Summer is the perfect time to bond with your dog. Let’s face it, it’s nearly impossible to leave your pal at home when he’s giving you sad looks through the window as you walk away. Luckily, there are plenty of pup-friendly spots in the Charleston area where you can grab a bite and a brew and relax with your best friend. You can even socialize with some humans if you want.
Brown Dog Deli
browndogdeli.com
Tucked away amongst the art galleries and law firms on Broad Street, Brown Dog is a local favorite. The sandwiches here are nothin’ to shake a stick at, and their dogs — hot dogs, that is — come with serious toppings like pimento cheese, pastrami, and pulled pork. Brown Dog’s quaint back patio welcomes pups, so feel free to bring your four-legged friend. But if you’re coming for lunch, make sure you get here early. The place fills up fast.
Kitchen 208
kitchen208.com
Located in the heart of King Street, Kitchen 208 has become a popular weekend brunch spot. The restaurant has plenty of indoor seating, but you won’t find many people inside. Most people who come to chow down here snag a spot on the outdoor patio, often with canines in tow. Best to bring a (human) friend so you can sit with your dog while someone else orders at the counter inside.
Dog Days at The Joe
riverdogs.com
You’ll see The Joe on several of our Summer Guide lists — and there’s a reason for that. Besides the fact that you just might run into Bill Murray at some point, and the park’s recent drool-worthy revamp of the food and drink menu, The Joe is great because there are several opportunities to bring your dog to the park during the summer. Get tickets for Mondays during the summer —June 27, July 18, August 8, or August 22 — and enjoy $1 hot dogs and $1 draft beers in the Ashley View Pub. Dressing your dog in a RiverDogs jersey is encouraged but not required.
The Barrel
thebarrelcharleston.com
You know this place is special when you see the giant barrel door at the front entrance. The Barrel, a marsh-side spot on the way to Folly Beach, boasts 33 taps of regional and local craft beers. Outside you’ll find plenty of open space perfect for pups to run around and mingle while you enjoy a beer around the fire pit, play a round of corn hole, or nosh on good eats from one of the food trucks often pulled up out back. If you’re lucky you may run into Pyg, a pygmy goat.
Surf Bar
surfbarfollybeach.com
Right on Folly Beach’s main drag, Surf Bar serves up cheap beers along with their signature Pain Killers and satisfying bar bites. At Surf Bar you can relax in the dog-friendly atmosphere — dogs are more than welcome in the outside dining area — and staple your very own dollar bill to the wall. Woof.
The Lowdown Oven and Bar
whatsthelowdown.com
If you’re not looking for The Lowdown, you might drive right past its spot on Folly Road. The outdoor bar and large patio welcome dogs, and the creative burgers and pizzas hit the spot. Though not the longest list in town, The Lowdown features a variety of craft brews and a rotating tap of local favorites.
With locations in Mt. Pleasant and on James Island, SIP is killing the tapas and drinks game right now. The food menu features a wide array of elevated bar snacks and small plates that won’t break the bank. And their weekly specials are hard to beat: $7 pitchers of beer on trivia nights, $15 bottomless glasses of wine, and $15 bottomless mimosas on the weekends. Most importantly for pet lovers, each location features a large patio with cozy outdoor furniture perfect for lounging around with your favorite pups.
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