywhere we went. While that may not feasible for most people, it doesn’t mean our canine companions can’t come along sometimes. Flagler County has a number of dog-friendly restaurants that make it easy to bring your dog on an outing. The County as a whole has done well to make pet owners feel welcome in community spaces. Flagler Beach dedicated a sizeable stretch of beach for leashed pets and there are many great places to walk dogs throughout the county, so it may not surprise you that the local dining options are plentiful.

Below, you’ll find five of the best places in Palm Coast and Flagler Beach for delicious food in a welcoming, pet-friendly atmosphere.

Saltwater Croc’s Grill 

Saltwater Croc’s is a newer addition to Flagler Beach but quickly became a local favorite after opening in 2018. One of the best features here is the ocean view, with outdoor seating overlooking the beach and pier. The dining area is partially covered, so you and your pooch can soak up the sun or relax in the shade as weather permits. If anything could rival the view, it would be the food. Saltwater Croc’s Grill offers hotdogs, burgers, seafood, and more. They even have vegetarian options, desserts, and ice cold beer. Everything here is made to order from fresh ingredients. There is often live music on the outdoor stage and the atmosphere is relaxed and beachy. They are family owned and operated, in keeping with the small-town feel that makes Flagler Beach such a great place to be.

Your pup will love Saltwater Croc’s, too. This dog-friendly restaurant is in the center of the leashed pet section of Flagler Beach, right across the street from beach access, so sandy paws are a common sight. The staff is very welcoming and will provide fresh water for their four-legged guests. If you want an extra-special treat for your dog, you can order them a plain all-beef hotdog and really get their tail wagging.

High Jackers

High Jackers is one of the coolest spots in Palm Coast. They are located at the Flagler County Airport and offer an up-close view of the aircraft. Watching the takeoffs and landings never gets old. High Jackers has a broad menu, so there’s something for everyone. Some of their most popular selections include their glider sliders, peel-n-eat shrimp, and an assortment of flatbreads. There is a full bar on the premises and they run lots of food and drink specials throughout the week. They opened in 2001, making them among the more well-established spots in Flagler County today.

Dogs are welcome in the outside area of High Jackers, which includes the popular patio overlooking the airport runway. Your pup should have plenty of room to relax without feeling crowded in the ample outdoor space. The staff is equally accommodating and provides water for thirsty dog diners. If you happen to drop a fry or two, your dog will be happy to take care of it. 

Bruster’s Real Ice Cream

Bruster’s is perfect for those with a sweet tooth. They have an insane variety of ice cream and toppings to choose from, as well as Nathan’s hotdogs and fries. There isn’t a large amount of seating but there are a few roomy outdoor tables, perfect for enjoying a sundae in the shade on a hot day. Bruster’s is full of nostalgia for those who remember the heyday of the old-fashioned ice cream parlor. The Palm Coast location is one of 200 independently-owned Bruster’s around the world offering delicious old-fashioned ice cream.

Your dog will flip for Brusters, especially when they find out about the free dog bone sundae. Because you place your order from a walk-up window, your pup won’t have to wait anxiously in the car and can enjoy being by your side while you both enjoy a delicious treat.

Salsa’s of Palm Coast

Salsa’s of Palm Coast is one of several Mexican restaurants by that name here in Florida. Their Flagler County location features authentic Mexican food, a full bar, and both indoor and outdoor seating. This restaurant has become a Palm Coast staple over the years and offers a nice sit-down dining experience for a good price. Their new location in the Island Walk shopping plaza is even roomier than their old one, with a large indoor dining room and ample outdoor seating.

Your dog is welcome to join you at one of the nine outdoor tables as you enjoy classic Mexican fare. A quick review of the Salsa’s of Palm Coast BringFido.com listing shows that the staff has been noted for being welcoming to their four-legged guests and that dogs love their chicken and rice as a special treat meal.

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Brass Tap

Brass Tap’s Flagler County location is the perfect place to get a bite and wash it down with a cold beer or craft cocktail. This Palm Coast restaurant is one of several independently-owned locations for this Florida-founded chain. Their emphasis is on beer, as evidenced by their impressive selection, but they also have a wide array of food options to pair with your suds. The food and drinks trend towards high-end, which is also true of the prices in this lively locale. The atmosphere here is trendy and high-energy, making it a great night spot.

Brass Tap is not just a fun place for people, but also for their dogs. They have a jar of doggie treats behind the bar to keep their canine customers happy. They even offer 20% off of your tab on Saturday and Sunday when you bring your dog, according to their BringFido.com reviews. Brass Tap really goes out of their way to be dog-friendly.

No matter where you and your dog go to eat together, they’re sure to enjoy themselves. Whether you’re at the beachfront, the airport, the heart of town, or anywhere in between, your dog will just be happy to be with you. You’ll probably find that you enjoy yourself a whole lot more with your pup beside you too. Go ahead and take a long lunch; you won’t even have to worry about rushing home to let the dog out.

