There are rules: Dogs only -- there's no provision in the pet-restaurant ordinance that allows for cats, birds, snakes or other "pets." There's no size limit on the dogs, but they must be on a leash. They have to sit in designated areas and never on the chairs. And don't expect any petting from the Spoto's staffers -- though the city ordinance allows pets at outdoor restaurants, staffers are not allowed to touch them while on duty.

"That's too bad in a way," says Ellen Daly, Spoto's co-owner with her brother, John Spoto. "Some of the dogs are much better behaved than some of the diners."

Follow Clean Plate Charlie onFacebook and on Twitter: @CleanPlateBPB.