The laid-back vibe of a great brewery is one of the many reasons it’s such a popular place to relax and linger with good friends. Many breweries offer indoor and outdoor spaces to kick back, making them ideal for spending time with your furry friends, too. Dog-friendly breweries are more common than you might think, although some cater more to pups than others.
Popular Dog-Friendly Breweries in the US
Plenty of pet parents bring their canine companions with them to shops, parks, and restaurants. If you’re one of them, then you’re likely always on the hunt for dog-friendly places.
This list of dog-friendly breweries pulls together places from all regions of the United States. Therefore, no matter what part of the country you visit, it’s possible to wet your whistle and keep Fido by your side.
1. Optimism Brewing Company (Seattle, Washington)
Optimism Brewing welcomes pups as long as they’re leashed and you clean up behind your pooch. They have deals with several local food trucks so you can grab a pint and a bite. They’re also kid-friendly, complete with a play area.
2. Laughing Dog Brewing Company (Ponderay, Idaho)
With a name like Laughing Dog Brewery, it likely comes as no surprise that pups are welcome. The brewery is happy to host well-behaved canines in their taproom. Enjoy a beer and dig into some tasty bites, like corn dogs and mini pizzas.
3. NOLA Brewing Co. (New Orleans, Louisiana)
There’s no place quite like New Orleans when you’re looking for a good time. At NOLA Brewing Co., you’ll find food, music, live events, and plenty of beer. Dogs are welcome to join the fun inside and outside, upstairs and downstairs at this family-friendly brew house.
4. Pinellas Ale Works (St. Petersburg, Florida)
Visit the taproom at Pinellas Ale Works to try some of their award-winning beers. If you look closely at their name, the initials spell out PAW, so of course, they can’t wait to see a few Fidos. Dogs are welcome inside or outside in the charming beer garden.
5. Lawless Brewing (Los Angeles, California)
This family-friendly brewery in the NoHo Arts District invites you to bring friends, kids, dogs, and anyone else ready for a good time. Lawless Brewing Co. features a pleasant and comfortable outdoor patio, mezzanine seating, and a barrel room complete with pinball, video games, and big-screen TVs.
6. Armored Cow Brewing Co. (Charlotte, North Carolina)
Trivia, yoga, food trucks, and plenty of beer are just a few of the things you’ll experience at this North Carolina brewery. Armored Cow Brewing Co. doesn’t just tolerate dogs, they can’t wait to see them. Ask for a water bowl or a treat for your furry friend, and get ready to mix and mingle with other pups and fellow dog lovers.
7. Other Half Brewing (Brooklyn, New York)
If you want the brewery experience but crave more than beer, check out Other Half Brewing. Beer is always on the menu, but they also showcase wine, seltzers, and coffee. Pets are welcome in the tasting room. This brewery has several locations and not all carry the same line-up of beers. Therefore, if you’ve been to one elsewhere, you’re still apt to find something new.
8. Metric Brewing (Colorado Springs, Colorado)
Metric Brewing provides a funky, urban ambiance that invites you to unwind as you sample their newest beers. They recognize that beer is about bringing friends together, including the furry ones. Pups are welcome in the taproom, as long as they take care of their owners.
9. Switchback Brewing Company (Burlington, Vermont)
Switchback Brewing Company invites you to explore their tap house and beer garden whether you just want to sip a beer or enjoy a burger. Dogs are welcome on the patio, which features comfy, covered (umbrellas) seating.
10. 12 Fox Beer Co. (Dripping Springs, Texas)
Roughly 30 miles from Austin, Texas, you’ll find the cozy and casual 12 Fox Beer Co. and its lush biergarten. This brewery likes to keep things simple (like using rainwater in its beer) and has few restrictions about who can come to the party. There’s a playground for the kids, lawn games, and lots of love for doggies, too.
11. Inbound BrewCo (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
Inbound BrewCo boasts a 12,000-square-foot taproom housed in a converted recycling facility. Their menu includes 30 beers on tap and a variety of tasty seltzers, slushies, teas, and more. Bring your dog inside or outside. The brewery just asks for pups to stay off the furniture and be on a non-retractable leash no longer than 6 feet.
12. Rock House Brewing (Lexington, Kentucky)
Rock House Brewing hosts several events throughout the year including holiday markets, live music, and throw-back movie nights. They have two spaces to enjoy with your pup, and tasty bites are available via food trucks.
13. BrewDog (Multiple Locations)
BrewDog has multiple locations throughout the U.S., some even with dog-friendly hotels so you can safely go from the bar to bed. They also have a line of non-alcoholic beers for our sober friends.
Tips for Bringing Your Dog to a Brewery
When you go to a brewery, the goal should be to have a great time and be able to forget about your troubles. For many people, that means having your pup by your side. However, it’s important to factor how your dog handles being in public before you bring them along.
After all, the other people in the brewery are also hoping to have a great time, so a well-behaved pooch is appreciated. Therefore, training is always a top priority when you plan to bring your dog with you to public places. However, training isn’t the only thing to consider.
Before bringing your dog to a brewery, practice these good habits to make the most of your visit.
- If it’s unclear whether a brewery is dog-friendly or not, call ahead to verify.
- Always keep your pup on a leash for their safety and the safety of others.
- Don’t forget to clean up after your pooch. Some dog-friendly breweries provide doggy waste bags, but it’s a good idea to bring your own.
- Let your dog stay home if they don’t like crowds. You know your dog best, so it’s important to not force them into doing something that makes them uncomfortable.
- Keep your dog current on heartworm medication and flea prevention since they’ll be around other dogs.
- Many breweries host live music events. If the brewery you plan to go to has loud music, keep this in mind before bringing Fido.
- A dog-friendly brewery likely has a couple of water stations for pups. However, bring a collapsible bowl for your dog. Sometimes, drinking from a public water bowl can cause health issues for pets.
- It’s always wise to make sure your dog is up-to-date on all of their vaccinations before spending time with other dogs.
Enjoy a Pint with Your Pup
Bringing your pup to a dog-friendly brewery is a great way to spend time with your pals without leaving your best friend behind. These breweries are only the tip of the iceberg, so when traveling, you’re sure to find even more options. Remember, if you’re unsure whether Fido can tag along, a quick phone call is worth it before you show up with leash in hand.
For more helpful pet parenting tips and other animal-friendly outing ideas, check out the rest of the Neater Pets blog. Know of a great dog-friendly brewery that’s not on this list? Comment below!
