Although the Texas state capital is well known for its live music and hot weather, what you may not realize is that Austin is actually very dog friendly – in fact, it ranks at No. 7 in priceline.com’s recent list of the most pet friendly U.S. cities.
Texas’ most populous city is home to numerous dog friendly bars. Here are just a few of the places where you can bring your pooch to enjoy a good brew.
1. Javelina – 69 Rainey St. (map), (512) 382-6917
A local bar that’s often part of Walk Your Dog Austin’s pub crawl, Javelina is a picturesque Texas bar located in downtown Austin. Some of its draft beers include Independence Stash, Live Oak Big Bark, and Thirsty Planet BucketHead. Its website states that the pub also has “a big handful of patio-friendly specialty cocktails as well as a full bar stocked for good times.”
Leashed dogs are welcome to join their pet parents on the patio. Javelina is open Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.; from 12 p.m. to 2 a.m. on weekends.
2. The Ginger Man – 301 Lavaca St. (map), (512) 473-8801
Located in Austin’s warehouse district, The Ginger Man’s peculiar name comes from a J.P. Donleavy novel. Since 1985, each of the pub’s Texas locations has been serving multi-tap specialty beers every night. Its extensive selection includes more than 100 specialty beers on draft and in bottles.
Yelp! reviewer Jen M. wrote, “Excellent local bar in Austin. Stellar mixes of beers on tap, great jukebox, amazing back patio that is dog friendly, tasty snack plates and extremely friendly staff.”
The Ginger Man is open from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Friday; from 1 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Dogs are allowed on the patio until 9 p.m. every day.
3. Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden – 79 Rainey St. (map), (512) 386-1656
Looking for a place to enjoy great beer and great food? Then look no further than Banger’s. With more than 100 beers on tap and the largest sausage selection in Austin, Banger’s is a must-visit dog friendly bar. Sausage varieties include South Texas Antelope & Venison Merguez; BBQ Bacon & Shrimp; and, of course, Bangers & Mash.
Banger’s is the proud sponsor of Mutt Mondays, where from 5 to 7 p.m. every Monday you and your pooch can enjoy 50 percent off all pints, along with free dog training and goodies. With good beer and even better sausage, what more could you and your pooch ask for?
Open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday; 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.
4. Crown and Anchor Pub – 2911 San Jacinto Blvd. (map), (512) 322-9168
Located near the University of Texas, the Crown and Anchor Pub is another one of the great dog friendly bars in Austin. “Our diverse selection includes over 30 taps and 100 bottles/cans, as well as a great range of ciders and wine,” says this pub’s website. “If you are in the mood for food, our award-winning menu features our legendary burgers, cheese fries, nachos and much more.”
Dogs are welcome to join their pet parents on the patio. The Crown and Anchor offers pooches water bowls and freshly baked doggie treats.
Open 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day except Sunday, when they open at 12 p.m.
5. Violet Crown Social Club – 1111 E. 6th St. (map), (512) 614-4461
What’s a social club, you say? This Austin bar is all about making friends over a good drink. “This place is excellent!” wrote Yelp! reviewer Brie J. “The ambience is unbelievable, the crowd is inviting, and it’s dog friendly.”
The outdoor patio welcomes dogs every day except Friday and Saturday. Open 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday; 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday.
PHOTO: Javelina Facebook Page