Realtor Lindsey Schmidt with Rummy.
There are a lot of things that Alexandrians know how to do well. Three of those are eating, drinking and spoiling their pups. Where can you do all three at once?
While many restaurants with outdoor seating allow you to bring your dog, there is a lot more to keep in mind when determining if a restaurant is really dog-friendly. For example, how many outdoor tables does the restaurant actually have? Does it have enough heat lamps or plastic to keep out chilly winds in the winter or shade during the warmer months?
Realtor Lindsey Schmidt features advice on her website, Leisure Pup (leisurepup.com), with information on dog-friendly shops, restaurants, breweries, parks, wineries and other places in Alexandria and the surrounding area that she and her dog, Rummy, have explored.
“How easy is it going to be for me to find a table and how comfortable not just am I going to be, but how comfortable is Rummy going to be? Those are the main things I look for,” Schmidt said. She also notices when restaurants bring out water bowls for the dog right away or offer a treat.
A number of Alexandria restaurants take it up a notch and offer a special menu just for dogs. A few of the restaurants owned by Alexandria Restaurant Partners have “doggie menus.” At Vola’s Dockside Grill (101 N. Union St.) you can order your furry friend a beef patty with rice and carrots, chicken with rice and peas or a frozen yogurt bone with sliced green apples. Mia’s Italian Kitchen (100 King St.) and Theismann’s (1800 Diagonal Rd.) also have menus with pups in mind.
At Virtue Feed and Grain (106 S. Union St.), dogs are welcome at the large outdoor eating area in Wales Alley. Tables are shaded by umbrellas and fire pits and heaters keep the area toasty in the winter. Pups can choose between beef, rice and carrots served in gravy, a frozen yogurt bone and apples or, for the extra-spoiled dog, a 5-ounce grilled rare sirloin.
At Sonoma Cellar (207 King St.), the outdoor dining area in the back features a firepit and heat lamps, where dogs are welcome. While humans are sipping a glass of wine, dogs can wolf down their choice of beef, chicken or salmon with rice and veggies.
Schmidt says for restaurants that don’t have specific dog menus, she will sometimes ask them to prepare a beef patty or a piece of chicken with no salt or seasoning for Rummy, and they are often accommodating.
If dining outside in the winter is not your preference, there are a few places where you can bring your dog indoors. Barkhaus (529 E. Howell Ave.) opened in October 2020 as Alexandria’s first dog bar. It features an outdoor dog park, a small indoor play area and indoor and outdoor dining areas where your dog can dine with you while on a leash. The outdoor area has heaters and is well lit, which is a great option for dark winter evenings.
Susannah Moore
Kai the golden retriever at Barkhaus.
Barkhaus offers monthly and yearly memberships as well as a daily pass. Keep in mind that all dogs 8 months or older must be spayed or neutered, veterinary medical exceptions will be allowed up to 12 months. Humans can choose from a variety of beverages and food, including vegetarian options. Dogs can order a “barkuterie board” with blueberries, carrots, cheese, ham, celery, beef jerky and peanut butter or a "puppuccino" which is whipped cream with a treat on top.
Lost Boy Cider (317 Hoofs Run Dr.) welcomes dogs into their large indoor tasting room as well as their outdoor tented seating area. The cidery serves a large selection of alcoholic ciders, many of which rotate seasonally, as well as a couple non-alcoholic options. Dog bowls and water are readily available. Humans can usually order food from a food truck or order food for delivery. Lost Boy regularly hosts "yappy hour" events that often feature a pet-related vendor.
Port City Brewing Company (3950 Wheeler Ave.) has always allowed dogs in their outdoor patio area, but dogs are now also allowed in the tasting room (note that dogs are not allowed in the back brewing area). Port City is the longest operating brewery in the D.C. area and serves favorite brews alongside seasonal and specialty beers. Bottled non-alcoholic drinks are also available. From Friday through Sunday, guests can purchase food from a food truck.
Schmidt offered advice for diners who want to bring their dogs with them. “Know [your] dog’s personality. Is your dog going to be OK in big crowds? If not, look for a place that is a little bit quieter or maybe not right on King Street; go to one of the side streets. Also, just be prepared — people are going to stop and constantly try to pet your dog. Know if your dog is good with kids or not.”
Dog owners should not be afraid to tell people that it is not a good time to pet your dog, she advised. She recommends picking a table out of the way or in the corner if that is what would make your dog more comfortable. Keep an eye on your dog and make sure they are not in the way of servers or other guests. If your dog is easily excitable, it’s a good idea to wear out your dog ahead of time with a long walk or a romp at the park.
Schmidt recommends looking up photos of restaurants online to see what their outdoor dining areas look like and to always call ahead to make sure a place allows dogs and find out more about the setup. That way, dining with your dog can be enjoyable for everyone.
