The first CESAR restaurant weekend brings both dogs and guests to NYC

There are so many good things to say about restaurants in New York City, but dog-friendliness isn’t usually one of them. That changes this weekend, August 16 and 17, with the inaugural CESAR Restaurant Weekend. Five of the city’s best restaurants are opening their doors to all furry friends (and their parents).

Restaurants participating in the event include City Vineyard at Pier 26 in Hudson River Park, Miriam in Brooklyn, 1803 in Tribeca, and Torch & Crown’s SoHo and Union Square locations. Dog-friendly hours vary by location, so contact the restaurant ahead of time or check the list below. You can also check out the Tripadvisor Restaurant Guide for more information on participating locations.

• City Vineyard at Pier 26: Friday and Saturday from 12pm to 4pm

• Miriam in Brooklyn: Friday from 11am to 3pm and Saturday from 10am to 2pm

• 1803 in Tribeca/Manhattan: Friday and Saturday from 4 to 8 p.m.

• Torch and Crown in SoHo and Union Square: Friday from 5pm to 8pm and Saturday from 12pm to 4pm

This event is more fun for your dog than just the honor of walking through the door, though. Participating dogs should come hungry, as there’s a full menu of CESAR meals to choose from, including the CESAR Mini-Pouch Filet Mignon Flavor that pairs well with your own steak platter. The designated CESAR Restaurant Weekend staff will also be handing out generous portions of belly rubs, as well as swag bags filled with fun merchandise like food bowls and bandanas. Admission is free, so take a seat and get ready to dig in and enjoy an inclusive weekend of exquisite dining with your four-legged companion.

This venture is part of CESAR’s commitment to making the world a more dog-friendly place.

The CESAR Restaurant Weekend is the result of a collaboration between Mars Petcare (the parent company of the CESAR brand) and Tripadvisor, announced earlier this year.

After all, it just isn’t the same enjoying all the great food New York has to offer without your best companion. That’s why events like this are so great, because they show restaurant owners that bringing pets along is actually an effective way to attract customers with little downside. Last year, Mars Petcare conducted a survey called “Pets Connect Us” that found that only 20% of pet owners in the U.S. and Canada say there are pet-friendly restaurants and cafes in their neighborhood. That’s a lot of lonely dogs hanging out at home when they could be having a great time with family. This event may only last for the weekend, but it’s nice to see foodies and pets coming together in this way.