There aren’t too many bars these days that let in customers who eat their own poo, but that just goes to show how awesome it is to live in NYC. In this city, we don’t hate or discriminate, and whether you have two legs or four, you can always find a hip bar to cater to your needs –whether that be a pint of a cool Dogfish Head brew or a fresh Milk-Bone to gnaw on. Since we know almost every human in New York City has a canine counterpart, we’ve compiled a list of the best pet-friendly bars in New York City, perfect for lounging, lazing, and drooling your way through the hot dog days of summer.
Best Pet-Friendly Bar in NYC: Fetch Bar & Grill
1649 Third Avenue | New York, NY 10128
If you can’t tell by the name, Fetch Bar and Grill is one bar that dogs will come chasing after. The venue’s tagline describes this spot as “the perfect place to find your new best friend while being treated like one of ours” –and that goes for both humans and their canine companions. Not only is the food delicious and a comforting way to eat with your pup by your side (think mac ‘n cheese topped with Ritz crackers and mom’s meat loaf) but drinks like the Storm’s Oatmeal Cookie Martini will have you wagging your tail as well. The best part? Fetch works with organizations like ASPCA, Humane Society and Animal Haven to get New York City’s stray dogs off the streets.
Best Pet-Friendly Bar in NYC: d.b.a.
41 First Avenue | New York, NY 10003
Although there has been some debate about what exactly d.b.a. stands for, we’re gonna go with the “drink better ale” theory. Seeing as this bar boasts more than 250 different types of brew, that guess seems to be the best one we’ve heard yet. However, if that’s not what the letters d.b.a signify, then our next guess would be “dogs. beer. awesome” since those are the three words that sum up this pub the best. Grab a pint and head out to the back patio with your pooch, but don’t forget a bowl of ice water for your furry friend, especially in this extreme heat. (We’ll be the first to call up PETA if we catch that animal abuse). d.b.a also has a new location in Williamsburg, so if your doggy is the hipster type, he might prefer this scene better.
Best Pet-Friendly Bar in NYC: Barking Dog
150 East 34th Street | New York, NY 10016
This canine-themed bar and restaurant will have your pooch wagging his tail from the moment he paws his way through the door. If you’re going to venture to Murray Hill, this place offers up a mean brunch AND you can bring Spot along for the journey, so it almost makes up for the fact that you’re in Murray Hill. If you’re uptown there’s also an UES location, although the 34th Street spot is the more well-known of the two. The outdoor patio is a great place to catch some rays while you sip on a mimosa and nibble on poached eggs and the Barking Dog’s well known biscuits (the kind made for humans, duh). Just make sure to slip some scraps to your doggy under the table so he doesn’t feel left out.
Best Pet-Friendly Bar in NYC: Von Bar
3 Bleecker Street | New York, NY 10012
Here’s a spot where you can sit back, relax and enjoy a nice glass of wine while cozying up with your dog. If you’re visiting NYC and you’re homesick for your pup, then grabbing a drink at Von while hanging out with the owner’s pit bull will most likely help you fill that void (and if not, just down your Merlot and let the tears start flowing). While some bars serve up free pizza or peanuts to go along with a nice cold one, Von will toss a treat to your furry friend to show some love to even the straggliest mutts in the place.
Best Pet-Friendly Bar in NYC: Lucky Dog
303 Bedford Avenue | Brooklyn, NY 11211
Canine or human, this bar does not discriminate, although one might complain that the bubblegum dispenser of doggy treats are free, but the human treats (aka beer) require some cash. Luckily, the price isn’t too hefty and $3 Lonestar longnecks and $2 PBRs during happy hour, will keep us humans doing whatever the equivalent of wagging our tails would be. Stop into this Bedford Avenue dog-friendly bar to kick back, loosen your leash, and let your belly rest against the cool floor… and don’t forget to bring your human companion along with you.