Dog Days of Summer: Where to Sip with Your Pup
Ah, the dog days of summer. Traditionally this refers to the hot and hazy days in late July and August, when temperatures (and summer laziness) are at their peak. But summer is also the perfect time for bonding with your pooch by getting outdoors, and there’s no need for your furry friends to miss Happy Hour. Check out our big roundup of dog-friendly bars in DC.
Bars with Dog Menus
Art and Soul: This Capitol Hill hangout has its own dedicated Pooch Patio Menu. While you sip on one of their seasonal craft cocktails like the Pineapple Express (pineapple-infused cachaca, fennel, cucumber, black pepper, fresh pineapple), your pup can enjoy a Bowser beer (non-alcoholic), frozen raw bone, or the “Hungry Dawg,” a 6 oz. grilled steak (415 New Jersey Ave. NW; 202-393-7777)
The Heights: The perfect place to relax after a trip to the Columbia Heights Petco superstore, you and you little guy can hang out on the perfect-for-people-watching patio. Enjoy $6 cocktails and $5.50 drafts during happy hour and your pup gets free water and treats. (3115 14th St. NW; 202-797-7227)
Shake Shack: Humans can enjoy drafts of the Shakemeister Ale, brewed by Brooklyn Brewery for $5.25, and four-legged friends can enjoy the Poochini (Shackburger dog biscuits, peanut butter sauce and vanilla custard. (1216 18th St. NW; 202-683-9922)
Bars with Doggy Happy Hours
Union Pub: Pooches are welcome on the patio throughout the weekend; specials include $13 bottomless Bloodys, $10 Narragansett buckets and $5 clearance beers. (201 Massachusetts Ave. NE; 202-546-7200)
Cantina Marina: Every Monday brings dog-friendly happy hour to this waterfront outpost: Pups can enjoy the Milkbone buffet, while humans can sip on Coronaritas and $6 rum cocktails. (600 Water St. SW; 202-554-8396)
DC Bread and Brew: Every Thursday night, enjoy $4 Flying Dog Pale Ale, $1 off drafts and treats for your best friend on their dog-friendly deck. (1247 20th St. NW; 202-466-2676)
The Argonaut: Argo-Mutts Happy Hour runs every Saturday from 12 PM to 5 PM on the patio. All pups get water, treats and other giveaways, while owners can enjoy $1 off rails and draft beers and half-price hush puppies. (1433 H St. NE; 202-250-3660)
15 Ria: Doggy Happy Hour is every Thursday from 6 to 8 PM. $5 cocktails, beer, wine and sliders and dogs get full use of the patio and treats. (1515 Rhode Island Ave. NW; 202-742-0015)
Jackson 20: Old Town’s Hotel Monaco courtyard bar hosts Yappy Hour Tuesday through Thursday with free biscuits for your buddy and 20 different kinds of happy hour-priced beers for you. (480 King St.; 703-842-2790)
Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company: You already know Rocklands is some of the best barbecue around, but their Arlington location is also pup-friendly: Yappy Hour on Thursdays welcomes dogs to enjoy treats and water while humans sip their special Bourbon Club. (3471 Washington Blvd.; 703-528-9663)
Where to Drink After the Dog Park
Take your furry friend to the Columbia Heights Dog Park at 11th St NW and Park Rd for some playtime, then retire to one of the many great dog-friendly bars all within a one block radius.
Meridian Pint and Red Rocks: allow dogs on the patio and provide water (3400 11th St. NW; 202-588-1075 and 1036 Park Rd. NW; 202-506-1402)
Wonderland Ballroom: Allows dogs inside and outside, all day, every day. (1101 Kenyon St. NW; 202-232-5263)
Room 11 and Kangaroo Boxing Club: allow dogs on the patio, provide water and offer dog treats (Room 11’s are homemade!) (3234 11 St. NW; 202-332-3234 and 3410 11th St. NW; 202-505-4522)
Photo: Courtesy of Shake Shack