On those days when you just can’t be there, Xanadu is happy to care for your pets! We offer pet sitting, dog walking, and other care services for pets throughout Flagler County.

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The Best Places to Walk Your Dog in Palm Coast

James F. Holland Memorial Park in Palm Coast, FL Flagler County

Dog walking is a great pastime that provides many benefits to both you and your canine companion. Walking provides tons of health benefits, from weight loss to stress relief. Half of the fun is exploring new places to walk, and the novel scenery provides enrichment opportunities for your dog. Thankfully, Palm Coast and Flagler County are rife with great places to enjoy an outdoor stroll. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but these four places include the beach, the swamp, the woods, and the city, so you’re bound to find a place that will be perfect for you and your dog to take a walk!

Lehigh Greenway Rail Trail

The Lehigh Greenway Rail Trail spans 6.9 miles between Colbert Lane and US 1. The entirety of the trail is paved, so even those with limited mobility can enjoy time in nature here. The trail was built on a former railway corridor and passes through part of the 3,000-acre Graham Swamp conservation area.

The Lehigh Rail Trail is an ideal spot for a dog walk. There are no motorized vehicles allowed on the path, so you won’t have to dodge traffic on your walk. The trail runs through the heart of Palm Coast, but it is mostly secluded. The path winds through swamp and woods, allowing pedestrians and bicyclists to feel immersed in nature. There’s plenty for your dog to sniff and explore all along the way. The trail is also very accessible, with access points located in three spots on Belle Terre Parkway, Old Kings Road, and Colbert Lane, just north of where these streets meet SR. 100.

One point of caution when using this trail: We have seen wildlife, including small alligators, when visiting. Always use caution when walking your dogs and give any wildlife that you encounter a wide berth. Part of the fun is getting to view these animals in their natural habitat, but make sure you keep an active eye out to ensure you or your dog don’t inadvertently startle a snake or alligator!

Central Park in Town Center

If city living is more your speed, but you still want to get outside to walk with your four-legged friend, then Central Park in Town Center is a great option! The park features a half-mile paved loop around a scenic pond that has become a popular gathering spot for locals. The city of Palm Coast frequently hosts events here, including holiday parades, movies in the park, and food truck rallies. Central Park is a great spot for social dogs (and people) to meet up with friends or to make new ones.

The park is an easy drive from most places in Palm Coast. It is located very close to Highway 100 and Belle Terre Parkway. The location has ample parking, as well as restroom facilities. The closed-loop path makes it easy to enjoy a walk without worrying about traffic. There are even new solar charging stations and shaded benches to make your trip more pleasant. Remember to bring bags to clean up after your dogs!

Jungle Hut Park

The beach at Jungle Hut Park is a favorite among Palm Coast locals. This park offers public beach access that is located close to the Hammock Dunes bridge in the Hammock. It’s an easy drive from Palm Coast proper and it’s rarely crowded. This park consists of two-acres of practically untouched beach and dunes. There is a paved parking here, so no need for 4-wheel drive. The bathrooms and outdoor showers will help you clean up after a sandy afternoon. It’s easy to get beachside using the wooden walkover. Keep your eyes open and you might even spot some dune-dwelling wildlife on the way.

Pets are welcome at Jungle Hug Park, but they must remain on their leashes. Complimentary dog waste bags are located near the boardwalk entrance – a gentle reminder to keep the park clean by picking up after your pets. We have yet to meet a dog who didn’t enjoy a romp on the beach, so this is a great spot to take your dog for a walk or a swim.

One point of caution when visiting Jungle Hut Park: There is a strong undercurrent here, along with rocks in the surf. We have swum at this park many times, but it is not the ideal location if swimming is your main objective. You should be mindful of this and make sure that you and your dog don’t go out too far into the water at this particular beach.

James F. Holland Memorial Park

The second park on our list was built with dogs in mind. The James F. Holland Memorial Park has both a ¾-mile walking trail and an enclosed dog park. They packed plenty of other features into the 27 acres, including basketball and tennis courts and picnic pavilions.

The dog park portion of the park is divided into space for large and small dogs and even includes a water feature for canine visitors who like to swim. There are water stations for pups and shaded seating areas for people. Whether you’re looking to take your dog on a nice walk through the park or you prefer to relax while your dog does the exercising, James F. Holland Memorial Park has you covered.

It’s clear that there is no shortage of great outdoor spaces for dogs in Flagler County and Palm Coast, so get out and start exploring! Xanadu is happy to take your dog on an adventure any time. We offer pet transport services, which can include trips to the park, beach, or vet! If you’re looking for a more relaxed outing, you may want to check out the best dog-friendly restaurants in Flagler County as well.