A Patio Made for a Dog Day Outing
National Dog Day falls on August 26, and if you’re looking for somewhere in Rancho Cordova to bring your dog along for the occasion, Rancho Steve’s Pizza has a genuine advantage most quick-service pizza spots don’t: a real outdoor patio. Located at 3191 Zinfandel Dr in the Lowe’s Shopping Center, the patio is part of the restaurant’s everyday dining setup, not a seasonal add-on — described by the restaurant itself as the place to go to “enjoy the California sunshine” instead of the indoor dining room.
Why a Patio Table Works for Dog Day
A patio table solves the basic problem of a Dog Day outing: somewhere outdoors, casual enough that nobody minds a leash under the table, and close enough to home that it doesn’t turn into a whole production. Rancho Cordova, Citrus Heights, Gold River, and Mather Field all fall within Rancho Steve’s delivery and dine-in service area, so a patio lunch or dinner doesn’t require a long drive. Since the restaurant also runs a full indoor dining room with eight big-screen TVs for anyone who’d rather sit inside, a mixed group — some at a patio table with the dog, others inside — can still order from the same kitchen and split the same order.
What to Order for a Patio Dog Day Lunch
A patio visit doesn’t need to be a big commitment. A Personal Pizza ($11.99) or a personal-size specialty pizza from the Personal Pizza Deal lineup ($9.99 each) is an easy single-person order for a quick patio stop. For a longer visit or a small group, a Large Salad ($10.99) or Family Salad ($26.99) alongside a round of Cheesy Breadsticks or Mozzarella Sticks ($12.99) gives the table something to share while everyone settles in. Groups planning a bigger patio gathering for Dog Day can also look at the Family Salad or Party Salad ($36.99) paired with a larger specialty pizza at Mega Deal pricing (20% off medium-through-party sizes).
Making the Most of a Dog Day Visit
A patio outing works best with a little planning. Rancho Steve’s is open Sunday through Thursday from 10:00 AM to 9:30 PM and Friday and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM, so a mid-afternoon or early-evening patio table is usually easy to find outside peak dinner hours. Calling ahead at (916) 851-0749 is a good idea for a bigger group planning to take over a few patio tables together, especially if it’s a coordinated Dog Day meetup with other dog owners in the neighborhood.
A Neighborhood Spot That Already Knows Its Regulars
Rancho Steve’s has built its reputation in Rancho Cordova since 2010 on hospitality as much as food — customer reviews specifically mention the owners’ friendliness and the kind of service that makes a casual visit feel personal rather than transactional. That same hospitality extends naturally to a Dog Day patio visit: it’s a low-key, no-reservation-required outing at a restaurant that’s used to treating regulars like neighbors, not just orders.
Planning Your Dog Day Patio Visit
Whether it’s a solo lunch with your dog at your feet or a small group of dog owners meeting up for the occasion, the easiest way to prepare is to order ahead through Rancho Steve’s online ordering system so your food is ready when you arrive, or call (916) 851-0749 to check on patio availability for a bigger group.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Rancho Steve’s Pizza have outdoor seating? A: Yes — the restaurant has a large outdoor patio at its 3191 Zinfandel Dr location in addition to indoor dining.
Q: Can I bring my dog to the patio for National Dog Day? A: The patio is a casual outdoor dining space that works well for a Dog Day visit. For any specific pet policy questions, call ahead at (916) 851-0749.
Q: What are good menu items for a quick patio visit? A: A Personal Pizza ($11.99) or a personal-size specialty pizza ($9.99) is an easy single-order option, while a Large Salad ($10.99) or Cheesy Breadsticks work well for sharing.
Q: What are Rancho Steve’s hours for a Dog Day visit? A: Sunday through Thursday, 10:00 AM to 9:30 PM, and Friday and Saturday, 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM.
Q: Can I reserve patio tables for a group Dog Day meetup? A: Call (916) 851-0749 ahead of time to check on patio availability for a larger group.
