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Dog-friendly businesses guide for Raleigh

Explore these dog-friendly businesses in Raleigh that span from places to eat, drink, shop, exercise, and stay the night.

A happy dog sitting on a green chair at Raleigh Beer Garden.

Your pup will feel right at home at Raleigh Beer Garden.

Photo by @barkinbarton

Table of Contents

Round of a-paws, please. From indoor dog bars like West Street Dog to spoiling your pup with royal treatments at The Longleaf Hotel, it makes sense that Raleigh ranked No. 8 on Wallethub’s Most Pet-Friendly Cities list in 2023.

Whether you’re in need of a drinking paw-tner at a local brewery, hitting the night market, or just dining out, well bone appétit. Get ready to dig into this guide for dog-friendly businesses around the City of Oaks.

Pro tip: You can use BringFido to find more dog-friendly restaurants, hotels, and events, too.

A bartender smiling at a dog hanging over the bar.

Raleigh’s Boxcar Bar + Arcade loves pups.

Photo by Danielle Vesseur

Breweries + bars 🐾

  • Boxcar Bar + Arcade, 330 W. Davie St. | A great option if you’re looking to take your dog indoors — both the bar and arcade are dog-friendly.
  • Clouds Brewing Taproom, 1233 Front St., Raleigh | Pups can relax at this taproom; plus, Clouds regularly hosts events benefiting nonprofits like Cause for Paws.
  • Compass Rose Brewery, 3201 Northside Dr., Ste. 101 | Dogs are allowed inside and outside — the bar offers dog bowls for water.
  • Crank Arm Brewing Company, 319 W. Davie St. | Take your BFF (best furry friend) to this downtown spot. Bonus: If your dog likes to be on the move, you can Sip n’ Stroll.
  • East Bower Cider Company, 2020 Progress Ct. | Raleigh’s first cidery welcomes dogs inside and out.
  • Funguys Brewing, 2408 Paula St. | Leashed pups can hangout at this mom-and-pop craft brewery.
  • House of Hops, 6909 Glenwood Ave. | Enjoy the outdoor seating and food trucks with your dog at your side.
  • Lynnwood Brewing Concern, 1053 E. Whitaker Mill Rd. | Grab a brew and a seat inside or out, there’s plenty of space to roam. Pro tip: Order a snack from Wilson’s Eatery next door.

  • Mordecai Beverage Company, 2425 Crabtree Blvd. | Bring your pup to this neighborhood spot featuring a large patio.
  • Nickelpoint Brewing Co., 506 Pershing Rd. | This craft brewery has dog treats at the bar, plenty of room to sprawl out, and a tour bus to explore.
  • Raleigh Brewing, 3709 Neil St. | This women-owned brewery allows doggos both indoors and out.
  • Tap Yard Raleigh, 1610 Automotive Way | This pooch-approved watering hole invites pups indoors and out. Bonus: Snap a pic of your dog at the Tap Yard and they might be featured in the Dogs of the Day gallery.
  • The Avenue, 3 Glenwood Ave. | Dogs are welcome inside and out, plus, this downtown hangout hosts various pet adoption events.
  • Trophy Brewing, 827 W. Morgan St. | Order pizza and beer on the dog-friendly patio.
  • Vault Craft Beer, 518 W. South St. | Your pup will love the covered patio of this bank-turned-taproom.
A dog sitting in front of a treat licking his chops.

MoJoe’s welcomes pups on its patio, treats and all.

Photo by RALtoday

Restaurants 🐾

  • Brier Creek Beer Garden, 8521 Brier Creek Pkwy. | Dogs can enjoy the patio and Barks Menu, with selections like peanut butter bacon and drinks such as the Beefy Brown Ale.
  • Flying Biscuit Cafe, 2016 Clark Ave. | The outdoor seating area is the perfect place to sneak your pup some biscuits and grits.
  • Flying Saucer, 328 W. Morgan St. | The porch dining area will surely make your dog wag its tail.
  • My Way Tavern, 522 St. Marys St. | Bring your pup to watch a game, munch on wings, and hang out on the patio of this sports bar.
  • MoJoe’s Burger Joint, 620 Glenwood Ave. | This downtown burger spot loves furry visitors on its patio — don’t be surprised if your pup is offered a treat by a friendly staff member.
  • Plates Neighborhood Kitchen, 301 Glenwood Ave. | Dogs are allowed outside at this brunch and dinner staple.

  • Raleigh Times Bar, 14 E. Hargett St. | Your dog may not be able to read the historic newspapers lining the walls, but pups are welcome in the patio area with outdoor seating.
  • Raleigh Beer Garden, 614 Glenwood Ave. | Dogs are welcome on all of the outdoor porches — there’s even a pup menu, with choices like a small plate of bacon or a puppy patty hamburger.
  • Relish, 5625 Creedmoor Rd. | Sit outside with your dog while you enjoy Southern classics and comfort dishes.
  • Salt + Lime Cabo Grill, 6006 Falls of Neuse Rd. | Dogs can sit with you on the front patio while you quench your margarita craving.
  • The Station, 701 N. Person St. | Enjoy dinner, brunch, or drinks on the patio with your dog.
  • Village Draft House, 428 Daniels St. | Snack on pickle chips and sip on NC brews outside on the dog-friendly patio.
  • Whiskey Kitchen, 201 W. Martin St. | Grab small and large plates to share and sit outdoors with your dog.
  • Wilson’s Eatery, 1053 E. Whitaker Mill Rd. | Not only are dogs allowed in the patio and beer garden, but Wilson’s is named after the owners’ yellow lab and family dog.
  • Wye Hill, 201 S. Boylan Ave. | You and your pup can kick back on the dog-friendly patio and enjoy skyline views.
A dog relaxing on a red chair.

