The Best Dog-Friendly Watering Holes Around Auckland
Heading out for a few brews? You don't have to leave your best bud at home.
For dog owners it often feels like heading out for a few drinks with friends comes at a cost: suffering the betrayal in Fido's eyes as you close the front door behind you, sans lead.
But we've got great news — here in the 09 buying or adopting a new pup doesn't mean pushing pause on your social life. Auckland has several dog-friendly bars and pubs that make enjoying a brew with your pooch easy — just make sure they stick to water.
With relaxed outdoor courtyards and plenty of room for exploring, these are our favourite spots to enjoy a pint with your pup.
POCKET BAR, GREY LYNN
You couldn't put together a list of pup-friendly bars in Auckland without including Pocket Bar — dogs are welcome both inside and out in the courtyard, every day of the year. The team here are such dog lovers, they run a series of special events for them. On the third Saturday of every month, Vetcare Grey Lynn hosts 'Pocket Dog and Grog' at the chic vine-covered bar, bringing together pet owners for chats and support. Vetcare staff are also on hand to answer any questions, as well giving out delicious treats and spot prizes. Kicking off from midday, it's like hanging out at the local dog park, but you know, with wine and arancini balls.
CITIZEN PARK, KINGSLAND
If you're settling in for a big afternoon watching the game or catching up with friends at this classic Kingsland haunt, don't worry about leaving your little mate behind. Citizen Park welcomes all fur babies to its garden bar, which features lots of sunny spots for leisurely pups to snooze. The covered outdoor area means you never have to stress about not being able to sit outside with your dogs — even if it's raining they'll have fresh air and water on hand. Meanwhile, you can enjoy the US-inspired food and thirst-quenching bevvies.
BOTANY COMMONS, BOTANY
Moved out east so your dog has more room to run around the backyard? You're not alone - and great news, you can sink a few brews with them as well. Head to Botany Commons for dog-friendly fun amongst the luscious greenery of the gin garden. This large, airy, whānau-friendly spot comes alive in the evening with a massive range of craft beers and cocktails. Okay, your dog's eyes might be burning into you when you're digging into dinner, but word on the street is the staff here are happy to serve you up a few bites for your pooch as well.
ROSANNA'S, KINGSLAND
This garden bar in Kingsland is a little oasis off the main road. Tucked down a driveway and featuring a sunny courtyard and cozy covered area, it's large enough your dogs can have a bit of a wander around, but intimate so you'll be able to keep an eye on them the whole time — even while they do some socialising of their own. While you water yourself however you see fit (we'd recommend the signature Rosanna cocktail) water bowls are provided for dogs and we have on good authority that the team keeps special dog bikkies on hand for particularly well-behaved pooches.
UNION POST, ELLERSLIE
Ellerslie institution Union Post has been serving locals and their pups for years. This garden bar next to the bustling train station is a the perfect spot to meet friends or family as they hop off the train, or nab a post-walk weekend brunch. While you hydrate with ice-cold craft beer and local vino, staff are happy to put down some pints (read: bowls) of water for your four-legged friends. The menu here is elevated pub grub so you can all share some lamb shoulder croquettes, tempura prawns and sliders.
ANDIAMO, HERNE BAY
Got a dog partial to people/pup watching? Finish off a stroll along one of Ponsonby's smaller beaches by settling into one of the outdoor tables at Herne Bay stalwart Andiamo, which has been a staple in the area for over three decades. Your pooch is welcome to sit outside with you here while you tuck into some creamy burrata, and one of their famous chilli margaritas of course.
Top image: Pocket Bar
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