Your guide to dog-friendly businesses in Madison

Round of a-paws, please. From the luxury suites at Ruffin’ It Resort to royal treatments at the Rufus DuMonde Pet Salon, it makes sense that 608 ranks No. 8 in Forbes’ Top 25 Best Cities for Dogs list.

Whether you’re in need of a drinking paw-tner at a local brewery, hitting the night market, or just dining out, well bone appétit. Get ready to dig into this guide for dog-friendly spots around the 608.

Pro tip: You can use BringFido to find more dog-friendly restaurants, hotels, and events.

🐾 Bars and Breweries

• The Boneyard, 1018 Walsh Rd. | This combined dog park and biergarten has on-leash and off-leash spaces, plus a dog grooming service by appointment. Pro tip: Check out The Boneyard’s website for breed meetups and other special events.
• Karben4 Brewing Co., 3698 Kinsman Blvd. | Dogs are allowed on the patio, but not in the seasonal igloos or indoors.
• Wisconsin Brewing Company, 1079 American Way, Verona | Leashed dogs are welcome in the taproom and on the patio.
• Old Sugar Distillery, 931 E. Main St. | Reader Elissa J. told us that this distillery’s dog-friendly tasting room is a great place for pups.
• State Line Distillery, 1413 Northern Ct. | Kick back with Fido in the cocktail lounge or out on the patio.
• Octopi, 1131 Uniek Dr., Waunakee | Four-legged friends are welcome on the patio of this brewery.
• Barleypop Tap and Shop, 2045 Atwood Ave. | The Atwood taproom + patio areas welcome leashed pups.
• Doundrins Distillery, 300 Progress Dr., Cottage Grove | This distillery’s 11,000-sqft cocktail garden is open to pets on a leash. Pro tip: Bring a chair or blanket so you can sit on the grass.
• Young Blood Beer Co., multiple locations | Try out seasonal + rotating brews with your pup on the patio — registered service animals are allowed inside and out.
• Dirty Dog Taphouse, 101 6th Ave., New Glarus | Dirty or not, your leashed dog is welcome to join you at the outdoor area of this taphouse.
• Olbrich Biergarten, 3527 Atwood Ave. | Temporary tie-up stations are available for your trips to the service counter, but dogs are not allowed indoors.
• Maduro, 117 E. Main St. | This downtown cocktail lounge and cigar bar is proudly dog-friendly.

🐾 Restaurants

• Grace Coffee Company, multiple locations | Sip coffee on the patio with your pup or bring them through the drive-thru.
• Echo Tap and Grill, 554 W. Main St. | This neighborhood tavern has ample outdoor seating, just be sure to keep Fido out of the flower pots.
• Michael’s Frozen Custard, 3826 Atwood Ave. | Dogs are allowed on the patio of this local spot for frozen sweet treats. Bonus: Michael’s menu features a K-9 dog custard.
• Mickey’s Tavern, 1524 Williamson St. | Leashed dogs can dine alongside you and enjoy complimentary water bowls at this 21+ restaurant and tavern.
• Argus BarGrille, 123 E. Main St. | Madison’s oldest commercial building has a prime corner lot patio space where you can bring your pup.

Photo by Tom Sparrow

🐾 Parks

Following a 2023 vote of the Board of Park Commissioners, leashed and licensed dogs are allowed in all general Madison parks with a valid Dog Permit. Check out these parks we love for pups:

• Brittingham, 326 S. Broom St. | With a basketball and tennis court at the John Nolen entry to the isthmus, this small park offers synthetic turf and a doggy drinking fountain.
• McCormick, 702 N. McCormick Ave. | This mini off-leash dog park is the perfect place to give your city-slicker pup a spot to get the zoomies out during your daily walks.
• North Star, 439 Milky Way | Adjacent to this two-acre dog park is a 23-acre community park equipped with a basketball court and a playground.
• Sycamore, 4517 Sycamore Ave. | This 20-acre dog park is kitty-corner (no pun intended) to an adventure biking course for dog owners with a taste for adrenaline.
• Warner, 2301 Sheridan Dr. | This park is home to a beautiful lagoon, but make sure to check water conditions before letting your pup take a dip.

🐾 Shopping

• Artist and Craftsman Supply, 203 W. Gorham St. | Bring your muse along to get inspired while craft supply shopping.
• A Room of One’s Own, 2717 Atwood Ave. | Bookworms and bookdogs are welcome to browse the literature at this locally-owned bookstore.
• The Cargo Bike Shop, 1404 Williamson St. | Does your dog go on bike rides with you? Stop by for carriers, repairs, and more.
• Cork ‘n Bottle, 855 E. Johnson St. | Your furry friend can help you decide on a table wine for your next dinner party at this cute little liquor store.
• Hilldale Shopping Center, 726 N. Midvale Blvd. | Leashed pets are welcome to walk around the outdoor shopping center — shops that allow pets inside will have a dog-friendly window decal.

🐾 Hotels

• The Edgewater, 1001 Wisconsin Pl. | While dogs are welcome free of charge on the Boathouse and Statehouse patios, adding a pet to your booking costs $75/night.
• Graduate Madison, 601 Langdon St. | Add a pet to your reservation for $75 (maximum two pets).
• The Madison Concourse Hotel, 1 W. Dayton St. | One dog per booking is welcome on the Premier Level at this hotel with a $40 pet fee.
• Hotel Indigo Downtown Madison, 901 E. Washington Ave. | Bring up to two pets per room for a fee of $50 — if your stay exceeds seven days, the fee increases to $150.

🐾 Outfit your dog

Now that you know where you’re taking your furry friend, don’t forget to shop the best dog accessories and supplies to make your adventure a success.

• Portable dog water bottle | A foldable water dispenser so you can keep your pup hydrated anywhere.
• Dog seat belt | Keep your dog safe and secure while driving around town with a seat belt that hooks into their collar.
• Collapsible food bowls with lids | Bring snacks or food for dogs in convenient collapsible bowls.
• Plant-based dog wipes | Keep a pack of these in your car for an emergency grooming sessions.
• Doggy Do Good waste bags | Stock up on our favorite brand of compostable waste bags.