Dog Friendly Outdoor Dining on the Upper West Side | Ellington in the Park
The 105th Street Dog Run sits directly across the path from the lower level of Ellington in the Park. Most people doing that run do not realise the only bar inside Riverside Park is a few steps aw or that dogs are welcome throughout the entire outdoor space on a lead, not just tolerated at one corner table. The venue sits on the bank of the Hudson River at West 105th Street, spans two levels, and has been named by NYC.com as one of the best bars in New York for Hudson River sunsets.
Time Out New York has featured it as a seasonal destination on the Upper West Side. The kitchen opens at 11am daily, so the walk and the meal are the same trip.
The 2026 season opened on April 23rd.
Open daily from 11am. For the full pet policy, the FAQ page covers the specifics.
The venue spans two levels. The upper bar is built from a repurposed shipping container — an industrial edge that sits comfortably against the trees and open water. The lower level opens onto the park itself, with beach volleyball, soccer, and softball fields just beyond. From either level, the Hudson faces directly west. The sun sets in front of you over the water, not over a building, not somewhere to your left.
The nearest park entrance is at 103rd Street and Riverside Drive. Walk north along the promenade and you arrive at the bar naturally. For a dog used to the morning walk through Riverside Park, the route to the table is an extension of the walk rather than a separate exercise in navigating a restaurant entrance. Ellington in the Park sits within the six miles of parkland managed by the Riverside Park Conservancy, which lists the venue on its parks page.
The Dog Run at 105th Street
The 105th Street Dog Run in Riverside Park sits directly across the path from the lower level. It is a consistent fixture of the morning and early evening crowd in this stretch of the park. Multiple reviewers on TripAdvisor have noted the proximity specifically — arriving at the bar after a run session, or stopping in before heading back up to the neighbourhood, is a natural circuit that a lot of Upper West Side dog owners already make. Complimentary water bowls are available for dogs throughout the outdoor space.
On any weekday morning along the Riverside Drive promenade between 96th and 110th Streets, the density of dogs makes the character of this neighbourhood obvious. The only bar and restaurant inside Riverside Park welcomes them. For anyone looking for dog friendly brunch in NYC or outdoor dining on the Upper West Side with a dog, it removes the usual difficulty entirely.
For groups — a summer birthday where some people come from the dog run and others from the 1 train at 103rd — the venue handles parties from 20 to 500 with reserved outdoor areas.
Full details on the party reservations page.
For what to order and when to arrive, the menu guide covers the food and drinks in full. The full menu is on the menus page.
The location page has directions and transit information.
The nearest subway stop is 103rd Street on the 1 train. No reservations — tables are first come, first served on both levels.
After the Season
Ellington in the Park runs April through October. When the season closes, The Ellington on Broadway at 2745 Broadway continues year-round as the sister venue the same ownership and kitchen, open Monday through Sunday on the Upper West Side, with happy hour running Monday to Friday from 4pm to 7pm. For anyone who finds Ellington in the Park through the summer, it is the natural continuation once November arrives.
Ellington in the Park. Riverside Drive and West 105th Street, New York, NY 10025. Open daily from 11am. Enter via the stairs or ramp at 103rd Street and Riverside Drive.