Week 113: Lazy Dog

Week 113: February 23rd-March 1st, 2025

Living in Mission Valley means we are steps away from countless restaurants and shopping centers. This comes in handy when even the thought of making dinner once again may be the straw that breaks the camel's back.

This week, I went to Lazy Dog, a restaurant that shares a parking lot with my beloved Mission Valley Ulta and Trader Joe's. I've driven past the building countless times but only considered trying it out after my friend Amanda told me their happy hour deals were pretty good.

I didn't go during happy hour (by the way, happy hour deals not being a thing at most places on weekends seems like cruel and unusual punishment...) but it was still a good time.

Here is their Yelp page if you'd like to check it out.

Golden Hour outside of Lazy Dog

Not sure if my brain was just working at a decreased efficiency level but it took me a minute to realize their whole schtick was dogs. "Lazy Dog" being the restaurant name was apparently not enough for me.

Though they have a great patio dining area with heat lamps, we requested a table inside because it meant a shorter wait time. However, we only had to wait about ten minutes before getting seated. There was a steady stream of people (and dogs) coming in and out of the entryway.

I only got photos of two of the four dogs during our brief wait period. These photos were taken seconds apart. They looked like they wanted to be friends.

Maybe the restaurant should consider introducing a "kids table" like at Thanksgiving, but for dogs. They even have a "pup menu"!

As cheap as a $5 protein bowl with brown rice and veggies sounds, I ordered off the human menu. I'd been craving Mexican food, so I got a side of tortilla soup and their "Tex Mex Salad." We also got the brussels sprouts as an appetizer, which were almost perfect, just a bit too greasy. The whole meal didn't hit the same satisfying spot as a carnitas burrito would've, but I still enjoyed it.

I definitely want to return in warmer months and sit on their patio during happy hour. I won't be bringing a dog of my own any time soon, but I will happily enjoy seeing the other customers' dogs.

See you next week.