Downtown? Hungry? Thirsty? Dogs With You?

One of my favorite things about summer is dining outside, and the bonus to outdoor seating is that the dogs can be part of the action. In the past week I've had a couple of great experiences enjoying dog-friendly restaurants with great patios.

Last Sunday I had brunch at the Fountain Bistro in Campus Martius. If you're looking for an alternative to any number of well-known spots that require lengthy waits for tables on weekend mornings, you might like it here. It opened a few weeks ago, and seems to be very busy for weekday lunches, but on Sunday I had the outdoor patio mostly to myself. Highlights from the breakfast menu include goodies from Avalon Breads, breakfast burritos, and ....waffles! Did I say they have waffles? Mmmmm. There are plenty of vegetarian options, and fancy coffee drinks, too. The view from my table....

I had an ice tea, a bacon & egg breakfast burrito (the second half shown below), and a cappuccino, all for $10. And in my expert opinion, all yummy. The menu is not full of giant breakfasts involving a half dozen eggs, a rasher of bacon, and a sack of potatoes, but if you're looking for a light breakfast (or lunch) on your way home from walking or biking the Riverwalk, Dequindre Cut, or Belle Isle, you couldn't find a better spot. On Sundays, street parking within sight of your table is free and easy to find.

The people-watching is always fun at this park....

If you want to hang out for the afternoon with a book or your laptop (there is free wifi), you could get carryout and sit in a quieter corner of the park....

With its lush landscaping and sound of water, the park hardly seems like it's in the center of the city's main artery.

I'll save my next dog-friendly dining spot for another day, but here's a sneak peek....

... and in case you wondered, that park thing from Monday turned out ok for now....and Hubbard Farms tied Mexicantown 1-1...