If you are a dog-parent, then you probably want to take your furry bundle of joy with you whenever you can. There are lots of dog-friendly bars and restaurants out there, but what about LGBTQ and dog-friendly? Well, my friends, there are some establishments where you can find the best of both these worlds. Here are some great spots all across the US where you can enjoy quality time with your pup and your queer and trans family.
The Wild Side West (424 Cortland Ave, San Francisco, CA)
The oldest continuously LBGTQ owned and operated bar in San Francisco is also one of the cities most dog-friendly establishments. This bar welcomes those who want to spend time with other members of the community but perhaps shy away from more “scene” oriented bars. Wild Side West is crazy about dogs and allows them everywhere, not just on the patio. Every holiday season they even host a special holiday party for dogs. At this annual party and potluck, dogs of regulars get their own stockings stuffed with treats. The bar also hosts animal rescue benefits throughout the year.
Ginger’s Bar Park Slope (363 5th Ave, Brooklyn, New York)
If you and your pup are looking for a welcoming bastion in the hustle and bustle of NYC, head over to Ginger’s in the lesbian heart of Brooklyn, Park Slope. Grab one of the bar’s great drink specials like half price all domestic beers and select liquors from 5-8pm, then head out back and chill on the patio where you and your dog can mix and mingle with other dog lovers, locals, and LGBTQ folks galore.
Sue Ellen’s (3014 Throckmorton Street, Dallas, TX)
Open since 1989, this queer women’s bar in Dallas is still going strong nearly thirty-years later. There are two floors full of fun and a patio where dogs are welcome to sit and take in the sights with you. Get your party on with the Bulldogs and Brews event, where all dogs are welcome, and the bar helps raise money for the No Borders Bulldog Rescue. Who knows, you might even leave with a new furry friend.
Gossip Grill (1220 University Ave, San Diego, CA)
You can get a lobster roll, dance your ass off, and bring your dog along to Gossip Grill, one of the US’s few remaining women’s bars. This cheeky bar has weekly events like Tickle My Taco Tuesday and Liq-Her Cabinet Mondays, but your pupper will love their Yappy Hour events, where dog parents can order drink specials while dogs can get one of the bar/restaurant’s Yappetizers. There is even complimentary Dog Vodka! (Don’t worry, it’s just fresh water.) Follow Gossip Grill on social media for info on their next event.
Lipstick Lounge (1400 Woodland St, Nashville, Tennessee)
Well-behaved and leashed dogs are welcome, y’all, at this beloved Nashville institution. The Lip, as locals call it, serves a full menu of food and cocktails and is a warm, inviting spot for you and Spot. See what I did there? I’m here all week. Enjoy the warm Nashville nights on the quaint patio, or pop in with your pup for brunch. Sure you’ll find things like karaoke, drag performances, and DJs at The Lip, but they are all about the surprises. How about an evening of opera? Yes, opera. You may want to leave your doggo at home for that though, in the event that she’s inspired to do an impromptu duet.
Pied Bar (193 Commercial St, Provincetown, Massachusetts)
P-Town is a popular destination for the entire LGBTQ community, so if you are heading to this sweet (and super gay) little town on the ocean for Single Women’s Weekend, Women of Color Weekend, Girlsplash, or another fun event, you may want to bring your dog along for the trip. The Pied Bar hosts the popular After Tea T-Dance, and you are welcome to come hang out on the deck anytime before that party kicks off. You and your dog can breath in the salt air and take in the gorgeous views of the Atlantic Ocean, which laps right beneath your paws…err, feet. Pied Bar has been around since 1971, so you know they know how to treat their customers, of the human and furball variety, well. Oh, and bring cash. Credit cards are not accepted.
The Abbey West Hollywood (692 N Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood, CA)
This famous bar has been featured in movies and TV shows like The Real L Word, but did you know that it’s also has a dog-friendly patio? Snack on charcuterie platters, veggie burgers, or go for the all-day brunch, all with your dog by your side. You never know who might show up, as celebs are known to pop by for the good eats and craft cocktails. But between you and me, we know it’s all about atmosphere, darling, and your dog deserves all the eleganza and extravaganza possible.
Now before you head off to explore these bars with your pooch, here are some rules to keep in mind.
Your dog must be leashed at all times unless otherwise noted. If a bar or restaurant says it’s ok, then great, but this is the exception and not the rule.
If your dog doesn’t do well with crowds or has a history of being aggressive, then it’s best to leave pup at home.
Bring a water bowl. Many places have water bowls just for dogs, but not everyone does so come prepared. While you might be enjoying your third mimosa, your dog could be feeling the thirst.
Bring a small blanket or mat for your dog if you plan to be dining or hanging out for a while. Many patios are concrete, and that’s no fun to lay on. Pamper that pooch.
Some bars have dog swag! Ask about t-shirts, collars, etc so you and your dog can rep these bars in style.
Dogs are a great way to meet people, so if you are looking to meet someone special or just make friends, a dog is a great icebreaker and way to connect. Fido gets a major treat if he scores you a date though.
