Austin has the country’s largest no kill animal shelter, and city residents love their pets. On practically any weekend, you’re likely to see Austinites paddleboarding with their dogs on Lady Bird Lake, exploring Zilker Park with their four-legged friends or relaxing on Rainey Street with a beer in one hand and a leash in the other. Here’s a look at some of our favorite pet-friendly places in Austin. We wish we could feature every single spot, but we’ve chosen a few favorites to share with you!
Yard Bar | Allandale
Yard Bar is an outdoor off-leash dog park with a bar and restaurant attached. A one-day play pass costs $5.50 per dog but monthly and annual passes are also available. Bark Rangers keep an eye on the dogs as they play, so dog-owners can relax in the shade or grab a cold drink. Yard Bar does not allow food inside the dog park, but grab a seat at the picnic tables nearby to order food including burgers, salads and chicken tenders for people and sliders or house-made dog ice cream for their pets.
Yard Bar is open Monday-Sunday from 11AM-10PM.
IG: yardbar
Twitter: @yardbar
Zilker Park | Barton Hills
Zilker Park spans 351 acres of gardens, trails and park land bordering Lady Bird Lake. A portion of Zilker includes an off-leash area for dogs, and it’s a popular spot for active dogs and their owners. You’ll often spot doggy photographers like Zilker Bark documenting the antics of a variety of dogs in Zilker.
TK is open Monday-Sunday from 5AM-10PM.
IG: ZilkerBark
Twitter: @Zilker_Park
Infinite Monkey Theorem | South Congress
Infinite Monkey Theorem’s urban winery off of South Congress welcomes well-behaved dogs in its hip modern tasting room. During Tuesday evening trivia or other events, you’ll often see leashed dogs curled up at their owner’s feet or napping on the well-worn couches. I’ve seen at least one doggy birthday party complete with party hats!
Infinite Monkey Theorem is open Monday-Sunday from 4PM-10PM.
IG: Infinite_Chimp
Twitter: @Infinite_Chimp
Rainey Street | Downtown
Many of the bars lining Rainey Street have dog-friendly patios and backyards, so BarkHappy has previously hosted pup crawls along this popular thoroughfare. Each bar has its own personality, and many feel as comfy and familiar as an old friend’s backyard. Banger’s Sausage & Beer Garden, for instance, serves a specialty sausage for dogs and hosts an event called Mega Mutt Monday.
Rainey Street is open various hours.
Twitter: @RaineyStBars
[tweetthis]Here are some places in #Austin that you can take your pet. You will love these pet-friendly spots.[/tweetthis]
Ann and Roy Butler Hike & Bike Trail | Downtown
The Ann and Roy Butler Hike & Bike Trail runs along Lady Bird Lake, and on a sunny Saturday afternoon, you’re likely to see joggers, families and of course plenty of four-legged friends along these scenic trail. Located on the trail, the Texas Rowing Center rents out kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards, and Austinites often bring their dogs along for these water activities.
Ann and Roy Butler Hike & Bike Trail is open various hours.
IG: thetrailfoundation
Twitter: @TTFAustin
Wherever your apartment is, you and your furry friends won’t have to go far to find an adventure. If you’re not an Austinite yet, learn more about some of the hottest neighborhoods in Austin and start plotting your next pet-friendly outing.