6 places to go with your dog for a paws-itively good time
Whether it's a day at the beach or a freshly baked pupcake, hit up these dog hot spots to show your pooch the affection it deserves.
In a culture bogged down by one-night stands and fake friends, nothing is more appreciated in the queer community than the loyalty of a dog. So treat your fur babies with the same unbridled love they give you. Whether it’s a day at the beach, an afternoon at a dog park, or a pop-in for a freshly baked pupcake, hit up one of these doggy hot spots to show your pet the affection they deserve.
Ashland Hill, Santa Monica
Pack your bags, we’re going on an adventure
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the best LGBTQ+ travel guides, stories, and more.
Subscribe to our Newsletter today
After a day at the beach tossing the frisbee around with your pup, this quaint brick house bar on the west side of Los Angeles is ideal for a happy hour nosh. Sip on a signature Frosé or cocktails like the Bae Watch or Keep Your Gin Up while enjoying the ocean breeze on their shaded patio. Those in the know will tell you to ask your waitress for the secret dog menu so you can savor your Spicy Pineapple Margarita while your favorite furball munches his own hamburger patty served on a bed of rice.
Bark Social, Washington DC
Housed in North Bethesda’s Pike & Rose complex, this 25,000-square feet dog park includes a mulch dog run (supervised by “bark rangers”) for the fur babies, plus a beer garden, bars, and a climate-controlled clubhouse for pet owners.
“If I can be surrounded by caffeine, alcohol, dogs, and people who love dogs, I would be happy, and I think a lot of others would be too,” says Bark Social founder Luke Silverman, “Everything we do is with dogs in mind.”
The human menu includes espressos and scones, pizza, and Bavarian pretzels, while the canine menu includes peanut butter-frosted “pupcakes” and non-alcoholic dog beers such as the “Mailman Malt Licker.”
Dog Bakery, Los Angeles
After treating yourself to a day of retail therapy at The Grove, LA’s iconic shopping center, treat your pup with a canine confection at the Dog Bakery. The name pretty much says it all. Specializing in freshly baked puppy treats and celebration cakes, the menu offers Cosmic Brownie Bites, Himalayan Yak Milk chews, and adorable I Woof You cookies. And to celebrate your furbaby’s special day, they specialize in custom cakes that are, in their own words, “dog tested, puppy approved.”
Dogue, San Francisco
In 2010, Rahmi Massarweh, a classically trained French chef, began crafting small batch artisanal food for his pup Grizzly. This act of love has since evolved into an SF-based center for canine haute cuisine, offering items like Chicken and Beef Offal, Halal Duck, and Salmon Vitamin Water. It puts the bone in bon appétite.
Rosie’s Dog Beach, Long Beach
Named in memory of Rosie the Bull Dog, the late great pooch owned by canine event producer Justine Rudd, this is the only off-leash dog beach in Los Angeles County. As long as you and your pup can follow a few simple rules, such as having current registration tags and limiting one dog per human, you can enjoy an afternoon frolicking on the beach with your favorite Fido.
Tony P’s, Marina Del Rey
Another beachside option for West Coast dog owners is Tony P’s, which features a “Fluffy Kid” menu for your canine companion and signature events like the “Tito’s Yappy Hour.” So while “hoomans” enjoy a Specialty Tito’s Puptail, your pup can devour one of their delicious doggy treats.
What's Your Reaction?
