There’s nothing quite like enjoying a local craft beer on a patio with friends on a warm summer day.
But if you’re like me, your “friends” include your dog.
And if I can’t bring my dog, I’m not going. #sorrynotsorry
I’ve done the research on some local breweries that will welcome you AND your dog (on-leash of course) for a brew on the patio.
Ready for a frosty pint with your pup? SAME.
Here’s where to go:
1. BEYOND THE PALE
Dogs are welcome on the lower patio. BTP’s about us section on Facebook is “We brew Craft Beer and we’re f*cking good at this”. I think that says it all, really…
When and Where to go:
Little Italy – 250 City Centre Ave, Unit 108
7 days/week: 11 am till Late
The Beer options:
BTP has 16 beers on tap. They’ve got a dream team of mainline brews and 9 yummy seasonals. Check out their fan favourite called Yummy. If you’re here, you’re probably a beer drinker. But if you’ve been reluctantly dragged out to BTP by your beer-loving friends, don’t you worry! BTP also serves cider, sangria and wine. Hooray! Alcohol for everyone!
The Food options:
BTP has a solid BBQ menu from the Smoque Shack: pulled pork, burgers, ribs. But they also have some meatless options like smoked tofu, black bean burger, and mac & cheese. Also, ONION RINGS. Need I say more?
Things to do nearby with your dog:
BTP is on the Trillium pathway, which connects to the Trans Canada Trail right along the Ottawa River. About 2.5km away is the stunning Lemieux Island dog park. Global Pet Foods Hintonburg and Pet Valu Hintonburg are 2km away.
2. BICYCLE CRAFT BREWERY
Families and dogs are welcome in the taproom. The second Sunday of every month is Dog Day Sunday when $1 from every pour goes towards a donation to the Ottawa Humane Society.
When and Where to go:
Train Yards Area – 850 Industrial Ave
Monday-Saturday 11am-7pm, Sunday 11am-5pm
The Beer options:
Bicycle Craft Brewery specializes in creating natural, down-to-earth beers. They use locally sourced ingredients whenever possible to make unique seasonal flavours and delicious local favourites. They offer a variety of ales including APAs and IPAs in an exotic assortment of flavours.
The Food options:
Although Bicycle Craft Brewery doesn’t serve food, you are welcome to bring your own or order delivery from any local restaurant. They even offer a list of favourite eateries that offer takeout nearby. You can find that listing, here.
Things to do nearby with your dog:
If you like to bike with your dog, just about 3 km away you’ll find the scenic Rideau River Eastern Pathway. It’s fully paved and perfect for walking and biking with your furry friend. For a shorter walk, Belena Park is less than 1km away. If you’re travelling with family, Belena Park offers many fun play areas. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
COVID-19 updates:
At of July 21 2021, Bicycle Craft Brewery is not allowing onsite seating. The retail shop is open for beer to go and the walk-up window is available for contactless pickup. Check the websites for updates on the taproom reopening.
3. DOMINION CITY BREWERY
The beer garden is open to all dogs. The staff will happily offer water for any pup and spent grain treats whenever available.
When and Where to go:
Gloucester – 15-5510 Canotek Rd
Beer Garden hours: Monday – Wednesday 4pm-9pm, Thursday-Saturday 12pm-9pm, Sunday 12pm-6pm
The Beer options:
Dominion City Brewery prides themselves in being “makers of very good beer.” They offer a variety of 12 draft beers on tap or flavoured seltzers or bottled kombucha for non-alcoholic refreshment at their beer garden. For the perfect summertime drink, you have to try the Picnic Blanket. It’s a refreshing farmhouse ale blend of raspberry and rhubarb that’s perfect on a hot summer night.
Their corner store also offers a wide selection of beer, wine, and cider from a variety of their favourite independent local breweries.
The Food options:
There are snacks aplenty to have at Dominion City Brewery! They have a carefully curated selection of delicious snacks always in stock at their corner store and they are beer garden partners with Almanac to offer an amazing selection of food and snacks to be enjoyed outside in their treehouse patio. (That’s right TREEHOUSE patio! How awesome is that???)
Things to do nearby with your dog:
Just a short walk away from Dominion City Brewery is the Shefford Road Dog Park. It’s a fenced-in, off-leash dog park in the Sportsplex Park that’s the perfect place to let your dogs run free and play.
