If you own a dog, you know that most people consider their dogs to be more than just a pet, they are full-fledged members of the family. Planning outings and social gatherings can be difficult when you know that it will mean leaving your best friend at home by themselves.
Luckily, in DC, there are several restaurants and bars that welcome your four-legged friends so you can and your pet can enjoy a night out on the town together. Here is a list of some of the best pet-friendly establishments in Washington, DC.
1. The Brig
The Brig brings a taste of Germany right to the heart of DC. This dog-friendly watering hole is located in Capitol Riverfront and features some of the best German beers that you can find in DC. They also have a fully-stocked bar that serves a variety of adult beverages, including spirits and craft beer.
The inside of the bar features a large TV to watch all of your favorite sports games on. If you are wanting to bring your pooch along with you, the large back patio is spacious and welcomes dogs of all sizes. The bar will even bring a bowl of water out to your dog to ensure that they satisfy their thirst as well.
2. Colada Shop
This Cuban-style café serves up warm and sweet coffee and plenty of tasty snacks. They serve a variety of special drinks and dishes. From specialty latte’s and churros to empanadas and mojitos, this quaint little restaurant that is located near U Street is cooking up a wide range of Cuban-inspired drinks and treats that will definitely make you want to visit often.
Not only are they satisfying the cravings of their human guests, but they also have a specialty menu that caters to your canine friends. The owner of the restaurant created a unique guava and peanut butter cookies that your furry friend is sure to love.
3. Wet Dog Tavern
It’s no secret that the owners of Wet Dog Tavern are definitely dog lovers. This dog-friendly bar prides itself on being one of the first bars in DC that welcomed four-legged friends. This cozy bar is located in the U Street Corridor. They don’t allow dogs to go inside the establishment, however, they have a large outdoor patio that has two bars and a large open space. They even have a large Connect 4 game and a Cornhole board to help keep you entertained while relaxing with your pooch.
4. Opaline Bar and Brasserie
Opaline Bar and Brasserie is connected to the Parisian Hotel in Sofitel and serves up authentic French cuisines. The restaurant features a wide range of wines and beers and also has some of the most decadent food items. The outdoor dining area welcomes dogs and even offers high-brow happy hour on weekdays where you and your furry friend can enjoy half-priced oysters and shrimp while you enjoy the beautiful scenery and the chilled rosé.
5. Art and Soul
This restaurant, which is attached to the Liaison Hotel on New Jersey Avenue in northwest DC, this restaurant has a diverse menu for both you and your dog. While dining in their spacious and elegant patio, guests can choose from a variety of American and Latin-inspired dishes. There is even a special Pooch Patio Menu that offers a variety of dog-friendly choices including peanut butter and banana “pupsicle” and a grilled and cut sirloin. This is one of the few restaurants in the country that not only welcomes your four-legged friend but also gives them a five-star dining experience.
6. Midlands Beer Garden
This Parkview staple features a wide selection of local and domestic beers. They even have a happy hour on Monday through Thursday where all of their local drafts are half-priced. When you walk inside Midlands, you will find a large TV that is big enough for everyone in the restaurant to watch the game. There is also a fun and lively atmosphere that will instantly put you in a good mood the second you walk into the place.
Outside, you and your pooch can sit in one of the many tables on the back patio and enjoy some traditional bar food, like giant pretzels and delicious sandwiches. There are also plenty of board games and outside to keep you entertained.
7. The Wonderland Ballroom (Also Pet-Friendly)
This cozy little bar and grill is located in Columbia Heights. The Wonderland Ballroom has something for everyone. There is a fun dancefloor on the second floor and an energetic bar on the first floor. If you are looking for a spot to host your next brunch with your closest friends, this place has you covered. The back patio features a spacious dining area with breathtaking views. On the patio, your dog is welcomed to happily lounge beside you while you devour one of the delicious menu items, like their decadent hamburgers and world-famous eggplant fries.
8. Hops N Shine
It’s hard to say if there is another restaurant in the world that loves dogs as much as Hops N Shine in Alexandria, VA. This quaint little beer garden offers a wide variety of domestic and foreign beers and also has some tasty treats that both you and your dog will enjoy. The restaurant welcomes dogs to sit on the back patio with their owners and the staff will even bring your pet a complimentary bowl of water.
On Tuesdays, Hops N Shine has “Yappy Hour” where they donate a portion of the sales from Heavy Sea’s beers and Tito’s vodka to different animal charities. If you are looking for a new furry friend, this unique eatery also frequently hosts pet adoption events outside.
If you can’t stand the thought of leaving your pup at home, then the District of Columbia is definitely the place for you. This city is filled with many pet-friendly bars and restaurants that you will never have to decide between having a fun afternoon out on the town and spending time with your best four-legged friend. In addition to the restaurants, DC also has a plethora of dog-friendly parks and apartments that are more than happy to accommodate dogs of all sizes.
