West Chester Dish

Man’s best friend doesn’t always make the best dining companion. Drool, constant “can-I-try-a-taste-of-that” looks and a lack of stimulating conversation don’t constitute the best table etiquette. Then again, where’s the fun in manners?

Take, for instance, last week, when my boyfriend and I ordered Chinese food and ate it on his deck. He happens to own a beautiful Great Dane of equinesque stature (ie, her eyes are level with my ribcage). Midway through our meal she accidentally bumped into the table, sending an avalanche of glasses, plates and egg rolls flying into the air and onto the deck. Alright, so I didn’t get to finish my chicken with broccoli, but I was laughing too hard to eat anyway.

West Chester has great outdoor options for summertime dining with our favorite pooches, no matter their size or grace. The best spot, hands down, is Ryan’s Pub (124 W. Gay St., 610.344.3934). My obsession with their roast pork sandwiches (mmm, the melted cheese, tender meat and crusty roll…) might have a little bit to do with this, but in my experience, Ryan’s is the most canine-friendly place to eat. Located at the end of Gay Street, it is a bit removed from the hustle and bustle of High Street, which means you’ll find less of a crowd to manage but have plenty of people to ooh and ah over your dog. Most importantly, the waitresses seem to appreciate having a four-legged (non-paying) customer. Last time I ate there with a dog the waitress actually brought out a bowl of water for him without us even asking – now that’s service!

Wherever you choose to dine, the following are tips to avoid any “Marley and Me”-style incidents while eating out with your dog:

1. Eat outside.
2. Look for an end table, or at least one far enough away from the other tables so that your dog is only sniffing YOUR food and drooling on YOUR feet.
3. Also strategize your seating choice to get the waitress who squeals, “Aw, your dog is so cute!” when you arrive, and not the one that looks disdainfully away or starts sneezing and complaining about allergies.
4. Tie your dog’s leash to either your chair leg or your table, depending which looks sturdier.
5. If choosing the latter, really make sure the table is securely weighted down (recall the egg roll incident). Even small dogs can show remarkable strength when a squirrel, cat or other irresistible object appears enters their line of vision.
6. Request a bowl of water for your dog. Most places are happy to oblige, you’ll spare other diners the view of your dog panting at their feet and most importantly, your four-legged friend will stay hydrated.