In today’s pet-centric world, dogs are regarded as an extension of the family. And in a city as exciting and diverse as Austin, our furry friends deserve to have a little fun out on the town too! Luckily, Austin is one of the most dog-friendly cities in Texas, allowing our pooches onto most outdoor patios and in many beer gardens. So if you’re thirsting for a night out but don’t want to feel guilty about leaving Fido behind, take him to these 9 fantastic dog friendly bars in Austin for some great drinks and a howling good time.

Yard Bar

Located right off bustling Burnet Road, Yard Bar has quickly become north Austin’s favorite dog park and backyard lounge. This unique indoor/outdoor space includes a full bar inside and an adorable off-leash backyard where you can kick back and enjoy a cold beer on tap while Rover gets to romp with the other dogs. Don’t worry, Bark Patrol is always on duty to make sure the dogs play nice. Besides wine, cocktails and a rotating selection of local beers on tap, Yard Bar also offers delicious bar bites like Spicy Deviled Eggs on the weekends and Fresh Fried Hush Puppies as well as a handful of soups and gourmet sandwiches. You can even order a meal for your dog comprised of Bones & Co. beef sliders and homemade ice cream! Dog park passes can be purchased for one day or five days and are limited to two dogs a person. Just be sure to look at the park rules and requirements before you take your four legged friend.

Banger’s Sausage House

Boasting a prime location off iconic Rainey Street, Banger’s is a well known sausage house and beer garden in downtown Austin. Here you can find a mouthwatering section of specialty sausages that range from andouille to bratwurst, along with a smattering of sides and appetizers including Jalapeño Mac n Cheese and German Potato Salad. For the beer connoisseurs, Bangers is also home to the largest tap wall in Austin, with a staggering selection of domestic, local and imported beers on tap. While this spot does have indoor seating, most people choose to chill outside in Banger’s huge backyard. This impressive space includes a giant stage where you can catch live shows most weekends, plenty of long picnic tables and a dog run so you can let your puppy pal off the leash while you chow down. You can also find fun dog friendly events like Mutt Monday – every third Monday of the month – as well as dog sausage made of pork, beef and veggies for your pooch.

Tip: Banger’s has a can’t miss brunch every Sunday that includes live music, bloody marys and mimosas and a scrumptious selection of brunch menu items like Lolo’s Corned Beef Hash and Pastrami Style House Cured Salmon.

Moontower Saloon

Tucked away in “Way South” Austin, Moontower is an old ranch house-turned saloon. This laid-back lounge is known for their great drink specials, rowdy live shows and gigantic backyard, which covers 11 acres of land! This massive hangout includes a modest bar, outdoor volleyball court, stage, outdoor food court and lots of open space to spread your legs and get comfortable. Along with a packed schedule of musical performances, Moontower also hosts a handful of special events including Sunday Funday, Cornhole for a Cause and charitable volley tournaments. On the drink menu you’ll find everything from local craft beer to imported brews and frozen cocktails. So if you’re an apartment or condo dweller with a dog in downtown Austin you can take them out to Moontower to roam around and enjoy a breath of fresh, open country air while you sip on craft drinks and munch on comfort food from TripleWide.

Brixton

Look for the pixelated old school Mario Bros. mural on E. 6th Street and you’ll find the little but lit Brixton bar. This wacky watering hole is known for their craft cocktails and crazy events including Comedy hour, pint night and the notoriously wild Brixton Bingo. While this modest bar might not offer a lot in the way of ambience, they offer plenty of space to unwind and mess around on their covered patio. There’s plenty to keep you entertained at Brixton from the jukebox in the corner filled with great tunes to the professional foosball table that’s free on Tuesdays. Plus they’re totally welcoming of your canine companions. You can even take your lapdog with you into the bar for some music and east side shenanigans.

