5 Dog-Friendly Bars in Austin Your Pup Should Visit

Austin is the state capital of Texas and home to the University of Texas. But did you know it’s also a pup-”furr-iendly” city with tons of fur buddy attractions, including dog-inclusive bars? Many watering holes welcome puppers with their humans, and some even have a dog park! Most offer pub food and equip their places with dog toys, watering stations, and shady spots to rest after a frolicking good time in the park. Here are a few that should become yappy hour destinations for you and your fur buddy. Be sure to take along some dog wine or beer so your fur-buddy can indulge too!

This bar at 1016 East Sixth Street embraces a South Seas mood with their signature drinks, many of them more than beach-worthy. It features an extensive garden and a friendly covered patio where “furbulous” pooches are welcome to wander and make new friends while the humans sip “pawsome” beers, cocktails, and wines. Be sure to sample some Cajun treats from the Baton Creole food trailer located right on the patio, or head for Tender Thighs Chicken nearby. Whether you’re visitors or Austin residents, you and your pupper will love Shangri-La!

This bar, located in Leander, just north of Austin, is more than worth the short drive from the city center. Featuring a “furbulous” dog park and pup-friendly bar, this is the place to go when you’re looking for a laid-back atmosphere and an adult beverage. The large off-leash park encourages pup-play while pet parents socialize and engage in a game of pool or darts while watching sports on the TVs. While the dog park is a members-only pup playground, it can be accessed for $7 a day or a monthly membership fee of $25. They even sponsor “yappy hour” for the canines. “Furtastic!”

Austin Eastciders at 979 Springdale Road is an actual cider brewery that makes traditional English and spirited fruit-based ciders. Its owner had a bar in England where cider is king, and he has carried the methods and traditions across The Pond to bring it to eclectic American tastes. The Eastciders’ large dog-friendly patio makes it easy to take your fur buddy with you for some live music, onsite food trucks, and dancing from 3 to 7 pm Wednesday through Sunday. They even pack up their ciders to-go, and you can order online for pickup curbside! “Furbulous!”

Dogs are welcome at the Yard, a bar that’s entirely outdoors. The dog park features lots of open space and chairs for human patrons while the doggos romp. The dog area is roamed by “Bark Rangers,” who monitor the dogs’ interactions and assist patrons in keeping the area ship-shape. Pups can run free in the park but need to be leashed at the dining tables on the patio while they share some treats with their pup parents. The Yard Bar at 6700 Burnet Road provides umbrella tables and lots of trees for shade, free Wi-Fi, plus dog toys, agility equipment, and plenty of water. Mister fans keep pups and humans cool and refreshed. It’s open 12 to 9 pm Sunday through Wednesday, and 12 to 10 pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Located in downtown Austin, Cedar Door features a casual dog-friendly heated patio. You and your best buddy can hang out, watch the large-screen TVs, and sample an extensive menu of beers, wines, and cocktails. Buster can share some great Southwestern snacks and meals while you relax under the canopy or umbrellas amid Austin’s towering steel and glass buildings. Open Monday through Friday from 11 am to 2 am, and on weekends from noon to 2 am, this is the pawrfect spot for you and Fido to meet new friends and chill. “Bone” Appetít!

Austin is a city of many parts, including “pawsome” places to share the good times with your pupster. With its emphasis on dog-friendly, outdoor spaces, this is a down-home but sophisticated city with plenty of places where you can take your fur buddy for a bit of food and drink. And don’t forget the dog wine!