As more and more businesses come to St. Pete (and we welcome them all), we’re always excited to make a point in celebrating the long-time staples – the OGs who were here from the start to help make St. Pete what it is today. The Dog Bar is one of those stars, a local gem that keeps us coming back time and time again, sometimes with the pups in tow and just as often without.
Located at 2300 Central Avenue, The Dog Bar is a community hub in the Grand Central District, and it has been there as a stalwart, watching the neighborhood boom and grow around it these last several years. And of course, the most important parts of Dog Bar are right in the name: it’s a 4,500-sq.-ft., off-leash playground for dogs, and a full-service sports bar for the humans there with them. Thanks to that delightful combo, The Dog Bar is actually a finalist in the USA Today competition for best dog bar in America.
If you’re bringing your own pup, it’s the perfect way to let them play among the pools and turf grass in the shade with other dogs, while you either grab a table outside with them or sidle up to the bar and get something to drink. Of note, The Dog Bar has one of the best craft beer selections of anyone in Grand Central – including breweries – thanks to their 31 taps and 40+ canned beer selection. They also have you covered everywhere from a Bloody Mary or mimosa to tequila shots and tropical cocktails. Plus, they have an excellent NA drinks menu.
And for dog owners, one of our favorite things about Dog Bar is knowing our pups are safe and in good hands. All dogs must show proof of rabies shot and other vaccines, all dogs over one year old must be neutered/spayed, and all dogs must be non-aggressive. Combined with the staff “wooferee” during peak hours, visitors can relax and enjoy themselves without the fears of unknown or unsupervised dogs at some dog parks.
Visiting with your dog is easy, of course. You can register online or bring proof of medical records (digital copies are fine) to Dog Bar itself. After that, any individual visit is $7 for a day pass, though Dog Bar offers a wide variety of membership options if you plan to come often.
The Dog Bar is Grand Central’s go-to party spot
St. Pete has a plethora of great dog parks, both public and private. What we love about The Dog Bar is that it’s so much fun for humans, with or without a dog. We find ourselves on barstools inside on more Friday afternoons than not, sipping on a local craft beer or even ordering the occasional ill-advised shots for the group. And no matter what time or day you’re there, whatever big sporting events are taking place, they’re being shown on the TVs spread throughout the facility.
One of our other favorite things – and what equates to a bonus of sorts – is that Dog Bar is one of the best spots to catch current and up-and-coming food truck stars. They have trucks every night and even during daytime on the weekends, and the rotation of local chefs provides for some truly excellent and pan-cultural nosh. From stuffed burgers, spicy wings, or hot tamales to Greek specialties, loaded nachos, or fresh-baked pizza, there’s always something tasty to eat. Many of the stars of today’s Tampa Bay food truck scene got their start outside Dog Bar.
We also appreciate that Dog Bar has a constant rotation of events to keep things interesting. Sometimes it’s live music (such as local star TL Jentgens later this month), sometimes it’s a themed dog party (Halloween at Dog Bar is a ball), and sometimes it’s a local market or a dog-themed movie showing.
There are weekly trivia nights and bingo nights, and the Bark After Dark DJ parties every Friday are can’t-miss. You can see the full lineup of events, as well as upcoming food trucks, at dogbarstpete.com. Follow The Dog Bar on facebook and on instagram to see more and check out what’s coming up next at this local favorite.
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