The city of Austin, Texas, is often touted as one of the most pet-friendly cities in the US, and it’s easy to see why. Numerous breweries, gardens, and other outdoor public attractions welcome leashed dogs to accompany their owners. Open spaces, fenced-in parks, and trails where dogs can run off-leash appear all over this vibrant metropolitan area.
And, if you want to take your four-legged friend somewhere that will really impress them, Austin contains some truly special venues and establishments that cater to canines, and we list some of our favorites below.
Related: The Best of the Austin Food Scene
Dog-Friendly Adventures in Austin
Dog-Friendly Outdoor Dining in Austin
Most of Austin’s outdoor cafes and breweries welcome dogs outside, and some also allow them in. Just check for signage because each establishment sets different guidelines and rules are subject to change.
Nomadic Beerworks
Neighborhood: St. Edwards
Address: 3804 Woodbury Dr, Ste A, Austin, TX 78704
Nomadic Beerworks touts themselves as “a globally inspired brewery rooted in local community.” Along with their award-winning beer, they serve a diverse, crowd-pleasing food menu. Dogs are welcome to take advantage of the A/C in the taproom or to hang out on the patio.
Central Machine Works
Neighborhood: East Austin
Address: 4824 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
Located in a repurposed airplane hangar, Central Machine Works features live music and events on the weekends and consists of a large indoor area coupled with lots of seating outside. Their food menu consists of various appetizers, pizzas, and sandwiches. Customers rave about the beer and its dog-friendly outdoor patio.
The Best Dog Parks in Austin
Speaking of dog parks, Austin has its fair share of public and private pet play areas. But, a word of caution for dog-friendly adventures that include large bodies of water: when the water becomes stagnant and temperatures rise, the risk of algae blooms increases. Generally occurring in the summer and fall, several Austin waterways can become dangerous for dogs (and people!) to swim in. Check the city of Austin’s website for current recommendations, or refer to this map for options.
MUTTS Canine Cantina Austin
Neighborhood: Cedar Park
Address: 9825 N Lake Creek Pkwy, Austin, TX 78717
MUTTS presents both an off-leash large dog park with a splash pad and a separate park for smaller dogs. Friendly and knowledgeable staff will monitor your pet while you hang out in the sports bar or watch the big game on one of the many LED screens throughout the park.
The Watering Bowl
Neighborhood: South Austin
Address: 820 Farm to Market 1626, Austin, TX 78748
Locally- and woman-owned, The Watering Bowl offers a menu for both people and pets, separate off-leash areas for big and small dogs, and pawty packages to celebrate your pup on their special day.
Cedar Bark Park
City: Cedar Park
Address: 2525 W New Hope Dr, Cedar Park, TX 78613
With three different areas totaling five acres of fenced-in, leash-free park grounds for your dog to run around in and a large natural pond, Cedar Bark Park is a great place for you and your dog to go on an adventure.
Dog House Drinkery & Dog Park
City: Leander
Address: 3800 County Road 175, Leander, TX 78641
If your dog gets antsy while you enjoy a beer, you might want to check out the Dog House Drinkery & Dog Park. They’ll find plenty to keep them occupied in a large, supervised area featuring obstacles to run around and tennis balls to play with. To stay cool, they provide pools to cool off in, or your dog can come inside to enjoy the A/C.
Meanwhile, you can catch a game of foosball or play some pool while you enjoy your libation.
Find more dog parks on our handy list.
Dog-Friendly Events in Austin
Austin runs some great venues you can bring your furry friend to year-round, including tours at the Texas State Capitol and the beautiful Zilker Botanical Garden, but it also hosts pet-friendly annual events you won’t want to miss.
Blues on the Green
Neighborhood: Zilker
Address: 2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Blues on the Green, a free concert series held each summer in Zilker Park, showcases a diverse range of Austin-based artists in many musical genres. This pet- and family-friendly event also organizes a beer garden for attendees over 21.
Annual Mighty Texas Dog Walk & Expo
Neighborhood: Tarrytown/Northwest Hills
Address: Camp Mabry Military Base, 2200 W 35th St, Austin, TX 78703
Billed as “the #1 dog event in the #1 dog city in America,” bring your dog to join the fun and help set a new world record at the Mighty Texas Dog Walk. After a 1-mile stroll with your pup, partake in the many activities at the expo and grab some swag before you leave. All of the proceeds benefit Service Dogs, Inc., a nonprofit that trains shelter animals to become service dogs.
Round Rock Express Bark in the Park Baseball Games
City: Round Rock
Address: 3400 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665
Right outside of Austin, the dog-friendly minor league baseball games at Dell Diamond Ball Park welcome two- and four-legged fans to hang out on the outfield lawn. Dogs may also enter the stadium’s air-conditioned Bullpen Bar while cheering on the Round Rock Express, the affiliate team for the Texas Rangers.
Indoor Dog-Friendly Places
Work & Woof
Neighborhood: South Congress
Address: 4930 S Congress, Bldg A, Austin, TX 78745
A membership-based, woman-owned, indoor doggie daycare and coworking space, Work & Woof will help your dog burn off their extra energy in a fun play space and even pamper them with in-house grooming services. While you take care of business, they provide kennel-free play and offer special event hosting for your fur baby.
Meanwhile Brewing Company
Neighborhood: Southeast Austin
Address: 3901 Promontory Point Dr, Austin, TX 78744
Meanwhile isn’t just a brewery and a tap room; it’s a full-on destination. With a soccer field, pickleball court, cornhole, outdoor stage, and private events venue, it showcases a huge outdoor area ripe for exploring.
And, not only do they serve world-class beer, but they also allow dogs in their pet-friendly taproom or on the patio.
Find a Luxury, Pet-Friendly Home
Looking for an apartment to share with your furry best friend? Don’t stress; save time and money by letting AptAmigo do the legwork. After a few quick questions, our team of experts will send a list of options for you to choose from. We can assist you throughout the entire rental process, locating a place that you and your pet can call home.
Up Next: Guide to Utilities & Service Providers in Austin
