6 Best Dog-Friendly Patios in DC
We scoured the 'gram for the best patio spots in the Washington DC area that welcome people and pups alike! Here are 6 dog-friendly patios that are the perfect place to soak up the sun with your best friend (and remember, sharing is caring!)
One word: swachos!! Never heard of swachos? Neither did we until we came to American Ice, which is located just off U St! Enjoy this bar’s take on pork nachos (swine + nachos = swachos), which include tortilla chips, pulled pork, the most heavenly melted cheese blend of all time, and jalapenos! Not into swachos? Don’t worry- their menu offers a variety of BBQ style food to choose from. You can find a variety of beers, as well as a full bar, to help wash down whatever you decide to eat!
2. Colony Club/No Kisses Bar/Sonny’s
The shared patio for these Park View bars is the perfect place to meet friends (human and furry) for a drink after work! Each bar has a happy hour menu that includes beer, wine, and cocktails! The best part—the van now serves drinks too, so you don’t even have to go inside! Make sure you’re hungry because you’ll want to grab a slice (or whole pie) from Sonny’s! Trying to get that summer bod in check? The salads are amazing too!
Do you ever want to take your pup with you for a drink, but it’s too hot to be outside on a patio or it’s raining? Atlas, located in Ivy City, is the perfect solution because you can bring your dog INSIDE! That’s right-- hang out with your pup inside the bar while sipping on an amazing selection of craft beers. There are food trucks outside (most days) or you can bring your own food with you to enjoy.
The Salt Line is the pawfect place to end a stroll around Yards Park! The menu offers a variety of New England classic dishes and also has a raw bar that changes daily. The beer list includes a mix of local and NE craft beers. The patio is spacious and has plenty of seating options for you and your pup. Sorry humans, this patio has gone to the dogs!
5. Art and Soul
What’s better than a delicious food menu? A delicious food menu that includes a pooch patio menu! Art and Soul is the perfect spot to grab brunch on a weekend with your furry best friend after exploring the Nation’s Capital! This restaurant is located in The Liaison Washington Capitol Hill Hotel just blocks away from the Capitol building. The hotel is pet-friendly and has a rooftop pool, so be sure to check it out if you’re visiting from out of town.
Dacha Navy Yard just opened a few months ago, and it's already one of our favorite outdoor patios in the Capitol Riverfront area. This outdoor beer garden overlooks the Anacostia River, and has room for 700 people (and pups). The seasonal food menus are inspired by traditional Bavarian beer gardens, and the bar serves 26 beers and 14 cocktails. It's the perfect spot to grab a drink and relax with your pup while checking out the scenic waterfront views.
If you’re looking for other dog-friendly patios, be sure to check out Two Paws Up, a searchable map of dog-friendly activities and places throughout the Washington DC metropolitan area. The map is updated frequently with locations that have been recommended by the community, as well as those that have been featured on the We the Dogs DC Instagram.
Do you have a favorite dog-friendly patio in the city? Share it with us in the comments!
About the Author: Kat Calvitti (@katg0esme0w) has always been a supporter of animal rescues, and is part of the We the Dogs DC original pack. A self-confessed fitness freak, Kat loves hiking and exploring new places with her dogs Stella (@stellathespy) and Alan (#olemanalan). She often shares her travels with Flat Stella and Alan (a picture of Stella and Alan that she's pasted on a popsicle stick) and with followers of the World Travelers Union blog. Kat, Stella, and Alan cheer on the Nationals at Pups in the Park as much as possible, especially if the Phillies are playing. Look for Kat and Stella at Meridian Hill Park most days playing and follow them on Instagram.