For many of us, St. Patrick’s Day provides an opportunity to be “Irish” for a day. Donning green to avoid getting pinched, eating corned beef and cabbage, and attending parades are just a few ways in which we celebrate the occasion. But if you ask us, there’s no better St. Paddy’s Day tradition than tossing back a pint of beer or sipping on an Irish Whiskey at the local watering hole.
While few establishments are likely to let your pup take a stool at the bar, many offer pet-friendly areas where you and your buddy can relax, unwind, and socialize with others. There are even spots specifically designed with dogs in mind, with complimentary bowls of water, full-time dog menus, and places for them to roam freely with other pups.
To find a Fido-friendly establishment near you, simply Google search “dog-friendly restaurants and bars.” Chances are you’ll find a place nearby for you and your pup to visit on St. Paddy’s Day – or any other day of the year. Read on to discover some of the best spots to grab a drink with your dog in the United States.
Don’t forget to check out our St. Patrick’s Day and Happy Hour Crusherz toys that are perfect for celebrating the luckiest of days!
Brendan Behan Pub (Boston, Massachusetts)
A truly dog-friendly indoor bar, this traditional Irish pub located in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood of Boston not only welcomes dogs inside, but they allow them to sit at the tables and bar. How is that possible? The Brendan Behan Pub doesn’t serve food – it’s a BYOF (bring your own food) establishment – so dogs are welcome everywhere inside.
The vibe of “The Behan” is a bit dive-bar and it is usually filled with locals and their dogs, so if you are looking for an authentic local watering hole, this is the place. The bar serves up an array of beverages, including cocktails, wines, and a great selection of beers on tap. And, on the weekends you can catch live Irish music performances.
Blue Lacy (Austin, Texas)
Named after a working dog breed that originated in Texas, Blue Lacy is the onsite pet-friendly restaurant and bar at the Origin Hotel Austin. Located in the Mueller neighborhood of Austin, the restaurant and bar features a pet-friendly patio where you can enjoy a signature cocktail, local draft beer, or glass of wine while dining from their all-day diner-style menu.
In addition to the all-day food menu of reimagined diner classics, Blue Lacy offers a dedicated menu for the dogs, including unseasoned chicken or beef over white rice, Bowser Beer, and doggie ice cream – all served up in a dog bowl. If visiting from out of town, it’s worth noting that the hotel is pet-friendly as well. Dogs can stay for a $50 fee per dog – service dogs can stay without an additional charge.
The Morrison (Los Angeles, California)
Located in the trendy Los Angeles neighborhood of Atwater Village, The Morrison is a popular gastropub that specializes in signature crafted burgers and drinks – in addition to an extensive list of draft beers and whiskeys to choose from. It also boasts a pet-friendly front patio where you can order food from the restaurant’s doggy menu and have your pup’s meal served up on silver tray with a side of Milk-Bones.
Voted “Best Dog-Friendly Restaurant” by USA Today, “Top Pet-Friendly Restaurant in LA” by The Los Angeles Times, and “#1 Dog-Friendly Restaurant in the USA” by Yelp, The Morrison is a great place for you and your dog to hang out on St. Patrick’s Day – or to watch March Madness on the outdoor covered patio!
Fetch Park (Atlanta, Georgia)
In the historic Old Fourth Ward neighborhood of Atlanta, there is a truly unique dog-park bar hybrid that exists as a social club of sorts for dog owners and their pets. Fetch Park is an off-leash dog park with plenty of green turf for your pup to run free on while you enjoy a drink from the full-service Airstream trailer bar with other pet owners. Amenities include cooling stations, wash stations, an off-leash area – and a big outdoor television for watching sports. It’s free for people of course, but pups will have to purchase a day pass or membership to the venue.
Fetch Park also features weekly and monthly events, including trivia, bingo, karaoke, live music, stand-up comedy, mixers for singles, and more. With so much to do at Fetch, you’ll never need to feel guilty going out without your furry wingman ever again. Also, the park employees Woof Wardens to monitor the play and safety of pups so you can relax knowing they are in good hands with the staff.
River Shannon (Chicago, Illinois)
According to their website, River Shannon is “Your Dog’s Favorite Bar” in Chicago. Located in the eclectic Lincoln Park neighborhood, River Shannon is an old-time Irish pub with a neighborhood vibe that’s been pouring whiskeys and beers since 1946. They pride themselves on being a dog-friendly establishment, and welcome dogs inside to enjoy the bar’s friendly atmosphere.
The River Shannon lives by the motto “you’re a guest on your first night; after that, you’re a regular,” so it’s easy to see why this neighborhood pub is a favorite among locals and their pets. The beer is cold, the atmosphere is welcoming, and they have free popcorn. They even sell Frosty Paws dog treats for you to give to your pup (or that cute pup at the end of the bar).
