Clare & Don’s Beach Shack recently secured a special variance from the Fairfax County Health Department to allow dogs on its patio. The restaurant is owned and operated by Rebecca Tax and David Tax, the brother and sister team that also own and operated Mike’s Deli at Lazy Sundae.

While they had previously allowed dogs on the Beach Shack’s spacious patio, a complaint from a customer to the Fairfax County Health Department, the entity that oversees restaurants in the City of Falls Church, forced them to discontinue the practice albeit temporarily. Clare and Don’s is the first restaurant in either the City of F.C. or Fairfax County to receive such a variance. Weather permitting, Clare & Don’s will keep their pet friendly patio, complete with a fire pit, an outdoor bar, and often live music, open through the fall and into the winter.

For more about Clare & Don’s Beach Shack, located at 130 N. Washington Street in Falls Church, visit www.clareanddons.com.