If your dog is a factor in nearly every single plan you make, this one’s for you. Columbus is one of the most dog-obsessed cities in Ohio, and the bar and brewery scene here has caught up in a big way: patios with water bowls, Yappy Hours, even breweries that hand out free pup cups like it’s nothing.
Fun fact: this wasn’t always legal. Dogs weren’t officially allowed on Ohio restaurant patios until a 2018 law change, and Columbus breweries were some of the loudest voices pushing for it. Now it’s basically the norm. So we rounded up the best dog-friendly bars, breweries, and patios across the city. Bookmark this one, because you’re going to need it every weekend from now on.
The Best Dog-Friendly Breweries in Columbus
Land-Grant Brewing Co. (424 W. Town St., Franklinton) has one of the best beer gardens in the city, full stop. Think fire pits, picnic tables, and enough room for every dog to sprawl out. They also have been known to host Yappy Hours, so keep an eye on their calendar.
Seventh Son Brewing (1101 N. 4th St., Italian Village) has a sprawling downstairs patio and rotating food trucks parked right outside: good for you, great for the dog hoping something falls on the ground.
Wolf’s Ridge Brewing (215 N. 4th St., Downtown) welcomes leashed pups on the patio, and yours might even score a treat from staff who clearly love the job.
Parsons North Brewing (685 Parsons Ave., Olde Towne East) has large garage-style doors that roll all the way open onto the patio, so on a nice day the whole space basically becomes outdoor seating for you and the dog.
Gemüt Biergarten (734 Oak St., Olde Towne East) brings the German beer garden energy: long tables, big crowds, and plenty of leashed dogs soaking it all in. Plus, they have carbon-filtered water available for your thirsty dog… only the best for sweet Fido!
Elevator Brewery & Draught Haus (161 N. High St., Downtown) has a spacious patio in the heart of the city, perfect for a pre- or post-Arena District wander with the dog.
BrewDog DogTap (96 Gender Rd., Canal Winchester) deserves its own paragraph. It’s a short drive from Downtown, but it’s basically dog HQ: an on-site dog park, a pet-friendly hotel called The Doghouse, and staff who take “dog-friendly” more seriously than almost anywhere else in Ohio.
Nocterra Brewing Co. (41 Depot St, Powell and 516 Maier Pl, Columbus) is welcoming to leashed, well-behaved dogs both inside and out at both locations, so long as they are well behaved.
Dog-Friendly Bars & Patios Worth the Trip
Oddfellows Liquor Bar (1038 N. High St., Short North) has been dog-friendly territory for years, so you can bring your leashed dog in-the bar for some AC or find a spot on their large patio outside.
Flatiron Tavern (129 E. Nationwide Blvd., Downtown) is tucked into one of the city’s coolest old buildings, with a patio that stays open late on weekends if you’re making a night of it.
The Woodbury (215 E. Town St., Downtown) has a sidewalk patio where dogs are always welcome, plus a menu upscale enough to make the outing feel like an actual date night.
Jackie O’s On Fourth (171 N. 4th St., Downtown) has a laid-back patio where leashed dogs are a regular part of the scene, no fuss, just good beer and a mellow crowd.
Hofbrauhaus Columbus (800 Goodale Blvd., Grandview) goes above and beyond with complimentary treats for four-legged guests, all inside a massive biergarten built for big groups.
Bonus: A Food Hall Pick for Group Hangs
Budd Dairy Food Hall (Italian Village) allows leashed, well-behaved dogs on the front picnic area and in the beer garden, which is clutch when your group can’t agree on one restaurant. Everybody orders from a different vendor, the dog can hang out and get pets from strangers… everybody leaves happy.
Quick Etiquette Reminders
A few ground rules to keep every patio dog-friendly for the next visitor: keep your dog leashed (it’s the law), keep them off furniture and away from other people’s tables, and bring water for longer hangs. Pet policies can shift, so it never hurts to give a spot a quick call if you’re planning a special trip with your dog in tow.
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