You’re heading for the brewery when it happens: your dog gives you the look. Like they know where you’re going. Without them.
Fortunately for dog owners who love beer in Bellingham and Whatcom County, it doesn’t have to be this way. Fido can come along. Many of our breweries are dog-friendly, and one local taproom even encourages off-leash adventures.
Do keep in mind: With few exceptions, you’ll be sitting in the beer garden with your furry friend. For health code reasons and to respect other guests, most establishments only allow dogs outside. That said — with the proliferation of outdoor heaters and a brew to keep you warm — dog-friendly drinking establishments can be enjoyed year-round. So whether it’s sunny and 75 or a chilly 30 degrees out, feel free to bring your pup along for a pint.
At the top of our list is Bellingham’s only off-leash dog bar. Located in Fairhaven, Paws For a Beer welcomes pets and owners alike to their tavern — where dogs are allowed to roam freely about the premises. Inside, dogs can sit on the couches while their owners enjoy a beverage. Out in the yard, they’re free to run. Of course, there are a few rules to ensure safety, and dog membership is required at Paws For a Beer.
Humans are allowed in the bar without a membership. When it comes to drinks, they serve a variety of beers, ciders, kombucha, and wine. You won’t find any taps because Health Department regulations prevent the use of washable containers. But you can expect lots of local offerings. Beverages are served in cans or compostable cups to prevent any risk of broken glass. If you’ve ever wanted to have a beer at the dog park or bring your pug to the pub, Paws For a Beer is the most paw-some place around.
📞(360) 733-7297
🏠501 Harris Ave., Bellingham, Washington
Aslan loves dogs. Their covered outdoor patio at the brewpub is heated during cooler months, with doggie water bowls to boot in the “bark garden”. Down at Aslan Depot, an even bigger outdoor beer garden welcomes dogs just one block from the brewpub.
A longtime dog-friendly favorite, Goods Local Brews wins a spot on our list for many reasons. Their wonderfully sunny beer garden is inviting to humans and dogs alike. Their local brew selection is on-point, and there’s always a taco truck on hand. Seasonally, you can even buy produce at Goods. What’s not to love?
📞 (360) 671-3085
🏠 2620 Northwest Ave, Bellingham Washington
Gruff Brewing (or is it Ruff Brewing?) offers an enormous beer garden outback. It’s absolutely dog-friendly, and you’ll often see well-behaved mutts hanging out in the taproom. Your dog will be happy here.
🏠 104 E Maple St #101, Bellingham Washington
Dogs fit right in at Kulshan’s two Bellingham locations. Hang out in their laid-back, heated beer gardens — where the dog and cat lovers alike will get a chuckle out of their curiously-named Bastard Kat IPA and Kitten Mittens Winter Ale.
It’s not uncommon to spot the occasional doggo at Menace. And now that their beer garden is open, dogs are more welcome than ever. During my most recent visit, a very large, fluffy dog was comfortably sprawled out at its owners’ feet in the taproom — a good indication that dogs are indeed most welcome at Menace.
📞 (360) 306-3457
🏠 2529 Meridian St, Bellingham, Washington
The beauty of Bellingham’s German biergarten is that the entire establishment is outdoors. And covered, with very effective heaters. So bring your dog-on down! They serve German sausages alongside litres of local and European beer.
📞 (360) 671-0206
🏠 1330 N State St, Bellingham, Washington
“Take a seat at the bar before a sunset sail on the bay, relax in our beer garden after a long bike ride in Galbraith, or cozy up by the fire-pit after a day of hard skiing. Our tap room is a dog and kid friendly environment where customers can consult maps, books, and itineraries necessary to take advantage of outdoor adventures, all within a stone's throw.” Straight from Stone’s Throw’s website, this quote sums their furry friend feelings up nicely.
Go ahead and bring ‘em! There’s plenty of outdoor seating available.
📞 (360) 362-5058
🏠 1009 Larrabee Ave, Bellingham, Washington
The good folks at Wander are bone-a-fide dog lovers. In fact, they love ‘em so much that they’ve named a couple beers after canines. Sip Doglost Pilsner and the multi-award-winning Global Mutt Porter while hanging with your pooch in the heated beer garden.
📞 (360) 647-6152
🏠 1807 Dean Ave, Bellingham, Washington
They may be called Beach Cat, but that doesn’t mean dogs aren’t welcome. On my first visit to this new Birch Bay brewery, a happy dog was sprawled out on the patio and getting lots of love from the locals. When I asked co-owner Jake about dogs being allowed at Beach Cat, he showed me a screenshot of the new law on his phone. It’s safe to say that you and your goodest boy are welcome at Beach Cat!
📞 (360) 366-8065
🏠 7876 Birch Bay Dr, Blaine, Washington
Way out there on the fringes of society in Ferndale (just kidding, it’s not that far!) you’ll find Fringe Brewing. These guys love dogs. Next time you find yourself in Ferndale, hit up Fringe’s sunny patio or hang out in the well-lit taproom with your dog. If you’re lucky, you might even meet their house pup, Rain the border collie.
📞 (360) 398-6071
🏠 5640 3rd Ave, Ferndale, Washington
In March 2020, a new law signed by Governor Jay Inslee legalized dogs in brewery taprooms. Previously in Washington, it was up to local authorities to establish rules regarding dogs at breweries. The new law states, “Nothing prohibits the owner of a licensed domestic brewery from allowing dogs on the premises of a retail liquor license location held by the domestic brewery under subsection (4) of this section.”
This law is a big win for dog-and-beer lovers across the state. Of course, it’s still up to each establishment to permit or deny dogs. So always check with businesses before bringing your dog along.
