Where to Drink Beer with Your Dog in Charlotte

There’s nothing worse than watching your furry best friend longingly press his snout against the window as you depart for a day spent enjoying Charlotte’s booming beer scene. While North Carolina law prevents you from bringing your dog inside some of your favorite spots, four-legged friends are still welcome to join in on these patio spaces and dog-friendly places around town.

Birdsong Brewing Co.

Birdsong Brewing Co. has a spacious outdoor area that offers a shaded patio complete with fans, which comes in handy during Charlotte’s ultra-hot summer months. Your pup is more than welcome to join you as you enjoy some shade and a cold pour.

Charlotte Beer Garden

A popular new addition to the South End social scene, Charlotte Beer Garden offers the "largest draft beer selection in the world” featuring 436 taps and three floors of space to spread out and enjoy. This includes a large, dog-friendly patio and great views of the Uptown skyline from the rooftop bar. Plan to spend a whole day sampling domestic and international beers with your best, four-legged friend.

Hello, Sailor

Hello, Sailor regularly lands on the list of the best restaurants in America, and it’s easy to see why. From the Palm Springs-esque décor to the carefully crafted cocktails, the experience is always impressive from start to finish. This sunny waterfront spot is the perfect place to relax after a day at the lake, and best of all, their lower patio is 100% dog friendly.

Lucky Dog Bark & Brew

With indoor and outdoor play areas, grooming services, a fully stocked bar, TV's and food trucks, Lucky Dog truly is a paradise for pets and owners. It’s specifically designed for pups, with indoor and outdoor off-leash areas. Even if you don't have a dog of your own, you're encouraged to join in on the fun (this is a 21+ bar. Fur babies only). They have three locations, all offering their full list of dog grooming and boarding services as well as indoor/outdoor play areas and a full bar. Kick back, grab a drink and enjoy the puppy party!

NoDa Brewing Company

Grab a Jam Session and belly up to a picnic table at NoDa Brewing Company’s large outdoor space, complete with tasty eats from a rotating array of food trucks. You’ll find Ve-Go Food Truck offering delectable vegan cuisine every Thursday. Their dog-friendly patio is open Thursday through Sunday.

NoDa Company Store

NoDa Company Store is home to arguably one of the most enjoyable patio setups in the Queen City. Call dibs on a porch swing, kick your feet up, and enjoy local beers, wine or (our personal favorite) their delicious frozen drinks. The NoDa Colada is a must for pina colada lovers, and their rotating selection of seasonal sangrias always satisfy. Bring your pup for a relaxing day in a NoDa oasis that radiates tropical island vibes.

The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery

The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery is a pooch’s paradise, with a sprawling 8-acre beer garden. Pet parents will enjoy their German-style beers, as well as a menu peppered with German-inspired favorites, like bratwurst and a Reuben sandwich.

Optimist Hall

The 22,000-square-foot food hall is housed in the former Highland Park Gingham Mill building, making it a unique place to indulge your inner foodie. You’ll find nearly two dozen food stalls plus craft beer, cocktails and a spacious, dog-friendly courtyard area to enjoy your smorgasbord of cuisine. Don’t miss The Dumpling Lady dishing up Sichuan street food. A stop at Papi Queso for gourmet grilled cheese is also a must. End the meal on a sweet note with a scoop of gelato from Honeysuckle Gelato, and don’t forget to reward your good boy or girl with a treat from Pet Wants, a pet supply store.

Pinhouse and Hoppin’

The two spots, which share ownership, both feature large, dog-friendly patios. At Pinhouse in Plaza Midwood, you’ll find 72 self-serve taps of wine, beer and cider. The ever-popular duckpin bowling is currently on hold due to the COVID pandemic but will be available once normal life resumes. Hoppin’ in South End boasts a list of 50 rotating self-serve beer taps, plus wine and prosecco options.

Seoul Food Meat Company

This place truly has it all: great food, karaoke booths, an outdoor dog park and a full bar. Seoul Food Meat Co. also has great weekly specials; think $1 sides, half-priced drafts and half-priced karaoke rooms. Grab your gang and let your dog get some exercise while you enjoy some beer and Korean-style chicken wings.

Skiptown

From the people behind Skipper, the locally owned pet care service, comes Skiptown. This massive, 24,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor dog park and bar is truly a paradise for pooches and their parents. Located in South End, Skiptown offers 15,000-square-feet of outdoor space, a splash pad, and a bar with beer and cocktails.

Sycamore Brewing

If your pup is in the market for new friends, head to Sycamore Brewing. The popular choice always has plenty of four-legged visitors. Try one of their signature beers, like Southern Girl Blonde or Mountain Candy, or sample their Wild Blossom cider line. They’re a fan favorite among Queen City beer drinkers.

Triple C Brewing Co.

On Triple C Brewing Co.’s patio, you can sample the ever-popular Golden Boy Blonde Ale or the Baby Maker Double IPA, then grab lunch from one of the rotating food trucks parked on-site.

VBGB Beer Hall & Garden

The AvidXchange Music Factory’s VBGB Beer Hall & Garden boasts “Charlotte’s largest patio” as well as 30 craft beers on draft and tasty food offerings. You’ll want to try their oversized pretzel served with beer cheese, as well as their specialty, Coca-Cola marinated chicken wings. Family-style meals are available Tuesday-Sunday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Bring the crew (including your furry family members) by for dinner outside or grab it to go.