How do you live with a pet and still maintain your social life? It’s hard enough leaving your pooch in the apartment the whole day. It’s also not good for you socially to remain cooped up at home most nights.
To create a balance for you and your dog, remember to keep your social life active. This doesn’t just mean dog parks and long walks though. You can choose to bring your dog to cool dog friendly restaurants and pubs.
Due to health regulations in New York City, several shops have prohibited pets in their establishments. However, there are still places that are sympathetic to pets, which are also great places to hangout with your pet and meet new people (and their pets).
Here are some pet friendly places in NYC worth checking out.
1. The Luckydog
Dogs are welcome in this cool, low key and unchaotic pub in Williamsburg. Owners can let dogs wander around the restaurant without a leash and get free treats from the gumball machine. Pet owners can choose from a wide array of beers. The place is getting more famous because of its good service and warm hospitality for dogs and owners alike. During the warmer months, the back patio is used for barbecue parties which dogs will enjoy as well.
2. Union Pool
Better to keep your dogs on a leash here but at the back of the bar, there is a wide space that has a taco truck, lots of seating and a stone pond. The backyard is a great area to hang out with friends and their dogs too. The relaxing ambiance of this place is great for small to big groups. Union Pool is at Union Avenue at Meeker.
3. The Growler
This is a gastropub located across the East River from the Brooklyn Bridge Park. They do not allow dogs inside the restaurant but are allowed to stay with the patio. There is a communal water bowl for dogs. While dog owners can enjoy cocktails and beer with dishes like “The Salty Dog” and a whole menu selection of hot dogs. This place is great during early summer evenings.
4. Von
This restaurant is found in Bleeker Street in NoHo. This place offers the best beer and the widest beer selection in lower Manhattan. “Happy”, or the pub’s bulldog is super friendly and welcomes both customers and their pets.
Von doesn’t have a patio or a big backyard so it’s a bit crowded especially on peak nights. However, it’s roomy downstairs and you can have more room with your pooch there.
5. Brooklyn Ale House
Looking for a more relaxed and toned down hangout? The Brooklyn Ale House on Beery Street is a Vermont-styled lodge with open wood bench seating. There is a huge corner bench in the front that is great for your dog to rest on. Your pooch can also try the large bench seat by the window, which is great for looking at passers-by. This restaurant also has a billiard table at the back which can be full of people and is a great mingling spot for both dog and owner.
Enjoy an apple cider with whisky and cozy up with your friends while your pooch socializes with other dogs.
6. Barking Dog
This is a mini-chain of luncheonettes that is dog-inspired. Bring your family and your pets for pancakes, waffles, omelet, fritatas and wraps. You can even get a bag of treats for your pet.
Barking Dog is located at the Upper East Side.
7. LIC
This is a restaurant that is made of brick, wood and a tin celling, which gives the place a warm and laid-back feel. They have an outdoor patio where you can smoke and tie up your pet and order from a huge drink selection. If you feel like ordering food from next door, you can have them delivered to you. LIC is very customer and pet friendly indeed and is located in Long Island City.
8. The Gate
In Park Slope, The Gate is a popular bar where pet owners can go to for relaxing down time after playing fetch at Prospect Park. This restaurant has a wide indoors area and a patio. This place is great for dogs because she can just amuse herself with just watching people. Pet owners can enjoy the best beer or tap, or score a Brooklyn Lager or a pint of Guiness.
Remember that after a night’s out, always keep your pet well-fed and groomed. A handsome coat will stand out in any joint and people will always notice. Make sure that you get quality pet supplies. Products and services by Petco and Petsmart are readily available in any NYC pet store.
