While the city does
allow pooches to join their owners on outdoor patios, we know with all of the excitement, dropped food, and pups passing by this does take practice and it can be difficult. We know pups all have different tolerance and comfort levels and lately we've been trying different types of family meals out that include pooches.
Here we took our pooches on a Chicago-style family meal that would be perfect for dog-in-training.
Calumet FisheriesWe had first heard about
Calumet Fisheries on Check Please! and we were excited to try this highly recommended, longstanding, family-run smokehouse. All of the fish is fresh and naturally smoked onsite in the smokehouses on-site. It is a bit far, but it was completely worth it and unlike anything we've ever had in the city. Everyone inside was so, so nice. The people working there, and even the other customers, were excited about the dogs waiting so patiently with E outside and several people came to meet them.
There are no seats or bathrooms and it is all carry-out. They have a single picnic table, and some people eat in their car, but we joined the crew out on the bridge and ate along the railing. It really did feel like we were on vacation:
except for Miss M who had her
bridge-phobia kick in. It wasn't crowded, and there were no chances of running into other pups, so this would be a good exercise for pups-in training.
Rainbow ConeOur second stop was Chicago staple
the Orignial Rainbow Cone. I had only tried the Rainbow Cone during Taste of Chicago, so I was excited to see where it all began.
Dating back to the 1920's this stacked cone is perfect for the indecisive, layered with: Orange Sherbet, Pistachio, Palmer House, Strawberry, and Chocolate. I've heard there tend to be longer lines, but when we went mid-week there were only a few other people there; I went inside while E stayed with the pups. They have picnic tables outside, or you can just enjoy it in your car. It closes for the winter season, but it's something we can tell the pups will be looking forward to in spring.
With all of their patience, they even got a little lick.
What are some ways you have family dinners with your pups?Also:
We find this long-standing favorite an easy transitionThis is an easy walking mealWhen we're feeling EuropeanHow we help our dogs to be successful dining at outdoor patiosCheck our Facebook page for more photos, comments, and storylines beyond the blog.
