You’re craving a little liquor but don’t want to leave behind your little licker (ba-dum-dum). Throw a leash on the pooch and head to one of these dog-friendly bars, cafes, or pubs.
Even the most water-averse pet will happily trot aboard a 45-minute cruise on the Potomac. Vessels depart daily from April through October and pass by such spectacles as the Kennedy Center, the Lincoln Memorial, and the U.S. Capitol. Four-legged friends ride free and spirits are served with a smile.
Capitol River Cruises, Washington Harbor at 31 and K Streets Northwest (301-460-7447 or capitolrivercruises.com).
Good news: This come-as-you-are Petworth bar allows dogs indoors year-round. Better news: Once a month it donates 20 percent of the night’s proceeds to the Washington Humane Society. Head pats and scratches behind the ear are in great supply, as are canned beers that start at just $3 a pop.
Blue Banana, 3632 Georgia Avenue Northwest (202-713-5011 or bluebananadc.com).
As Oprah Winfrey’s former personal chef and pal to Lady Gaga’s parents, Art Smith knows a thing of two about high-profile clientele. But all canines get the superstar treatment at his Capitol Hill eatery, where the just-for-dogs menu includes a 6-ounce grilled steak and beef tips with rice.
Art and Soul, 415 New Jersey Avenue Northwest (202-393-7777 or artandsouldc.com).
The breezy courtyard of Old Town’s Hotel Monaco hosts fuzzy companions every Tuesday and Thursday (April through October) for Doggie Yappy Hours. Complimentary biscuits and fresh water keep Miss Wiggles occupied while you scope out the scene.
Jackson 20, 480 King Street, Alexandria (703-842-2790 or jackson20.com).
It’s no surprise that this Atlas District restaurant welcomes all walks of life to its patios. Those with restless paw syndrome are free to roam; brunch standards cater to hungry humans.
The Argonaut, 1433 H Street Northeast (202-250-3660 or argonautdc.com).
The venue reminds us of our favorite pair of lounging socks: familiar, comfortable, just the slightest bit smelly. But what the bar lacks in fragrance it makes up for in leniency: Dogs saunter freely indoors on any given day. And you can let yourself off the leash to dance on a table.
The Wonderland Ballroom, 1101 Kenyon Street Northwest (202-232-5263 or thewonderlandballroom.com).
Besides authentic Irish dishes (Walsh Island fish and chips, Guinness burger), the iconic Alexandria pub offers chopped chicken, chopped burger, beef or lamb stew, and a bone for your little Erin Go Barkless.
Pat Troy’s Ireland’s Own, 111 North Pitt Street, Alexandria (703-549-4535 or pattroysirishpub.com).
With rotating happy hour specials like $3 taco Mondays and $3 rail drink Fridays, Union Pub is an obvious Capitol Hill haunt. What might not be so apparent is that pups of all sizes are welcome on the spacious patio. When an uncomfortable (and inevitable) political discussion ensues, everyone can wag the dog.
Union Pub, 201 Massachusetts Avenue Northeast (202-546-7200 or unionpubdc.com).
As the name implies, this corner cafe doesn’t discriminate against fuzzy creatures. (That includes hirsute Bloomingdale hipsters.) The patio serves as a meeting place for caffeine addicts, and water bowls are provided for your little Yappuccino.
Big Bear Cafe, 1700 1st Street Northwest (bigbearcafe-dc.com).
Dogs get scratch-behind-the-ear treatment on Mondays at this dockside watering hole. A canine snack bar includes bones, jerky, and rawhides, while two-legged creatures wash down catfish tacos, crab cakes, and margaritas.
Cantina Marina, 600 Water Street Southwest (202-554-8396 or cantinamarina.com).
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