3 Days in Dog-Friendly NYC: Woofz Hotel Chief Inspector’s First Mission

If you're a dog parent, you know there's no better travel buddy than your four-legged best friend. That’s why, nearly a year ago, we shared something special with our community: a dream job created just for dog lovers like you. We were searching for our first-ever Dog Chief Hotel Inspector – a person (and pup!) who could help us discover the most dog-welcoming hotels across the country.

Thousands of passionate dog owners applied. The idea sparked tails to wag across the internet. And now, we’re thrilled to say: it’s finally real.

Our winning team, Waverly and her pup Tati, just wrapped up their first assignment – sniffing out the top dog-friendly spots in New York City. From cozy hotel beds to off-leash adventures and pup-approved menus, they explored the Big Apple one pawprint at a time.

Here’s the start of their journey – and trust us, it’s as adorable and insightful as you’d hope.

Is NYC Dog-Friendly?

From our very first subway ride into Manhattan, I could tell this trip was going to be special. Tati, riding calmly by my feet, got smiles from strangers and a few pets from curious passengers.

Spoiler alert: If you're wondering if NYC is dog-friendly, the answer is a big YES…with a few surprises along the way.

You can even watch our full experience in the embedded video to see how Tati and I navigated the Big Apple together.

Dog-Friendly Hotels in NYC

1. Kimpton Hotel Eventi – Midtown

Our first stop was the Kimpton Hotel Eventi, right near Madison Square Park.

The only downside? None of the hotel’s on-site restaurants were dog-friendly, which was frustrating after a long day. But we found a gem just two blocks away. The Wilson NYC, which not only welcomed Tati warmly but even had a dog menu!

While the hotel itself felt more dog-tolerant than dog-welcoming, the surrounding area made up for it with plenty of outdoor dining options and walking spaces.

2. The Standard High Line Meatpacking District

Next, we moved downtown to the Standard Hotel High Line. Now, this place got it right.

Unfortunately, Little Island and The High Line both don’t allow dogs. That was a letdown, but we walked to Pier 57 instead, which turned out to be a major win. The rooftop park was completely dog-friendly and had lots of green space for Tati to stretch her legs.

The area is definitely high-end, and prices reflect that. But between the nearby dog park, outdoor cafés, and scenic river walks, this stay felt luxurious and fun for both of us.

3. W Hotel – Union Square

Last up was the W Hotel in Union Square, and it honestly might’ve been our favorite. From the minute we arrived, the staff was obsessed with Tati. They gave us pee pads, bowls, and endless pets.

Being right across from Union Square Park was perfect. It’s full of dogs, and the Greenmarket was buzzing with locals, music, and activity. We also wandered over to Stuyvesant Square Park, which is smaller and quieter, a great spot if your pup prefers something more low-key.

The hotel doesn’t currently have an open restaurant. Still, there’s a Petco right across the street (super convenient if you forget anything), and we had a wonderful dinner outside at The Grey Dog (the details will be further down).

Dog-Friendly Restaurants and Cafés in NYC

Traveling with a dog means completely rethinking the way you dine, especially in places like New York. Thankfully, with a little research and some flexibility, I found some absolute gems that didn’t just allow dogs but genuinely welcomed them. Here’s café at the spots Tati and I visited during our three-day stay, plus a few others that came highly recommended by fellow dog parents and locals we met along the way.

The Wilson NYC (Midtown)

Let’s start with the gold standard. The Wilson quickly became one of our all-time favorite stops. Just a short walk from the Kimpton Hotel Eventi, this place takes the phrase “dog-friendly” to the next level. Not only did they welcome Tati with open arms, but they offered us a full dog menu. Yes, you read that right. Tati ordered the green apple and celery meal, and the look of joy on her face said it all.

The food was incredible, and the staff couldn’t have been more welcoming. You could tell they genuinely loved having dogs around, which made the whole experience feel that much more special for me.

The Grey Dog (Union Square)

Located just a ten-minute walk from the W Hotel at Union Square, The Grey Dog is a cozy, neighborhood-style café with a huge heart for pets. We grabbed a table outdoors, where the staff brought Tati her own water bowl without even asking.

Pier 57 Food Hall (Meatpacking District)

If variety is your thing (and if your dog loves an open space to explore), Pier 57 is a must. This spot isn’t a single restaurant; it's a vibrant collection of food stalls from around the world, all located right next to a dog-friendly rooftop park. 

After exploring the Meatpacking District, we stopped here for lunch. Tati enjoyed the grass, sunshine, and skyline views on the rooftop. It’s rare to find a place that combines good food with space for your pup to stretch out – this one nailed it.

City Winery (Pier 57 + West Side)

While we didn’t eat here on this trip, City Winery kept coming up in conversations with other dog owners. Turns out, they have a fun little deal where if you bring your dog, you get half off a glass of wine. Now, that’s the kind of loyalty program I can get behind! 

Their outdoor patio looked really inviting, with shaded tables, water bowls, and a relaxed, happy-hour vibe. It’s also just steps from Pier 57, so it makes for a great stop after a walk along the waterfront.