4. STRAY DOG BREWING
Dogs are welcome (perhaps even encouraged) on the Stray Dog patio. They’ll even provide treats! Your patio pup could also be featured on the Dogs of Stray Dog Instagram page.
When and Where to Go:
Orleans – 501 Lacolle Way
Noon to 8 Friday and Saturday, Noon to 6 Sunday
The Beer Options:
Stray Dog serves 10 different patio beers. Some of the fan faves like IPA and Stout, but then some that I’m less familiar with (read: I had never heard of them) like a California Common and a Kellerbier. Last time I visited, I tried the Bleu Nuit blueberry saison and it was DELISH. Also, I know you can’t judge a book by its cover but with Stray Dog’s awesome labels and names like “Psycho Keller”, “Jagged Little Pilsner”, and “Shaggin’ Wagon”, it’s hard not to.
The Food Options:
Stray Dog doesn’t serve food, which leaves room for more beer. You can bring food or have it delivered if you’re feelin’ hangry, though.
Things to Do Nearby with Your Dog:
Stray Dog in my stompin’ grounds: Orleans! I know people think it’s far, but it’s worth it. After your trip to Stray Dog, you HAVE to visit Princess Louise Falls. Only 1.2 km away, these falls are such a hidden gem that jump right out at you as you drive down St. Joseph. You can also walk the trails behind the falls. If you have time, check out François Dupont Park, too. It’s a lovely little park connected by trails that opens up to a huge field looking out onto the river. Lots of room to roam and sniff!
5. BROADHEAD BREWERY
Another Orleans gem. Broadhead Brewery’s tagline is “Work Hard, Drink Easy.” There’s nothing better after a long day of work than hanging out with friends and a drink with your doggo right beside you. Dogs are always welcome in the taproom and on the patio.
When and Where to Go:
Orleans – 1680 Vimont Ct Unit 106
Taproom hours are Tuesday-Sunday 12pm-8pm
Patio hours are Tuesday- Sunday 12pm-Late
The Beer Options:
The Broadhead offers 8 classics flavours always on tap in a wide range to suit everyone’s tastes. You absolutely have to try the Oatmeal Stout (which is reviewed simply as “a great f*cking stout”) and the Blueberry Blonde (because who doesn’t love blueberries, right??).
For those with more adventurous tastes, they offer a range of limited-run series in their 174 Taproom Series. They average at least two new beers for this series every month in wild and stunning flavour combinations that you’d have to try to understand just how amazing they are. They sell out quickly though, so be warned!
The Food Options:
Broadhead serves up a full menu from Meatings, the epic BBQ restaurant that’s paired for you with the perfect beer choice for every dish. There are tacos, wings, ribs, and so much more, including meatless options (contrary to what their name might have you believe).
If you’re not up for a full meal, they have a list of snacks like pretzel bites, chips, or popcorn in their signature rub and mini donuts for dessert.
Things to Do Nearby with Your Dog:
The Broadhead is another brewery very close to Princess Louise Falls. If you haven’t gone to see the falls yet, you definitely need to make a stop now. (It’s a sign!) They’re truly beautiful and the hike isn’t that bad even for beginners.
6. KICHESIPPI BEER CO
Dogs are welcome in the beer garden and in the taproom on rainy days.
When and Where to Go:
Bells Corners – 2265 Robertson Rd
7 days/week: 11am-9pm
The Beer Options:
With 12 beers on tap, there’s something for everyone. We’re talking ales, lagers, IPAs, Pilsners, Hefeweizens and more. If the exclusivity of a seasonal beer is your thing, you’ve got to check out their Grapefruit Radler (it tastes like summertime) and their Černy Dark Lager. No guarantee that these two will be available when you go, though. Once they’re gone, they’re gone for the year!
The Food Options:
You sure can work up an appetite drinking all that beer in the shade, am I right? (That was rhetorical – I’m definitely right). At Kichesippi all you’ve got to do is get up from your table on the patio and mosey on over to one of TWO (yes, two) food trucks attached to the Beer Garden. Here are your options: gourmet seafood from Ad Mare, or delicious Mexican from Walking Tacos. (I don’t want to alarm you but they have DESSERT TACOS… like, what?! ????)
Things to Do Nearby with Your Dog:
Kichesippi is right on the Trans-Canada trail and is surrounded by lots of different NCC trails nearby, which makes it a great stop to take a break on your hike. If you need to grab some food or gear for your pupper, Global Pet Food Bells Corners is less than 1km away.
