As the days get warmer and nights shorter, many of us enjoy gathering with friends and family. Often, though, we’re forced to leave a beloved member of the family home, not knowing whether restaurants, bars and other businesses are pet-friendly.
As a proud dog aunt (yes, it’s a thing) I’m always on the hunt for places where my dog-nieces, Rory and Pooka, can celebrate with us.
Breweries tend to be the most common place where dogs are allowed. While many establishments with food service must follow certain regulations that hinder them from allowing dogs, breweries often can allow them because many don’t prepare food on site. Breweries and dogs just seem to go hand in hand – beer in one hand and your dog in the other.
Here are 10 pet-friendly places to visit this summer.
Braxton
I see a dog on every visit to Braxton. In fact, it’s one of the reasons I visit so often. Locals know their dogs are always welcome at all Braxton locations. The Covington location has plenty of space both inside and out for leashed pets to meet new friends and fans.
Although pets are not allowed on the rooftop, there’s plenty of space for them both in the brewery and on the patio. There are water bowls outside, and Braxton’s bartenders often have treats.
The Fort Mitchell location allows dogs both in the interior tap room and on the patio.
Fabled Brew Works
One of the newest breweries in the area and the most visually compelling, Fabled Brew Works welcomes dogs on its outdoor patio. Fabled prides itself on being one of the most family-friendly options in the area. It’s the perfect solution for families wanting to grab a drink and not leave a four-legged family member behind.
The outdoor space has plenty of room for leashed dogs and free-rein kids to enjoy a bar as much as their parents. With rotating food trucks, families can easily spend an entire evening here without the nagging thought of having to go home to check on a pet. Little Fido is relaxing at your feet.
Wooden Cask
Wooden Cask has two Newport locations, one on York Street and one at the Levee. Both welcome dogs with open arms to their outdoor patios. Their York Street location features a food menu, which prevents it from allowing pets inside, but the Levee’s interior is pet-friendly.
16 Lots Southern Outpost
Speaking of Newport on the Levee, the south-of-the-river location of 16 Lots Brewing Co. has outdoor seating with gorgeous river views – a perfect spot to take a break when your dog is tuckered out from walking. Like Wooden Cask, it serves a brand new food menu; therefore, furry friends are not allowed inside. With 16 Lots’ view, though, who would want to sit inside?
Alexandria Brewing Co.
Another beloved brewery for locals, Alexandria Brewing allows dogs on its patio. It’s also family friendly, and it boasts a large assortment of arcade games and activities to keep kids entertained. Alexandria Brewing serves food from Bender Pub Grub to pair with their beers.
Bircus Brewing
This circus-brewery hybrid is one of the most original breweries one can visit. Inside, though pets aren’t permitted, guests can order wood-fired pizzas and watch live circus acts. Guests can bring their furry friends to the secluded side patio to enjoy a brew or two along with their pizzas.
Bark Park and Patio
Bark Park and Patio was designed around the idea of having a space where dogs are always welcome. For owners who want to give their dog free rein, Bark is the best spot. Owners are treated to a convenient taproom experience in which they are their own bartenders: Guests here pay for and then pour their own drinks. There are 20 options, many from local breweries.
Dogs must be leashed in the taproom and on the patio, but they can be let off to play in the park area. All guests must sign waivers whether or not they bring a pet. Guests who bring dogs should visit Bark’s website before visiting for details of the regulations.
Covington Yard
Covington Yard is an ideal – and extremely popular – spot for dog owners to visit. It’s in a central location, which tons of space so that even pets on a leash will feel free. There’s almost always another pet or two to make friends with.
Covington Yard also has many accommodations for pets, from water stations to treats. Pets are treated as a priority here, so they may be a bit spoiled with extra love from staff and strangers.
Barleycorn’s Brewhouse
One shouldn’t have to choose between bringing man’s best friend and enjoying a nice dinner. Barleycorn’s Brewhouse encourages guests to bring their pets to enjoy dinner and drinks on its spacious patio. They serve many favorites from the restaurant’s original locations. Barleycorn’s Brewhouse goes one step further by having a pet relief area, ensuring an enjoyable experience for everyone.
859 Taproom and Grill
Florence friends don’t have to go to Covington just to bring their pets along. 859 Taproom and Grill’s patio is a great place to spend summer nights with the entire family. They have the largest selection of beers in Northern Kentucky, no really their beer wall has over sixty beers on tap. Their patio is best enjoyed in the warm months, but it’s open year round so that no matter the time of year, your pets can enjoy an evening out too.
What To Know If You Go
• Braxton Brewery Covington: 27 W Seventh St., Covington.
• Braxton Barrel House: 5 Orphanage Road, Fort Mitchell
• Fabled Brew Works: 331 Kenton Lands Road, Suite 300, Erlanger
• Wooden Cask Brewing Co.: 629 York St., Newport
• Wooden Cask at the Levee: 1 Levee Way, Newport
• 16 Lots Southern Outpost: 1 Levee Way, Suite 2118, Newport
• Alexandria Brewing Co.: 7926 Alexandria Pike, Ste 1, Alexandria
• Bircus Brewing: 322 Elm St., Ludlow
• Bark Park and Patio: 7544 Burlington Pike, Florence
• Covington Yard: 401 Greenup St., Covington
• Barleycorn’s Brewhouse: 402 Licking Pike, Wilder
• 859 Taproom and Grill: 8720 Bankers Street, Florence