5 Dog-Friendly Bars in Chicago Your Pup Should Visit

If you know anything about Chicago, you know it’s a bustling place known for its bar scene. On the east side of the city near Lake Michigan is a cluster of bars and taverns that welcome you and your doggo while serving up furtastic drinks and food. Here, you can sample a large variety of local craft beers, and wine is usually on the menu as well. 

If you’d like to include Fido in the sipping, why not take along some dog wine or dog beer for them to get in on the action? Here’s the top 5 puptastic bars where your pup is welcome to tag along. 

Bucktown Pub at 1658 Cortland Avenue is an unpretentious, traditional and whimsical bar with a beer garden. The garden is the place to bring your doggo with its two fire pits. Anyone who brings their own firewood will get a free beer on the house. Your pupster can also accompany you inside for instant socialization and fun. While food isn’t generally served in the bar, you and Fido can bring dog-friendly food or get delivery. This is the paw-fect place to relax after a nice, brisk walk with your fur-buddy at Walsh Park, just four blocks away. 

This pupular sports bar on Armitage Avenue is a laid-back neighborhood hangout that serves pub food, craft beers and cocktails, as well as take-out and delivery of their delicious food options. Bordering Logan Square and Humboldt Park, Moonlighter offers a dog-friendly patio with tables complete with umbrellas, and lit to a warm glow by strings of clear bulbs. Some of their dog-friendly food includes burgers, chicken, and even late-night munchies. Fido will love sharing a meal while the two of you socialize and have a grrreat time! With Palmer Square Park a few blocks from Moonlighter, this is the paw-fect place to stop after a long walk. 

The River Shannon is a longstanding, old-fashioned Irish pub a couple of blocks from Lake Michigan. After a stroll with Fido by the lake or through dog-furbulous Lincoln Park, get on over to the River Shannon for eats and drinks. Your pup will be welcome inside, where they’ll find water bowls and plenty of room to spread out on the floor or sit in your lap at the bar. There’s also a small patio on the street. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see the twin orange, white and green flags of Ireland out front. This “grand” pub serves beer and cocktails along with some delicious Irish fare. Chomp! 

At 664 W. Lake Street sits Lou’s Backyard, a retro-inspired diner behind the Saint Louis Assembly, just a couple of blocks from Lake Michigan. True to its name, Lou’s has a “backyard” patio where puppers are welcome at umbrella tables or farmhouse seating. Inside, Lou’s Backyard pours the usual collection of beer and spirits, while in the kitchen, the cook is putting together a menu that includes down-home favorites like fried pickles, Po’boys and brisket. Fido is welcome to share your mouth-watering meal and savor every morsel. Be sure to take a stroll along the lake with your best buddy and stop in for some refreshment! 

The Arrogant Frog Bar on W. Fullerton Avenue is a classic neighborhood tavern that LOVES doggos! They even offer a shot of spirits if you bring your dog in with you! With rotating local craft beers in their charming tavern setting, there’s also cocktails available, along with a pool table and a dartboard. This fun bar favors frivolity for humans and pupsters alike, and it’s not uncommon to see a couple of dogsters making friends over a water bowl. There’s plenty of seating at the long bar, pub tables along the opposite wall and ample room down the middle for Fido to meet some of his canine buddies for conversation, drinks and tail wagging. Nearby is Wrightwood Park, which boasts several trails and paths for a walk or run before or after your pub visit. Your fur-buddy will love it!

With so many tempting dog-friendly bars, Chicago is primed and ready to entertain both you and your fur-pal. Grab your canine bud, some dog-friendly refreshments, and take advantage of all The Windy City has to offer. Cheers!