Dining with your Dog

Now a days there are few places where people can enjoy a well prepared meal and still have their dog tag along too. Many restaurants restrict pet access unless he/she is a service dog. However, Uncle Bill's Pancake House, a local diner in Manhattan Beach, allows you and your dog to dine complete with an ocean view. 

The pancake house has been around since the 1960s. Dogs are not allowed inside the restaurant, but the patio is fair game. The patio is a recent addition and allows visitors to drop in while on an early morning walk with their dog. The place fills up quick and its not unusual for guests to spill out into the sidewalk.

The food is fresh and the portions look small, but end up being the right size. It fills you up and leaves you satisfied and not over stuffed. Dogs are allowed to prop themselves up on the end of your table if that's what you allow. Every now and then we threw Duke pieces of sausage or fruit. Duke loves strawberries.

The staff is very friendly to both people and pets. Patrons keep to themselves, but every once in a while someone will look up and offer a smile or compliment a passing dog. Many didn't fuss with having an animal in the same vicinity as their food. 

I saw lazy dogs, alert dogs and dogs bold enough to rest their paw on their owners knee so as not to be forgotten. Waitresses will bring out bowls of water for dogs if their owner asks. The joint is open seven days a week from 6am to 3pm, Monday thru Friday and, from 7am to 3pm on Saturday and Sunday.