7. SPARK BEER
Spark Beer welcomes all dogs to their patio. Be sure to introduce your doggo to the staff for a chance at being featured on their Instagram for Sparky Sunday! Also, make sure you ask about Spark cups and treats so your pup can have a snack while you drink.
When and Where to Go:
Chinatown – 702 Somerset St W
Wednesday & Thursday 3pm-9pm, Friday 3pm-10pm, Saturday 1pm-10om, Sunday 1pm-8pm
The Beer Options:
Summertime has definitely arrived at Spark! They are serving a refreshing selection of 11 draft beers that are perfect summer flavours. The Neighborhood is a seasonal favourite with notes of citrus, pepper, and banana. It’s Spark’s tribute to their wonderful Chinatown community that welcomed them in. Also make sure to try their special anniversary blend, the Manhire Berliner Weisse Draft. It’s a draft beer that’s citrusy and tart and has just the right amount of sunshine for a warm day.
The Food Options:
Spark has a small selection of snacks and food available on their patio. These include delicious cheese cubes, artisan cured sausage, or hot dog/veggie dogs. However, they encourage you to order delivery to come directly to their patio from any one of the wonderful food choices that Chinatown has to offer. You can ask your server to order for you from their neighbours at either Hey Kitchen or Chili Chili.
Things to Do Nearby with Your Dog:
Just about every dog LOVES going to the dog park. Well, your doggo is in luck because Spark Beer is smack in the center of three of them. Just about 1 km away, you’ll find Tech Wall Dog Park to the north, Primrose Dog Park to the west, and McNabb Dog Park to the East. I HIGHLY recommend going to Tech Wall. It’s a great place to take some awesome pictures of your dog in front of the graffiti art before letting them run in the fenced lot.
8. LOWERTOWN BREWERY
Dogs are welcome on the patio. Staff might even have a handmade treat or two in their pocket waiting!
When and Where to Go:
Byward Market – 73 York St.
Tuesday-Wednesday 2pm-midnight, Thursday Noon-Midnight, Friday Noon-2amSaturday Noon-2am, Sunday Noon-Midnight
The Beer Options:
Lowertown offers 8 different beers on tap. With a choice of lagers, stouts, IPAs, or ales, there’s something for everyone. Even if you aren’t a beer drinker, not to worry – Lowertown has got you covered. They have a whole menu of refreshing cocktail options as well as wine by the glass or the bottle.
The Food Options:
Once in Lowertown Brewery, you aren’t going to be able to miss the tantalizing aromas coming from their in-house smoker. They have an open concept kitchen with a full menu featuring ribs, brisket, and chicken that have been slow cooking for hours until they practically melt in your mouth. Their menu has a great selection to pick from!
There are small plates to snack on, amazing sandwiches, or full-on meals of ribs with a special house rub and bbq sauce and Cajun slaw. (Can you say, YUM?) Be sure to check out their special rate nights for Smoked Wings Wednesdays and Buck-a-Shuck Thursdays. (What can be better than $6/pound wings or $1/shuck??)
Things to Do Nearby with Your Dog:
Just out of the ByWard Market is Major’s Hill Park. It’s a beautiful park where major Canada Day events take place. There are scenic views of the river, gardens, and parliament buildings. With spacious, winding walkways, you and your dog are sure to have a relaxing time wandering through the trees and taking in the views.
9. CONSPIRACY THEORY BREWING COMPANY
Conspiracy Theory’s a local craft brewery located in Bells Corners dedicated to providing quality beer and coffee for the discerning drinker. They have live music on Friday nights.
When and Where to go:
Bells Corners – 2172 Robertson Road
Hours: Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday 12:00 to 8:00pm, Friday and Saturday 12:00pm to 10:00pm
The Beer options:
Conspiracy Theory has 8 regular ales, wheat beers and IPAs available on a regular basis, and a number of seasonal specialty brews. Each one has an awesome conspiracy-themed name like Project MK/Ultra, Grassy Knoll and Flat Earth.
The Food options:
The brewpub menu has classic pub foods to choose from: Wings, Salad, Burgers, Pizza, Poutine, and Fish and Chips.
