Introduction to the Issue
A Tribune was accidentally delivered Tuesday along with my Sun-Times. Since there was no point in giving it back, I took a peek at what the competition is up to. Most of the front page was dedicated to the proposed City Council ordinance to permit dogs in restaurants. The headline, “Dogs in restaurants?” betrayed the Trib’s notorious bland literality, while the Sun-Times mustered our usual flip wordplay, “DOG DAYS OF BUSINESS?”
The Proposal and Its Implications
The Tribune’s Jake Sheridan kept up a tone of solemnity throughout, indulging in a bit of levity only toward the end, noting, “Sorry, cat, turtle, bird and koala owners, the measure would only apply to pooches.” My colleague, the indispensable Fran Spielman, punned right off the bat, “A City Council member from Lincoln Park wants to throw a financial bone to Chicago restaurants fighting for survival …” But neither the Tribune nor the Sun-Times delved much into the key question: How’s this going to work? Sure, leashes will be required, but a dog on a leash can still maul another dog.
Impact on Business
We don’t have to guess, as I like to say: We can just find out. Plenty of Chicago watering holes advertise themselves as dog-friendly, and I set out to take their temperature. How much is that doggie in the window affecting business? “We love having dogs on the patio,” said a bartender at the Harding Tavern, 2732 N. Milwaukee, which announces “Our Patio is Dog Friendly” on its website. “It’s nice for the neighbors to be able to come in,” continued the bartender, who did not want to give her name. “We’ve never had issues with any dogs.”
Dog-Friendly Establishments
Chicago’s most canine-welcoming bar might be Cody’s Public House at 1658 W. Barry. Named for the original owner’s dog — a bloodhound — the West Lake View neighborhood tavern keeps a glass jar of dog treats on the bar and prides itself on its dog-friendliness.
Martha, Debbie Harvey Wischnowsky and Dave Wischnowsky at Cody’s Public House in Lake View Wednesday
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
“People expect dogs to be at Cody’s,” said Matt Hayes, the owner. “When they come in, they’re coming to a neighborhood bar with their dog. They’re not coming for a nice meal.” So with an average of 15 dogs a day, is there much trouble? “Dogs are really well-behaved when there’s no food involved,” he said. “If people are sitting next to each other eating, it could be different.”
Potential Challenges
If Hayes seems a bit ambivalent about the proposed legislation, it could be because the law stipulates that only water can be served dogs. Cody’s sells doggie beer — nonalcoholic, of course, since alcohol is toxic for dogs. Brews such as Best Buds, a California canine craft beer (well, beef bone marrow broth). Situations do arise — as reflected in the “Doggy Rules” on the website of Dawg Park, a Glenview gourmet hot dog place. Canines are welcome, but:
“—Fur babies MUST BE ON A LEASH at all times, and cannot be left unattended.”
“—Pawrents must make sure doggies have been WALKED before coming into the restaurant to avoid ANY ACCIDENTS.”
“—We know doggies have a lot to say, but we ask that you try to keep NOISE LEVELS TO A MINIMUM.”
Personal Reflections
While I would never depart from the strict impartiality essential to good journalism, I will say that allowing dogs in restaurants strikes me as a step toward returning to the dynamic society we have strayed from. Just considering the law sparked daring new thought on my part. For years, driving east, my family would look forward to stopping at the Round the Clock Restaurant in LaPorte, Indiana. Delicious chow. Marvelous homemade pie. Great service. We’d plan our journeys to hit LaPorte at mealtime. But the last few trips we did not visit because we had our beloved dog Kitty in tow, and of course couldn’t leave her in the car as we ate.
Conclusion
I phoned. Might dogs be allowed in the restaurant? “Bring ‘em in,” said Angela, the hostess on duty at Round the Clock. “I have three of my own, and know what it’s like to leave them behind. We’ve never had trouble, never a lick. As long as your dog is friendly, and I get kisses, I’ll be happy.” Me too. The prospect of dogs in restaurants, while it may present some challenges, also offers opportunities for businesses to attract more customers and for pet owners to spend quality time with their pets in new settings.
FAQs
Q: What is the proposed City Council ordinance about?
A: The proposed ordinance aims to permit dogs in restaurants, with certain stipulations such as requiring leashes and only serving water to dogs.
Q: How do dog-friendly establishments currently operate?
A: Many establishments already welcome dogs, with some having specific rules in place, such as requiring dogs to be on leashes and not left unattended.
Q: What are the potential benefits of allowing dogs in restaurants?
A: Allowing dogs in restaurants could attract more customers to businesses and provide pet owners with more opportunities to spend time with their pets.
Q: What are some potential challenges of allowing dogs in restaurants?
A: Challenges could include ensuring dogs are well-behaved, especially when food is involved, and managing potential conflicts between dogs or between dogs and other customers.
