Unwinding with a drink after a hard day of work sounds like the perfect treat, but for those with an energetic dog that wants some playtime, that drink may be out of reach for a few more hours. If only there was a solution to get the best of both worlds.
Actually, there is: dog park bars.
Dog park bars are exactly what they sound like. These establishments combine dog parks (often indoor and outdoor) and a bar (for the humans aged 21+) at the cost of a membership fee. In addition to these amenities, many locations offer daycare, grooming and some even provide boarding for your pup when personal vacation time calls.
Not ready to commit to a membership? No worries, most dog park bars offer day passes.
And if you’re not a dog owner? Just because you don’t have a dog doesn’t mean you can’t join the fun. Humans are welcome to grab a drink at the bar and enjoy the playful shenanigans as long as they are 21 years old or older — it is a bar, after all. Below you’ll find a list of a few dog park bars on the west side of Washington’s Cascades:
Ales and Tails | Woodinville
This beer bar and dog park offers off-leash playtime indoors for your furry friend — great for those that need to get their zoomies out without the threat of Washington’s rainy weather. In addition to memberships and day passes, Ales and Tails also offers daycare and grooming.
Dogwood Play Park | Seattle (Lake City)
Seattle’s Dogwood Play Park is the first dog park bar in the city. In addition to offering indoor and outdoor spaces, this business also has divided zones within those spaces for gentle and active play. Members can participate in drink specials on “Member Monday.” Drinks for humans include cider, wine and beer. Non-alcoholic drinks and snacks are also available.
Dog Yard | Seattle (Ballard)
With a play park of 2,800 square feet, your dog is sure to get their wiggles out. This dog park bar offers an indoor and outdoor off-leash experience for owners and dogs alike. When the inevitable cold snap comes, heaters are brought out to the play park for comfort. Owners can enjoy beer, cider, wine, seltzer and jello shots in addition to some small bites.
Paws for a Beer | Bellingham
Located in Bellingham’s historic district of Fairhaven, Paws for a Beer is the only dog park bar in the area. With a membership, this establishment offers free-roam for doggos inside and outside. For the thirsty 21+ crowd, beverages include Pacific Northwest ciders, wines, beers and kombucha. Dog day passes are available.
Wet Noses Dry Paws | Tacoma and Gig Harbor
Wet Noses Dry Paws has two locations for playtime: Tacoma and Gig Harbor. Unfortunately, the play area in Tacoma is closed due to COVID-19. However, the play area at the newest location in Gig Harbor is open for business. This location not only boasts a large indoor space for your doggo to play, but also an area outdoors. The play areas offer agility equipment for the dogs in addition to several toys. For the owners, the indoor bar offers beer, snacks and Wi-Fi.