Bonus: Dogs are also welcome on The Longleaf Lounge patio.

Photo by The Longleaf Hotel and Lounge

Hotels 🐾

  • The Casso, 603 W. Morgan St. | Request your pup’s stay upon reservation for an additional fee at this Tribute Portfolio Hotel.
  • The Longleaf Hotel, 300 N. Dawson St. | All well-behaved dogs are welcome at this modernized mid-century hotel for a $50 flat fee (two per guest is allowed). Plus, they can also hangout on The Longleaf Lounge patio.
  • The Umstead Hotel and Spa, 100 Woodland Pond Dr., Cary | Treat your dog to a stay-cation at this luxurious spot featuring an enclosed playground for canine guests — a $200 deep cleaning fee will be applied.
A dog standing up on a counter at a bookstore.

Dogs like reading too, right?

Shopping centers 🐾

  • Lafayette Village, 8450 Honeycutt Rd. | Canine friends are welcome in and out of most shops, and there is green space available for pups to take care of their biz.
  • Moore Square Market, 201 S. Blount St. | Take your pup with you to pick out fresh produce and let your dog burn off some steam after at the dog park. Pro tip: Visit City Market across the street for pets and treats from Unleashed.
  • North Hills, 4321 Lassiter at North Hills Ave. | There is lots of green space for pups to explore at this high-end shopping center. Plus, shops like Quail Ridge Books love when four-legged customers pop in for a visit.
  • Smoky Hollow, 421 N. Harrington St. | Pop by the Dose Yoga window for a pup cup, drop into Hause of Dogs for a new seasonal bandanna and drool-worthy treats, then head to New Anthem for a brew with your pup as an owner reward — you deserve it.
  • Village District, 2034 Cameron St. | Most of the shops in this complex are dog-friendly, including Great Outdoor Provision Co., Uniquities, and of course, Woof Gang Bakery. Plus, there are doggy stations throughout.
An overview of a new dog park with logs for climbing and plenty of trees.

Guests must have an annual membership or day pass to use the Barkyard.

Photo by RALtoday

Parks 🐾

  • Barkyard, Downtown Cary Park, 327 S. Academy St., Cary |This recently opened park features an open pavilion offering beer, wine, and nonalcoholic drinks adjacent to the big and little dog park complete with faux fallen logs, interactive water features, and more.
  • Carolina Pines Dog Park, 2305 Lake Wheeler Rd. | Dog parents can enjoy picnic tables while their companion runs around the small or big dog area; the area is lit at night.
  • Dix Park Dog Park, 1800 Umstead Dr. | Let your pooch run free at this grass-covered, newly renovated park — there is a water station for humans and pets, plus separate areas for small and large dogs.
  • Millbrook Dog Park, 1905 Spring Forest Rd. | Raleigh’s oldest dog park, which opened in 2003, features agility equipment, drinking fountains, picnic tables, shade structures, and the area is lit at night.
  • Oakwood Dog Park, 910 Brookside Dr. | Embracing the City of Oaks’ trees, this park is shaded and has two fully fenced areas for large + small dogs, water stations, and plenty of space to run.
  • West Street Dog, 400 W. North St. | This indoor dog park and bar is the perfect place for your pup to run around while you sip a cold brew.
  • Coming Soon: The Yard, 1115 W. Lenoir St. | This bar, cafe, and off-leash dog park headed by multidisciplinary Raleigh artist Taylor White, is coming soon to the historic Boylan Heights neighborhood.
RAL-DogNCMA-Feb23

Enjoy the surrounding art at NCMA while your dog enjoys new sniff spots.

Photo by RALtoday

Trails 🐾

  • Blue Loop Trail at NCMA, 2110 Blue Ridge Rd. | Take a relaxing, art-inspired one-mile walk through the Jim Goodnight Museum Park with your pooch — this is City Editor Cat’s favorite place to take her pup Tucker.
  • Brookhaven Nature Park, 5125 Berkeley St. | This wooded, 26-acre neighborhood preserve features serene views like a footbridge over a stream.
  • Lake Johnson East Loop, 1320 Lake Dam Rd. | Take a stroll along the water on the 2.8-mile paved greenway or the 1.5-mile unpaved nature trail loop.
  • Sal’s Branch Trail, William B. Umstead State Park, 8801 Glenwood Ave. | There are plenty of trails to explore at this State Park — this is a moderate, 2.8- mile loop.
  • Shelley Lake Trail, 1400 W. Millbrook Rd. | Enjoy a scenic 2-mile paved path around the lake with your furry companion.
  • Swift Creek Bluffs Nature Preserve, 7800 Holly Springs Rd. | Take in the scenery of a beech forest with your pooch along a mile-long trail.
  • Walnut Creek Greenway Trail, 2300 Main Campus Dr. | Walk your pup at this shaded, scenic route along Lake Raleigh.
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