SUMMER 2021 | LAKE OCONEE LIVING 59
not only for its signature seafood
dishes, but for welcoming pets, getting
at least two-to-three pets on their patio
each day, according to manager Patrick
Ritchey.
Canine customers get plenty of water
on hot summer days and are treated to
individually-wrapped dog biscuit goodie
bags provided by Pet Wants nearby.
Ritchey also likes to showcase the
restaurant’s furry guests on Instagram
@bistrobarks, something he began in
Florida at the Bistro’s companion restaurant,
2nd Street Bistro, before moving to
Lake Oconee. In Florida, he also helped
develop a menu for pets – the rice and
salmon was a huge hit, he says. Georgia’s
regulations are different, however, and
prohibit dogs from dining on the patios
in order to avoid any aggressive behavior.
Pets are also not allowed on chairs
or tables and employees are prohibited
to pet the animals. The last rule is the
hardest, Ritchey says.
“Everyone just wants to pet all of them,”
he says. “The employees love having the
dogs come in. It’s definitely a highlight.”
Ritchey enjoys bringing his own dogs
in to work with him as often as he can.
Petunia, a black Great Dane who is
almost one, and Waldo, a five-year-old
Catahoula, love to come hang out with
other dogs on the patio, he says.
The Bistro, formerly known as the
Magnolia House, sits atop a hill overlooking
Lake Oconee and is perfectly
situated to encourage al fresco dining,
with or without a leash.
Other restaurants in the region, like
Georgia Butts BBQ across the street,
also welcome dogs in their outdoor
seating areas. Listed here are just some
of the other pooch-friendly patios that
can be found from the shores of the lake
to the downtown streets of surrounding
towns.
Amici Madison 174 W Washington St, Madison, GA
30650
(706) 342-0000
amici-cafe.com
Café 44 1051 Village Park Dr, Greensboro, GA
30642
(706) 999-9744
thecafe44.com
Dolce Caffe 290 Hancock St, Madison, GA 30650
(706) 438-1461
dolcecaffe.me
Georgia Butts BBQ 1137 Lake Oconee Pkwy, Eatonton, GA
31024
(706) 474-0946
georgiabuttsbbq.com
Iron Fork Café
Giving you the gift of the
best service, selection and value
from your local mattress specialists!
Interest-free financing | Layaway
Professional Delivery | Setup
MATTRESS C ENTER O F L AKE O CONEE
1027 Lake Oconee Parkway, Suite 1
(across from Goodwill on Hwy 44)
706-991-5084
mattresscenterlakeoconee.com
As low as $39 per month
Factory ordered stock
liquidation on all
discontinued merchandise!
SUMMER SALE
/amici-cafe.com
/thecafe44.com
/georgiabuttsbbq.com
/mattresscenterlakeoconee.com