Looking for dog friendly bars in the DMV?
Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia offer much more than bureaucracy, history, and the Potomac River. For dog owners, these areas are paradise, with an abundance of spots where your furry friend is just as welcome as you and dogs are welcome there. The DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia) region is home to a growing community of dog lovers, and with it, a surge of dog-friendly bars where man’s best friend can tag along for a pint. Here, we’ll raise a glass to the top 10 watering holes that welcome both two-legged and four-legged patrons alike.
Tails and Ales in the Nation’s Capital, Washington DC
1. The Midlands Beer Garden
There’s nothing like an expansive beer garden as a backdrop for a day out with your pup. The Midlands, located in the Park View neighborhood, features a sprawling outdoor space where your dog can roam free while you enjoy one of the many on-tap beers available from drink menu. Every Sunday, they even host a “Dog Gone Scavenger Hunt” with doggy treats, making this a favorite hangout for dogs with an adventurous spirit.
2. Dacha Beer Garden
Nestled in the Shaw neighborhood, Dacha is a cozy beer garden with a distinctly European charm. Their large, heated outdoor patio is open to dogs year-round, complete with water bowls and dog treats. With outdoor seating, an extensive menu of German and Belgian beers, and hearty Eastern European fare, you and your furry friend can indulge in a continental experience without leaving the city.
Maryland’s Dog-Friendly Taverns
3. Denizens Brewing Co.
This Silver Spring hotspot and a traditional tavern is perfect for a laid-back afternoon with live music, delicious food trucks, and, of course, some fine craft beer. Denizens goes the extra mile for dog safety with a ‘paw-cation’ safety questionnaire on their website. Once your dog is a verified patron, you can enjoy games at their outdoor beer garden to enjoy together. It’s the closest thing to a tropical getaway without leaving the state!
4. Lost Dog Cafe
A local chain across Virginia, Lost Dog Cafe is more than just a place to eat and drink with your dog; it’s a community hub for all things canine. They’re known for their extensive beer menu and their support for local animal shelters. Grab a table on the patio, and you might even be included in the “Dog of the Day” feature on the restaurant’ social media.
5. Port City Brewing Company
This Alexandria dog friendly brewery is a dog’s dream—spacious, with a stash of dog toys, water bowls, and even “brewery bones” for treats. Port City is well-loved by locals for its lagers and ales, and tasty food, and they often host events like “yappy hours” and dog-costume contests, turning every visit into a tail-wagging good time.
Grab A Cold Beer In The Culinary and Canine Scene Of Dog Friendly Restaurants
6. Dogfish Head Alehouse
Known for its canned beer, craft beer and American pub fare, Dogfish Head Alehouse has locations in both Virginia and Maryland, ensuring you’re never too far from an excellent outing with your dog. They have a selection of dog-themed beers and ales, alongside drinks from a typical Dogfish Head lineup, so you and your dog can enjoy tasting a variety of brews.
7. William Jeffrey’s Tavern
Want to mix it up a bit? Head to William Jeffrey’s Tavern in Arlington for an eclectic experience. They boast a diverse menu with everything from tacos to falafel, an extensive beer list, and a welcoming patio where dogs can join the fun. The dining room does not allow pets. The staff are famously attentive to furry friends of patrons and will even bring out a water dish and a treat.
The Quirky Spots for You and Your Pooch
8. The Board Room
If you’re looking to combine your love of board games with a chance to hang out with your dog, head to The Board Room. This buzzy spot in Arlington is a board game paradise and welcomes dogs inside and out. With a cozy atmosphere and a great beer selection, it’s the perfect spot for a low-key evening with your canine companion.
9. The Ugly Mug
The Ugly Mug in Capitol Hill is a casual pub is known for its laid-back vibe and its love for dogs. They have a dog-friendly patio where water is always on tap, and they’ve been known to host “Puppy Patio Parties” with pet adoptions and a splashing pool for the pooches during the summer.
10. Snouts and Stouts: Arlington’s Indoor Dog Park and Bar
Nestled in the heart of Arlington VA, Snouts and Stouts presents a unique blend of leisure and socialization for both dogs and their owners. This innovative indoor dog park and bar offers a safe, climate-controlled environment where dogs can play and mingle off-leash, off leash indoor, while their human companions enjoy a selection of craft beers, wines, and non-alcoholic beverages. The facility prides itself on creating a community-centric space that prioritizes safety, fun, and cleanliness.
