Dog friendly outlets - Groovy reviews

‘Star’ newspaper recently featured 6 F&B outlets as being pet/ dog friendly. This is certainly news to me as such publicized outlets are a rarity in this country. I took the opportunity to visit some of these outlets during the recent holiday season to verify their authenticity … that’s me, self appointed, independent F&B dog critic.

Palate Palate, Changkat Bukit Bintang
Trendy fine dining outlet popular amongst the KL socialites, hence can be rather pricey. Despite the detailed write-up on catering to dogs and even serving doggie biscuits, this outlet is only dog friendly on Sunday afternoons. Not sure if ½ a day in a week qualifies as dog friendly, but guess it is better than none. My vote: 1 paw, great looking café to lounge in but slightly misleading as a dog friendly establishment. By the way, I didn’t get in as my gullible owners didn’t read the ‘Sunday afternoons only’ fine print.

Market Place Restaurant, Jln Yap Kwan Seng
Fine dining fusion outlet with dog friendly staff and management. Plays chill out tunes catering to the lounge crowd. Limited menu and pricey. Cool multi-level club décor on the inside but dogs have to be seated outside. Basic al-fresco set up with a small shabby garden and BBQ pit … perhaps, still undergoing outdoor renovations. My vote: 2 paws, great views of KLLC twin towers at night but limited options for K9 loungers.

Boathouse Restaurant, TTDI
Fine dining fusion outlet and can be heavy on the wallet. Dark, quiet and romantic setting suited for couples. Wifi available with a resident ShihTzu in the house. Dogs are allowed inside on less crowded days. My vote: 2 paws, dog friendly but nothing exciting going on really.

Rumours , Sri Hartamas

Been here when it was still known as Flagz, now refurbished with classier setup. Still new, appears rather empty and quiet and dogs have to be seated outside. Haven’t tried this new set up, so will reserve my vote till later.

Fogal Cafe & Deli, Plaza Damas

Neat looking deli set up serving Aussie sausages, breakfast and grilled meat. Airy and sizeable outlet with outside seating in front and at the back as well. Dogs allowed inside on less crowded days. Staff is friendly with good service. My vote: 3 paws, sweet smell of grilled sausages wafting through the corridor + cool tiles to laze on = neat place to hang around at.

Sid’s Pub, TTDI
UK pub setting serving traditional pub fare from pies and burgers to Indian dishes. Prices are reasonable, hence very popular and crowded especially on weekends. Plays alternative and rock music, mostly drowned out by human chatter. Dogs are allowed in the pub, including the bar area and have actually bumped into a number of dogs hanging about with their owners. My vote: 4 paws, staff and patrons are dog friendly, plus they are not too fussed about us relaxing on the benches and stools. Best seat in the house is on the window sills in the front … pretending to be a cat. Easily, one of my fav joints.

Festive reminder: Don’t drink and play …