Garden of the Gods- lunch options with pups

Question

Hello-

we are heading down to Santa Fe from Ned tomorrow

We're going to head out by 10am near Ned and thinking we'll get to GotG by about noon-ish

we're thinking we'll spend about 90 min there and stop somewhere nearby or on the way down to Pueblo for lunch

Looking for dog friendly, quick and easy, and something tasty & local. Not interested in traveling too far off the interstate, but we'd drive a little out of the way to get to a favorite local hangout.

sandwiches, pizza, burgers, soups,....we're not picky about the stuff, just want something tasty

do any of you have any thoughts about this? TIA in advance for your input!

Answer

Great question! There are a few really good, dog-friendly lunch spots near Garden of the Gods (GotG) that are fairly quick, tasty, and local — plus some that are just a short detour on your way down toward Pueblo. Here are some options and thoughts:

Mollica’s Italian Market & Deli – Located right on Garden of the Gods Road, this is probably your top pick for sandwiches, pizza, soups, and deli fare. They have a few outdoor tables (BringFido notes 3 dog-friendly tables) so your pup can join you.
- Menu highlights include their “Italian Hero” sandwich (salami, capicola, provolone), the “Dominic” meatball sub, sausage grinders, pastrami, and more.
- They also have pizzas (10", 12", 14") and salads.
- There are soups on the menu too (like minestrone or soup of the day).
Trinity Brewing Co. – Very close to GotG (on Garden of the Gods Road). According to their website, they have a full kitchen with pub fare, including scratch-made pizza, plus a beer-baked pizza special.
- They are well-known for being dog-friendly: their patio welcomes leashed dogs, and they even offer water bowls and treats.
- The menu features classic pub dishes, sandwiches, burgers, salads, etc. (and vegan-friendly options too).
Pizzeria Rustica – Mentioned in local dog-friendly guides for the area. This place offers Neapolitan-style, wood-fired pizza, and they have a shady outdoor patio where dogs are welcome.
Pub Dog Colorado – If you’re okay going a little off on a pet-centric spot, this is a really fun, very dog-friendly bar/restaurant in Manitou Springs. They allow dogs inside (on leash) and have both indoor and outdoor seating, plus a dog park. The menu is pub fare — snacks, sandwiches, local beer, etc.

My recommendation given your plan:

Since you're arriving at GotG around noon, you’ll likely finish exploring around 1:30 pm (if you spend ~90 mins). Mollica’s Italian Market & Deli is right on Garden of the Gods Road, making it super convenient: minimal detour, good sandwiches, and a relaxed vibe where your dog can hang out. Great for a quick but satisfying lunch.
If you want something more “local taproom + brew” after hiking, Trinity Brewing is perfect — good food, beer, and a great patio to chill with your pup.
If you don’t mind a slightly more scenic detour into Manitou Springs (very close by), Pub Dog is a unique, pet-first spot (especially fun if your dogs like to stretch legs and you want a playful atmosphere).

Pro tips for the lunch stop:

Arrive with your pup on leash — most of these patios expect well-behaved, leashed dogs.
Check current hours: while these are popular spots, hours may change (especially in shoulder season), so a quick call can save you time.
If it's a busy weekend, having a fallback (e.g., Trinity vs. Mollica’s) will help — both are good but different vibes.

Garden of the Gods- lunch options with pups

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