What are some dog-friendly bars in Brooklyn?

by Dr. Tory Waxman, VMD

Lucky Dog (Williamsburg)

This Williamsburg dive bar caters to the dog-loving crowd. The back patio is completely fenced and on sunny days, many dogs can be found wandering around off-leash, enjoying human and dog company alike. This is a popular spot for non-dog owning New Yorkers to come and hang and get their dog (and also beer) fix. 

Bushwick Country Club (Williamsburg)

This dive bar is not in Bushwick, nor is it a country club. But, it’s one of the few bars where you can bring your dog inside. They also have a small backyard area(with a generously called putt golf area), a photo booth and Big Buck Hunter. Fair warning - there’s nothing fancy about this place but the drinks are reasonably priced and they do offer free cheese puffs.

Mission Dolores (Park Slope)

A great bar with an extensive beer list, Mission Dolores offers outdoor dog-friendly space. In terms of food, they offer small snacks but do allow you to bring in outside food. They have strict dog policy posted including that all dogs must be kept on a leash and any barking or aggression will not be tolerated. If rules are followed, this a great spot to hang in the good weather with your pup.

Nowadays (Ridgewood)

Offering both indoor and outdoor seating options nowadays is an expansive bar and eatery. Keep in mind, dogs are only allowed in the outdoor areas. This place is also very kid-friendly, which can either be a plus or a minus depending(for both you and your pups). In addition to an extensive bar, Nowadays also offers a food truck and a BBQ stand(only open on the weekends). 

The Gibson (Williamsburg)

After a long jaunt in McCarren Park, head over to The Gibson to hang out on their patio with your pup. Featuring an extensive whiskey list, this bar also offers a unique selection of craft brews on tap. Food is not always served, but on nice weekends, they do grill out on their patio.

Disclaimer - these places were all dog-friendly when we visited, but please make sure to ask.

About the author

Tory Waxman, VMD

Co-Founder & Chief Veterinary Officer

Dr. Waxman is a practicing small-animal veterinarian.

She received a BS in Animal Sciences with Distinction in Research from Cornell University and her vet degree from the University of Pennsylvania, where she did original research at the Penn Working Dog Center. Tory completed her internship in veterinary medicine at the world-renowned Animal Medical Center in New York City where she treated an actual lame duck and saw a hungry snake that hadn’t eaten in a year.

Tory grew up outside of Chicago with chocolate labs. She’s not sure why she ever gave up her first job, which was as a dog beach attendant on Lake Michigan. About 10 years ago she rescued a mixed breed terrier named Mabel who is obsessed with tennis balls. Mabel is also her tireless running buddy who completed a 14-mile run while Tory was training for the Chicago Marathon. Tory enjoys dog training and competing in dog sports such as agility and dock diving.

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