ABGB

Set off w. Oltorf, the Austin Beer Garden and Brewery, aka the ABGB is a popular brewpub and beer garden in south Austin. Proud winner of the 2016 and 2017 Great American Beer Festival Brewpub of the year, this bodacious brewery has a stellar selection of house microbrews separates in “Sometimes” and “Always” categories. Whether you’re into Czech style pils or American pale ales, the ABGB knows what’s up when it comes to good beer! If you need something to snack on while you drink, there’s a lip smacking array of pub bites such as Prosciutto Wrapped Cherry Bombs, Banh Mi, Stuffed Quail and super inventive specialty pizzas with everything from sweet potato to smoked duck. There’s lit live music most nights on the giant ABGB stage, plus a few funky events like the “Hell Yes Project”, brewery tours and Sunday funday. And one of the best things about this place…kids and dogs are welcome-but mostly dogs. You can bring your pupper out to play while you sample flights of Pils. They even offer water stations and healthy dog biscuits made from used grain for your mutt to munch on so he just feels as at home as you do!

Alibi

Site of the former Bar96, Alibi is a sporty little bar off Rainey Street that offers fantastic drink specials and all the sports games you can handle on 14 indoor and outdoor screens. If you’re a football fanatic, basketball follower or baseball fan, there’s always an exciting event in TV to be watch here. The full bar menu at Bar96 is filled with craft beers, wine and classic cocktails, so there’s a little something for everyone. And if you get hungry you can grab a bite at the onsite food truck Belly Up, which has an exceptional selection of seasonal sliders, salads and loaded rice bowls. If you don’t want to feel bad about leaving your dog at home while you watch hours of your favorite college team on a big screen TVs, you can take them with you to partake in all the action! Leashed dogs are welcome onto the spacious patio to chill with their humans and catch some rays.

Handlebar

Settled right in the heart of downtown, Handlebar is an eccentric pub with tasty craft cocktails and a manly mustache theme. Inside you’ll find old portraits, mustache murals and plenty of long lustrous beards to behold. The handcrafted cocktail list at Handlebar is comprised of saucy mixed drinks with historical names like the Doc Holliday with Ransom Ol Tom Gin, Salvador Dai with Wahaka Blanco Mezcal and the Charlie Chaplin with Pimms No. 1 and Tito’s. But what beckons the locals back to this “Adult Wonderland” is Handlebar’s expansive rooftop deck, which includes a giant jenga, a seesaw, photobooth and even more room to spread out and mingle. Bring along your four-legged friend to share in the frivolity and revelry while you lost track of time playing silly games and socializing.

Whislers

Perched right off illustrious E 6th St, Whislers is a shabby chic speakeasy packed with infused mixed cocktails, music and ambience galore. This trendy tavern is a mix of Austin grunge and old-world romance, displaying an intriguing melange of old portraits, taxidermied exotic animals and graffiti lining the walls. Whisler’s has established such a powerful presence with its romantic decor that it’s topped the list of most beautiful bars in Austin! Every room that you wander into feels like a quaint European cellar, with exposed stone walls, ancient fireplaces and antiques all around. On the cocktail menu you can find an appealing arrangement of drinks that range from classic cocktails like the Moscow Mule and Old Fashioned to signature creations like the Copper Coin with spiced cranberry and vodka, Rock Paper Scissor with barrel aged rum and pinapple and Smooth Criminal with bourbon and maple. For some delicious fusion finger foods head to the Thai Kun food truck outside. And in true Austin style, friendly dog friends are also welcome at this gorgeous bar. Just don’t let them touch anything because it’s probably really old!

4th Tap Brewing

Located in north Austin, 4th Tap is a frequented taproom and brewery that offers quality “honest beers” made with “inspired ingredients.” With the common goal of united locals in a love of beer, music and art, 4th Tap has created a truly original austin hangout. On tap there’s a rotating selection of seasonal beers that run the gamut of flavors from Pale Ale to Extra Stout. You can also catch several fun events at 4th Tap like taproom tours, live shows and Pranom Popups. If you’re looking for a fun place to hang with your pup, take them into the enormous taproom while you sample beer flights from 10 taps and get to know the friendly taproom staff.