Things to do nearby with your dog:
Conspiracy Theory is just a few doors down from Kichesippi Beer Co, so why not hit both spots up with your dog? It’s surrounded by lots of different NCC trails nearby, and Global Pet Food Bells Corners is less than 1km away.
10. BREW REVOLUTION
Quality and variety when it comes to craft beer. Fantastic eats. Funky music. 30 taps including 12 in-house brands, 8 guest taps, mead, cider, and more!
When and Where to go:
Stittsville – 6081 Hazeldean Road
Sunday-Wednesday 12-10PM, Thursday-Saturday 11AM-11PM
The Beer options:
Brew Revolution has 30 taps. They have basically everything you’d want from NEIPAs to stouts, IPAs to Lagers. They also have a few beers from other breweries on tap.
The Food options:
The food menu has staples like mac & cheese, stir fry, pulled pork sandwiches, charcuterie board, and asian salad.
Things to do nearby with your dog:
Pet Valu is just across the street to grab a special treat for your pup. Head to Pioneer Plains park a few blocks away for a walk.
11. RIDGE ROCK BREWING COMPANY
High quality beer that is meant to be shared with friends.
When and Where to go:
Carp – 421 Donald B. Munro Drive, Carp, ON
7 days/week: 11am-11pm
The Beer options:
9 beers on tap and even more cans.
Blondes, Ambers, Stouts, IPAs, Wheat Beet, Hard Seltzer, Sours.
The Food options:
Classic brewpub menu including wings, fries, tacos, nachos, salads, wraps, sammies, burgers and pizza.
Things to do nearby with your dog:
While you’re in Carp, you NEED to check out Country Canines Play Park. It’s a private use, fully fenced, off-leash dog park. You need to make a reservation beforehand.
12. OVERFLOW BREWING COMPANY
Craft brewery with event space.
When and Where to go:
Alta Vista – 2477 Kaladar Ave
Tuesday-Saturday Noon-11pm, Sunday 11am-6pm
The Beer options:
5 Overflow beers are on tap: Extra pale Ale, Pilsner Style Ale, North East Pale Ale, IPA, and a Porter. Seasonal beers on tap, and cider and wine available too.
The Food options:
Meatings BBQ kitchen is open for eats:
– Tuesday-Wednesday from 2pm to 9pm
– Thursday0Saturday from Noon to 9pm
– Sunday Brunch from 11am to 6pm
Things to do nearby with your dog:
Kaladar Park is right beside the brewery for an on-leash walk with your pup.
13. WHIPRSNAPR BREWING CO.
Unique, super fun style-bending beers in small batches – cuz they love the challenge, and they love beer. Brewing up trouble. Brewing up fun! Plus, they have BINGO on Wednesday nights! My inner drunk grandma is stoked!
When and Where to go:
Bells Corners – 14 Bexley Place
Wednesday-Saturday from 11am to 9pm, Sunday from 11am to 6pm
The Beer options:
Pilsners, Pale Ale, Cream Ale, IPA, Milkshake IPA, NEIPA, Stout, Lager.
PLUS: Non-alcoholic options like Craft root beer, ginger ale and lemon soda.
Things to do nearby with your dog:
Whiprsnapr is a 5-minute drive from Conspiracy Theory Brewing and Kichesippi Beer Co. Three’s a charm, so make it a day with your dog and grab a beer at each of them (make sure to have a designated driver!).
14. MILL ST. BREW PUB
The Ottawa Brew Pub offers a variety of seasonal and specialty beers that are only available onsite in Ottawa! The 177 year old building is rich in industrial heritage and charm – a unique setting to grab a pint and enjoy innovative food pairings.
When and Where to go:
LeBreton Flats – 555 Wellington Street
Sunday to Thursday: 11 am to 10pm, Friday and Saturday: 11am to 12am
Things to do nearby with your dog:
Head for a walk along the Ottawa River with gorgeous views of the Ottawa and Gatineau shorelines.
15. BRAUMEISTER BIERHALLE
An authentic Bavarian Bierhalle and Garden serving local beers from their brewery in Carleton Place.
When and Where to go:
Hintonburg – 175 Carruthers Ave
Sunday to Wednesday: 12-9pm, Thursday to Saturday: 12-11pm
Things to do nearby with your dog:
Head for a walk at Remic Rapids park!
Use this map to hop around to all the breweries. Cheers!
PATIO BEERS NOT YOUR THING?
Wow, and you read that whole blog about patio beers? R u ok?