At Snouts and Stouts, the focus is on providing an engaging experience for pets and people alike. The indoor park area is equipped with various agility equipment dog bowls and toys, catering to dogs of all sizes and energy levels.
Dog Friendly Bars in The DMV: Rules and Etiquette
Visiting a dog bar somewhere with your dog can be a delightful experience, but it’s essential to follow certain rules and etiquette to ensure a pleasant time for everyone involved. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:
-
Respect Space: Understand that not everyone may be comfortable around dogs. Keep your pet close and ensure they do not invade the personal space of others.
-
Mind the Bark: Keep your dog’s barking under control. Continuous loud barking can disrupt the ambiance and may lead to you and your dog being asked to leave.
-
Pack Essentials: Bring your own doggie bags, water bowl, and any necessary items your dog might need during the visit. It’s not always guaranteed that the establishment will have these items.
-
Observe Food Rules: Some places might allow feeding your dog treats at the table, or they may provide dog ice cream and other treats while others may have strict rules against it. Clarify beforehand and adhere to the guidelines.
-
Keep It Clean: Accidents happen, but it’s your responsibility to clean up after your pet promptly.
-
Health and Safety: Only bring your dog if they are healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations. This ensures the safety and well-being of all pets and people at the bar.
-
Dog Introductions: If your dog wants to meet another dog, always ask the other owner for permission first. Not all dogs (or their owners) are interested in socializing.
-
Leaving If Necessary: Be prepared to leave if your dog shows signs of stress, aggression, or discomfort. Not all dogs are suited for a bar’s social setting.
Following these rules and etiquette ensures that dog-friendly bars remain enjoyable and welcoming spaces for everyone, human and canine alike.
Vaccination Requirements for Dog-Friendly Spaces
When planning visits to dog-friendly establishments, ensuring your pet is appropriately vaccinated is crucial for the health and safety of all animals and humans present. Establishments like Snouts and Stouts prioritize a safe environment, which includes adherence to vaccination standards. Here are the key vaccines your dog should have:
-
Rabies: A legal requirement in many areas, this vaccine is crucial for the safety of your pet and others.
-
Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza (DHPP): Often combined into a single shot, this vaccine protects against several potentially deadly diseases.
-
Bordetella (Kennel Cough): Especially important for social dogs, this vaccine helps prevent a highly contagious respiratory disease.
-
Leptospirosis: Recommended for dogs exposed to wildlife, water sources, or other dogs’ urine, this vaccine guards against a bacterial infection that can affect both dogs and humans.
-
Canine Influenza: Given the social nature of dog-friendly bars and parks, this vaccine can help prevent the spread of dog flu.
Before heading out to mingle at pet-friendly locales, consult with your vet to ensure your dog’s vaccinations are up-to-date and align with local health guidelines and the specific requirements of the establishment you plan to visit including dog parks and bars. This proactive approach supports a healthy, fun, and worry-free environment for everyone involved.
The DMV’s Dog-Friendly Revolution
The dog-friendly bars of the DMV region are not just a trend; they are a reflection of the inclusive and community-focused spirit that permeates the area. Whether it’s a special event space, a regular weekly yappy hour, or just a casual evening out, these bars ensure that dogs are considered patrons in their own right.
With establishments that take dog ownership to heart, arriving on the dog scene is a celebration of unity, friendship, and the mutual love for socializing. It’s the kind of welcome that makes you and your canine companion want to raise your tails, or in some cases, a cold one, with a resounding woof.
Remember, it’s not just the beer that makes these places worth returning to—it’s the sense that you and your dog are part of a larger community where fun, safety, and a warm welcome are guaranteed. Next time you’re thinking of a night out, leash up, grab the pups, and make your way to one of these dog-friendly havens. You’ll find that the DMV’s best bars don’t just cater to the patrons inside; they extend their hospitality to every member of the family. And that’s something to bark about!
If you cant make it to a dog friendly bar, Kate’s K9 Pet Care can go to your house and take your fur baby on a walk, either was as long as they are healthy and happy, so are we.