Meatpacking District Cafés (West Side)

Throughout our time in the Meatpacking District, I noticed lots of smaller cafés and eateries with outdoor seating, many of which were happy to accommodate Tati. One thing I learned quickly: in NYC, if there’s a patio or sidewalk seating, there’s a good chance your dog is welcome. Just make sure to ask the host first. Most places will say yes and even bring out a bowl of water.

Dog-Friendly Parks in NYC

If your dog needs to run, sniff, socialize, and just be a dog, you might be surprised to learn that New York City actually offers a solid variety of green spaces – even in the middle of the concrete jungle. You just need to know where to go. Throughout my three-day adventure with Tati, we explored parks across the city, from lively urban hubs to peaceful hidden gems. Here’s a breakdown of the best (and a couple of the not-so-great) dog-friendly parks in NYC.

1. Maria Hernandez Park (Bushwick)

This is our home base. Located in the heart of Bushwick, Brooklyn, Maria Hernandez Park is where Tati and I go almost every day. The park has a fantastic off-leash dog run where pups can sprint, wrestle, and play to their hearts’ content. There’s a real community vibe here – familiar faces, friendly dog owners, and plenty of pups that Tati knows by name (or at least by smell).

It’s also not a touristy area, which means you’ll find mostly locals here, perfect if you want a more laid-back environment. If you’re staying in Brooklyn or just want to explore beyond Manhattan, Maria Hernandez is worth the subway ride.

2. Union Square Park (Manhattan)

Bustling and lively, Union Square Park is the opposite of peaceful, but in a good way. This park is full of life. You’ll find everything from farmers markets to street performers to clusters of college students hanging out in the sun. But more importantly for dog parents, there’s a dedicated dog run right in the middle of it all.

We stayed across the street at the W Hotel, so Union Square became our morning go-to. The dog run isn’t huge, but it’s big enough for dogs to stretch their legs and meet new friends. Tati had no shortage of social opportunities here. Everyone was friendly, both humans and dogs – and it felt like a fun, chaotic little slice of city life.

3. Stuyvesant Square Park (Manhattan)

If Union Square feels a bit too chaotic, walk just a few blocks east, and you’ll find Stuyvesant Square Park, which is a total hidden gem. It’s much quieter, with beautiful old trees, shady benches, and a charming fountain in the center.

There isn’t a dog run here, but it’s a perfect park for leashed walks, especially if your pup prefers a slower pace. We went in the late afternoon, just as school was letting out, and the park was filled with music, laughter, and locals unwinding.

4. Pier 57 Rooftop Park (Meatpacking District)

Hands down, one of the coolest surprises of our trip. Located right along the Hudson River, Pier 57 Rooftop Park is perched on top of a food hall – and yes, it’s fully dog-friendly.

After grabbing lunch downstairs, we headed up to the rooftop, where Tati got to run around on the grass, sniff everything in sight, and pose with the skyline behind her. It’s open, airy, and has some of the best river views in the city.

5. Gansevoort Peninsula (West Side, Manhattan)

We discovered this by accident, and it turned out to be a major win. Right near The Standard High Line Hotel is the Gansevoort Peninsula, which has a grassy, off-leash area where Tati was able to let loose and play.

If you’re staying in the Meatpacking area or walking along the waterfront, this is a must-visit for your dog.

What to Avoid: The High Line & Little Island

While many parts of Manhattan are surprisingly welcoming to dogs, not everything is open to them, even when it seems like it should be.

The High Line, for example, looks like the perfect place for a scenic dog walk. It’s elevated, green, and runs through some of the prettiest parts of the west side. But sadly, dogs aren’t allowed, even on leash. We got as far as the southern entrance before spotting the “no dogs” sign – disappointing, to say the least.

New York may not have sprawling off-leash areas on every corner, but with a little planning, there’s plenty of green space where your dog can explore, play, and feel like part of the city. From the bustling dog runs of Union Square to the quiet charm of Stuyvesant Square and the elevated greenery of Pier 57, NYC proves that it really can be a dog’s world even in the middle of a massive urban playground.

Just remember to check signs before entering any park and keep a leash handy. Some areas allow off-leash play only at certain hours, while others have strict rules. But when you find those special spots, the joy on your dog’s face is more than worth it.

NYC Subway Dog Rules

Taking Tati on the subway was surprisingly easy.

For longer distances or when juggling luggage, I used Uber Pet – an option in the app that guarantees a pet-friendly ride. You can also use regular yellow cabs, which are generally dog-friendly in NYC. Just make sure your dog is leashed and well-behaved, and you ask first.

Final Thoughts

New York isn’t just a myth; it's real, vibrant, and full of adventure. You just have to plan a little and stay flexible.

Each hotel had its pros and cons, but all were welcoming. The restaurants and parks were generally easy to navigate, and people were friendly wherever we went. Tati had a blast exploring the city, meeting new furry friends, and discovering smells that she’s probably still dreaming about.

If you're someone dealing with separation anxiety, traveling with a service or emotional support dog, or just don’t like leaving your pet behind, NYC offers plenty of ways to make a city stay work for both you and your dog.