Now, one northside alderman wants to change the rules to let the dogs in.
Winnie, a 13-year-old labrador got a treat inside Vanille Pastry Shop in Lincoln Park.
The owner says she has been losing business because customers are not allowed to bring their dogs inside when they pick up coffee and pastries.
"They're not harming anybody," café owner Sophie Evanoff said. "I understand there's allergies, but it should be allowed at the business owner's discretion."
43rd Ward Alderman Timmy Knudsen proposed an ordinance that would allow restaurants to decide whether they want to allowed dogs. Winnie's owner is all for it.
"I think most dog owners are responsible enough and self -aware of the pets and make the right decisions whether to bring their dogs into a business like this," Aaron Jackson said.
The Illinois Restaurant Association says they support the proposed ordinance. Adding that it could help many neighborhood restaurants struggling.
"Most restaurant owners know the customers so they know this could help their bottom line," President Illinois Restaurant Association Sam Toia said. "This is a business of pennies and nickels, so if they can bring in more, that's good for our hospitality industry."
Restaurants that choose to allow dogs would only be allowed to serve water to the pets.
They would have to have signage and keep dogs away from areas where food is prepared.
Dogs also have to be on leashes, and their owners have proof that their pet is vaccinated against rabies.
Knudsen said he plans to introduce the proposed ordinance on Thursday.
"I want to make that clear. It's only an option. This ordinance does not require any food establishments to permit dogs. But we find a lot of them want to," Knudsen said.
Scott Weiner is the owner of The Fifty/ 50 Restaurant group. He said he would consider allowing dogs in his neighborhood places, but probably not the upscale steak houses like Kindling in the Loop.
"I don't believe people want to dine at a power lunch in the Loop with a dog sitting next to them," Weiner said.
If the proposed ordinance becomes law, the head of the restaurant association says they will have to work closely with the city's health department to implement it to keep everything safe for customers.