While Mexico hasn’t always been a dog-friendly place, these days that’s changed. From restaurants that will let your pet join you inside to grocery stores that have pet parking, it’s a good time to be four legged and furry in Mexico City. When we don’t have other commitments, my husband and I take our dog (code name: the Gordo) out on the town on Saturday afternoons. So far he’s visited the posh Polanco neighborhood, the alternative Condesa and Roma Norte neighborhoods, and traditional Coyoacan. Below are some suggestions on where to go and what to expect in each neighborhood.

Coyoacan

Coyoacan’s central square and the surrounding streets are a great place to go for a walk, if you and your furry friend are good with crowds. Saturdays and Sundays are busy days in this neighborhood, so expect full-to-bursting restaurants, toys and crafts for sale on the street and in the square, and street performers.

When you’re done walking and are ready to sit down with some food and drink, try the Mercado del Carmen. Pets are welcome inside, and there are plenty of options to choose from. Offerings include craft beer, cocktails and wine, Spanish food (the patatas bravas are awesome!), Mexican food, pizza, a vegan spot, a bakery and and ice cream shop. As a bonus, if you’re looking for something for your pet, there’s a cart inside selling collars, toys, and shampoo.

Condesa

The Condesa neighborhood is a pet-owner’s dream. At one end of Parque Mexico, you’ll find a dog park where you can take your dog off his leash and let him run around with other dogs. Unfortunately, the Gordo is a wuss when it comes to running around in the mud with other dogs, so Mario and I enjoy this more than he does but we take him anyway. Calle Amsterdam is a tree-lined loop a block from Parque Mexico, and if you’re looking for a longer walk it’s ideal. You’ll find lots of restaurants on Amsterdam, and just about any place with sidewalk seating will accept dogs.

We enjoyed the cocktails at Milo’s before lunch, and then it started pouring, so we took the Gordo home.

Roma Norte

Roma Norte is full of beautiful parks. Among them, the Parque Rio de Janeiro stands out. You’ll find labradors playing catch, and adventurous shepherds jumping in the fountain. Alvaro Obregon is another good street for walking. It has plenty of trees, as well as fountains and artwork on the pedestrian walk between lanes.

At Cafe Toscano you’ll find water bowls for your dog, and a good selection of pizza and pasta. They’ll let your dog join you inside the restaurant while you eat, but also have sidewalk seating which is lovely on a sunny day. We ate at the one on Parque Rio de Janeiro, but there’s a second location near another park, also in the Roma neighborhood.

Polanco

Parque Lincoln is a great spot for a stroll before eating. There are reflecting pools, a statue of the 16th president of the United states, and plenty of tree-lined walkways. It’s also conveniently located next to Polanquito, a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood with restaurant options for every appetite: Mexican, burgers, French, Italian, bakeries, cookie shops, ice cream and chocolate shops…  Your pet will be welcome at most spots with sidewalk seating.

On the other side of Parque Lincoln, you’ll find the Porco Rosso, an American-style BBQ joint. This is also a chain, so you find outposts in other areas, including the Condesa and Roma neighborhoods. Don’t hold that against it though. The food is solid; better than the BBQ I tried in D.C., and the desserts are great. They are sweet and decadent, which is exactly what you should expect from deep fried Oreo’s and a mini skillet full of S’mores. When the sidewalk seating was full, they let the Gordo come inside with us, provided that he’d behave and not bother other guests.

If you’re in the market for a new collar or bed for your pet, stop in at Marlo. They have cool high end accessories including dog toys, treats, blankets and beds, shampoo, leashes and collars.

Locations: Mercado del Carmen: Malintzin 199 04100 Ciudad de México // Milo’s: Amsterdam 308 Col. Hipodromo de la Condesa // Cafe Toscano: Calle Orizaba 42, Cuauhtémoc, Roma Norte and Calle Orizaba 42, Cuauhtémoc, Roma Norte // Porco Rosso: Luis G. Urbina 4 esq. Aristóteles, Col. Polanco, Del. Miguel Hidalgo // Marlo: Aristóteles 12 Polanco