5 Dog-Friendly Bars in Washington D.C. Your Pup Should Visit

Published: 7/28/2021

Washington DC is packed full of Fido-friendly attractions, from the standard off-leash parks and pup-friendly trails to unique excursions like wine-tasting at dog-friendly vineyards and boating trips on the Potomac. What better way to end a day out in the capital than savoring a stiff drink with your woofer by your side? We've sniffed out some of the best dog-friendly bars in DC. Narrowing our list down to 5 was the easy part — the hard part will be deciding which one to visit first!

Pet parents local to The District won't be surprised to see Art and Soul on our list of top 5 dog-friendly bars in D.C. Located in YOTEL Washington DC on New Jersey Avenue, Art and Soul is one of DC's top destinations for food fanatics and cocktail connoisseurs alike. Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and drinks, Art and Soul is the "pawfect" spot for a hearty meal, quick snack, or sneaky afternoon tipple.

The outdoor patio is dog-friendly, and canine customers even have their own menu! For Max's main course, choose from grilled sirloin or beef, rice, and gravy, then treat them to a banana and peanut butter pupsicle for dessert. Humans can order Southern classics with a Capital twist, like shrimp and grits with chorizo and Calabrian chilies, or maple-brined smoked pork chops. Stop by for Happy Hour — between 3 PM and 6 PM Tuesday through Sunday — to enjoy discounted cocktails.

Wunder Garten isn't your average dog-friendly patio — this German-inspired beer garden is an outdoor oasis for two- and four-legged patrons alike! Located in North of Manhattan, Wunder Garten hosts regular events, including bingo, trivia nights, and garden parties.

You and Princess can take your pick of 3 outdoor spaces: the Bier Pavilion, the Marquee Tent, or your very own cabana complete with plush seating. Stop in from noon to 3 PM on Sunday for "Yappy Hour" to treat Tucker to a dog's day out. Discounted beers for the humans, and free puppucinos and treats for the four-legged patrons — now that's something to bark about!

While Wunder Garten doesn't serve food, the bar partners with local food vendors, including Swizzle and La Buena. Whether you and your hound are hankering for a juicy burger or a flavorful Argentinian empanada, you won't leave Wunder Garten hungry (or thirsty!).

In 2019, The Washington Post dubbed Shaw Brewpub and Kitchen one of DC's best pet-friendly bars — and for good reason! Owned and operated by Right Proper Brewing Company, Shaw's drinks menu features some of the best craft brews in DC (if the locals are to be believed, anyway).

Beer buffs can sample a range of limited-edition IPAs, lagers, ales, porters, and even fruited beers. Shaw's indoor dining area is open to two-legged patrons, while those with pups in tow can chill out on the patio outside.

Shaw's food menu offers up a range of sandwiches, breakfast foods, decadent desserts, and more. Once you've sipped up an appetite, munch on Southern-inspired staples like fried green tomatoes, beer-battered cheese curds, and summer peach salad.

If you and Princess are on a "pup" crawl, why not check out Shaw's sister location, Brookland Production House, to sample Right Proper's newest brews?

Craving some Cuban comfort food? Colada Shop is just the spot for you and Sparky! With 3 locations throughout DC metro, this is a convenient place to grab a savory snack and a cheeky drink. Try a tostada for breakfast, croquetas for lunch, a guava barbecue lechón sandwich with plantain chips for dinner, or a sweet cream cheese pastelito for dessert.

Not in the mood for food? Wet your whistle with one of Colada's alcoholic slushies or rum-forward cocktails. If you're not a fan of rum, Colada also offers a selection of beers, wines, teas, and Cuban coffees.

Fun fact about Colada Shop: The staff spoils canine customers with guava and peanut butter cookies. Even cuter, these special treats were named after a customer's dog, Apollo. Now that's just doggone adorable!

We saved the best dog-friendly bar in DC for last: Brewski's Barkhaus. This establishment's love for its canine customers is right there in the name. Unlike many dog-friendly bars in our nation's capital, Barkhaus welcomes off-leash pups both indoors and out! Bella is sure to have a blast playing on the agility equipment and splashing in the pool.

This exclusive spot requires a day pass or membership. A monthly or annual membership unlocks all sorts of perks, from trivia nights and dog of the month contests to free dog toys and treats. We're sure your pupper will agree it's worth every penny!

Don't worry — Barkhaus caters to human patrons, too, with local craft beers, burgers, tacos, and so much more. Book a table during Yappy Hour and enjoy discounted beers, wines, and alcoholic coffees.

What are you waiting for? Leash up and set out to experience DC's best bars with Baxter. Don't "furget" the dog wine so your dog can sip alongside you!