Pizza with puppies? Coffee with kittens? A late-night cocktail among the cockatoos? At these Phoenix restaurants and cafes, you can enjoy a tasty meal or beverage alongside furry or feathered animals.
From fries with Fido to burgers with bears, we’ve rounded up eight of the Valley’s best animal-friendly and -themed eateries — and one that’s worth the day trip — where you’ll come face-to-face with fascinating wildlife, adoptable pets, and even mechanized critters.
Phoenix Zoo
When it comes to dining with animals, there’s no better place in Greater Phoenix than the Phoenix Zoo. As one of the largest nonprofit zoos in the U.S., covering more than 125 acres in Papago Park, it’s home to more than 3,000 animals, many which are threatened or endangered.
As for food, escape the heat in the Savanna Grill in the central plaza, which serves burgers, sandwiches, salads, and kids’ meals. The Crossroads Cafe, located near the camel rides, offers quick-service Mexican dishes, while Safari Snacks, situated on the African Trail next to the rhino habitat, has hot dogs and frozen treats. Guests can also bring their own food and drinks too, and can enjoy lunch and snacks at benches and stops around the park. 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, phoenixzoo.org
Stray Café
The Valley’s newest experience with animals opened in mid-August in Central Phoenix. Taking a cue from the ubiquitous Tokyo-style cat cafes that have popped up around Arizona and the U.S., this dog and coffee cafe supports Rockstar Rescue, a recovery facility with a focus on saving dogs who are at high risk of euthanasia in county shelters, and rehabilitating them for adoption…