The Best Dog-Friendly Sports Bars

Posted by Billy Francis

Nothing beats gathering at the local watering hole to cheer on your favorite team on the big screen, but watching the game isn’t the same without your personal mascot by your side. Grab a beer on game day with your mutt at these “pawsome” pet-friendly sports bars.

Ferg's Sports Bar & Grill

St. Petersburg, FL
Who's on Team Fido? Photo by Facebook.com/FergsSportsBar

Fans of the Tampa Bay Rays will know all about Ferg's Sports Bar & Grill in St. Petersburg, FL. Located across the street from the MLB team’s Tropicana Field, this bustling bar is as close to the diamond as your pooch is going to get. She may have to miss out on catching a fly ball in her teeth from the stadium, but at least she can catch tennis balls in the bar’s baseball-inspired dog park, divided into sections for peewee pups and heavyweights. When your MVP (Most Valuable Pooch) is finished slugging it out in the fenced space, she can grab a bite from Ferg’s Dog Chow menu, which includes delicious eats like Beer Grain Cookies and CBD Chicken Bites.

Go down the rabbit hole at this colorful rental with an at-home gym and a fenced backyard, so you and your pooch can warm up before heading back to the bar.

The Doghaus

St. Louis, MO
"Who is this dog?" Photo by @momo_izz_life

Fido will love being sent to The Doghaus, which lies just outside of St. Louis in Soular. Grab a bite to eat from a nearby restaurant and bring it with you to this hangout before kickoff. After eating and grabbing a pint from the bar, enjoy front-row seats to your sporting event of choice on the outdoor television, while Fido plays off leash in the fenced park. If his team loses, Fido can escape the jeers of rival fans in the Tito’s Vodka dog house. Check their calendar for events like happy hour specials during St. Louis Cardinals baseball and St. Louis Blues hockey games.

When celebrations draw to a close, head to Magnolia Hotel St. Louis for a plush stay befitting a pro athlete without the price tag.

Evil Genius Beer Company

Philadelphia, PA
“Evil? Maybe. Genius? Definitely.” Photo by @evilgeniusbeer

Philadelphia is the proud home of the 76ers, Phillies, Flyers and the Eagles, as well as a huge fan base that shows up on game day all year long. Evil Genius Beer Company is a "fan-tastic" space for you and Fido to watch your favorite Philly team duke it out. Grab their sports-themed brew, "There’s No Crying in Baseball," and pull up a seat in front of one of the many outdoor televisions in the expansive beer garden.

Pay a visit to Palmer Doggie Depot to blow off some post-game steam, then relax at this funky Fishtown home for the night.

Lucky Dog Bark & Brew

Charlotte, NC
“I am one lucky dog.” Photo by Facebook.com/barkandbrewclt

If you’re planning a weekend in dog-friendly Charlotte and need a place to catch the game, touch down at Lucky Dog Bark & Brew. This indoor/outdoor sports bar and dog park welcomes pups to mix and mingle with other mutts, and even get a bath from a professional groomer while you watch a game and sip an ice-cold beverage. This wild and wonderful bar stays open until midnight.

After the final whistle, check out Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel for a near-unbeatable mix of trendy style, upscale comfort and pet friendliness.

Gringo Theory Patio Bar

El Paso, TX
Best seat in the house. Photo by @remus.lupine.lily

With six televisions dotted around an expansive outdoor area, there’s plenty of space to get away from the opposing team's fans at Gringo Theory Patio Bar. Well-behaved dogs can play off leash during timeouts and may even receive a delicious treat from one of the waitstaff wearing a trademark t-shirt with a motto we can all get behind: “If I can’t bring my dog, I’m not going!” Every Saturday is Dog Day at this lively El Paso bar. The first 10 pups in attendance receive a Yappy Meal on the house.

Located around the corner from the bar, Tru By Hilton El Paso East Loop 375 has a grassy relief area and offers toys for pups who still have energy left to burn.

The Flatstick Pub

Kirkland, WA
“I was promised a flat stick.” Photo by Facebook.com/flatstickpub

The Flatstick Pub is more than Kirkland’s only indoor pet-friendly pub. This “diamond in the ruff” is home to a nine-hole mini golf course with water hazards and obstacles. Humans can enjoy a round of golf with their round of beers, while watching the Masters on the screens dotted around. Alternatively, play a game of Duffleboard, a hybrid mini golf and shuffleboard game invented at Flatstick.

Treat your good sport to a stay at The Heathman Hotel Kirkland just across the street. This historic hotel provides canine guests with dog beds and bowls to use during their stay.

McP's Irish Pub & Grill

Coronado, CA
"This happy hour is about to get yappy." Photo by @maya.doodle.dog

“Kids and dogs are welcome. Adults are tolerated!” at McP's Irish Pub & Grill. With 19 TVs, this fun bar is the place to be before, during and after the game. When the sun is shining, hang out under a shady tree on the pet-friendly patio with your pooch and grab a bite to eat. For nighttime kickoffs, gather around the fire pit at halftime and discuss the nuances of the ref's blown calls with your fellow sports fans.

Enjoy a post-game dip in the pool at one of the most pet-friendly oceanfront hotels in the country, Hotel Del Coronado.

Double Dogs

Nashville, TN
"Can you tell my team is losing?" Photo by @jeepdog392

Double Dogs welcomes two- and four-legged sports enthusiasts to hang out on the patio and soak in the atmosphere on game day. “Sit. Stay. Eat.” is this lively hangout’s slogan, so pull up a tall chair and order a hot dog or burger from the varied menu, while your pooch enjoys a bowl of water and a treat.

Shake off a loss or jump for joy on the walk to Loews Vanderbilt Nashville for the night. This popular pet-friendly hotel has a floor dedicated to canine guests and a nice outdoor space to explore.

Fetch Park

Atlanta, GA
"Someone said pig skin." Photo by Facebook.com/FetchParkAtl

Fetch Park in Atlanta is modeled on a minor league baseball field with murals, concessions and awesome catching from star canines. Throw a perfect pitch for your pooch on the pristine artificial turf, play together on the agility equipment, and join the regulars for a Yappy Hour on your next trip to the Big A. The ultra-bright outdoor televisions mean you won’t miss a single hit, shot or goal even on a sunny day. Drink a cocktail from the Airstream Bar(k) to celebrate a victory or just to toast a fun day with your best friend. And don’t forget to join them for their annual Puppy Bowl.

Stroll along the BeltLine to your pad for the night, where you can take a different kind of shot at this stunning photographer’s loft.

Where will Fido cheer on his favorite team? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by BringFido/Adam.