Round of a-paws, please. From interactive dog park/bar hybrids like Wagbar to to spoiling your pup with royal treatments at Pawsitivity Pet Spa, it makes sense that Asheville is known for being one the nation’s most pet-friendly travel spots.
Whether you’re in need of a drinking paw-tner at a local brewery, want to walk to a market, or feel like spending an evening dining out, well bone appétit. Get ready to dig into this guide for just a few dog-friendly businesses around the 828.
Pro tip: You can use BringFido to find more dog-friendly restaurants, pet-friendly hotels, and events, too.
Ernie the Corgie — spotted at Sweeten Creek Brewing.
Photo via @sweetencreekbrewing
🐾 Breweries
Sweeten Creek Brewing, 1127 Sweeten Creek Rd.
This brewery loves dogs so much that it opened its very own 8,000-sqft private dog park (but dogs are welcome in the taproom too). There’s also a beach volleyball court and Bear’s BBQ on-site.
Archetype Brewing, 265 Haywood Rd.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome inside taprooms — they just have to stay attached to their humans.
Cellarest Beer Project, 395 Haywood Rd.
This open-air taproom is a great place to enjoy a beer in the sunshine with your pup.
Hi-Wire Brewing, 197 Hilliard Ave., 284 Lyman St., and 2A Huntsman Pl.
All three locations are splendid, but the beer garden, made of nine open-aired shipping containers, is our favorite due to its close proximity to the French Broad River Greenway (perfect for post-beer walks).
Zillicoah Beer Co., 870 Riverside Dr.
This riverside brewery has plenty of space for you + your dog to roam (as long as they stay on a leash) — and if you’re hungry, we recommend grabbing a bite from the newly opened Master BBQ food truck.
Hillman Beer, 25 Sweeten Creek Rd.
Dogs that are leashed and well-behaved are always welcome in this Biltmore Village taproom. This spot also has excellent pub fare, like the housemade soft pretzels, patty melt, and fried buffalo chicken wrap.
The Meadow at Highland Brewing, 12 Old Charlotte Hwy.
This wide-open green space is an oasis for enjoying pours from Asheville’s oldest craft brewery. There are also plenty of events and a designated outdoor bar open all summer long.
Whistle Hop Brewing, 1288 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview
This train-themed taproom is built out of a 1969 caboose and has three acres of pet-friendly fun, including mini golf, mini bowling, disc golf, and plenty of park + picnic spots.
🐾 Wineries + Cideries
Ginger’s Revenge, 829 Riverside Dr.
This locally owned and founded brewery pioneered alcoholic ginger beer in our community — it’s a great stop on the way to or back from the French Broad River Dog Park with your well-behaved, leashed pup.
plēb urban winery, 289 Lyman St.
Sample a slew of NC wine while hanging indoors or out on the patio with your pup.
Bold Rock Mills River Cidery, 72 School House Rd., Mills River
It’s worth taking the 20-minute drive to Mills River to visit this apple oasis, complete with a cider garden and mobile kitchen.
Urban Orchard Cider Co., 24 Buxton Ave.
Sip on unique ciders with your dog at the South Slope tasting room.
Noble Cider, 356 New Leicester Hwy.
Your pup can join you while you drink the cider and see how it’s made.
🐾 Restaurants
Posana, 1 Biltmore Ave.
This gluten-free restaurant goes above and beyond for its four-legged guests, with a special menu that includes chicken and rice, doggie biscuits, and a seasonal doggie ice cream. If you really want your pet to soak up the experience, you can also get them a “Bowser Beer” — patio dining only.
Mellow Mushroom, 50 Broadway St.
This funky pizza chain has a huge, pet-friendly patio in the heart of downtown and a menu brimming with pizza, calzones, salads, and hoagies.
Creekside Taphouse, 8 Beverly Rd.
This family-friendly spot is nestled in the Haw Creek neighborhood and includes two acres of waterside property — perfect for a peaceful meal with the pup.
Twisted Laurel, 130 College St., Asheville and 10A S. Main St., Weaverville
Both the downtown and Weaverville locations offer pet-friendly patio seating. For a special doggie menu — including dishes like burgers, brussels sprouts, scrambled eggs, trout, and ice cream — head downtown.
White Duck Taco Shop, 12 Biltmore Ave., 388 Riverside Dr., and 16 Miami Cir., Arden
This quirky taco shop has three locations, all with outdoor and pet-friendly seating. Bonus: There are plenty of great vegan and vegetarian menu options.
Luella’s Bar-B-Que, 501 Merrimon Ave. and 33 Town Square Blvd., Ste. 110
Sit with your pup on the outdoor patio and enjoy the sunshine (and the barbecue).
Sunny Point Cafe, 626 Haywood Rd.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the patio and in the outdoor seating area for classic and creative breakfast and lunch fare.
Pro tip: Asheville restaurants love their dogs — tons of outdoor seating areas will welcome your furry friends, so browse BringFido for an extensive list.
🐾 Hotels
Barkwells, 290 Lance Rd., Mills River
This unique vacation rental service (which provides fenced in cabins) allows your pup to roam freely among acres of grass, swim in a pond, and get plenty of chances for off-leash socialization.
Kimpton Hotel Arras, 7 Patton Ave.
This hotel is a great launchpad for downtown Asheville adventures, with plenty of dog-friendly restaurants and breweries within walking distance. Bonus: There’s no pet fee or size restrictions, and you can get special treats, bowls, and beds from Patton Avenue Pet Company.
The Black Walnut Inn, 288 Montford Ave.
This historic bed and breakfast just north of downtown allows dogs in certain rooms with no extra deposits or fees, so long as dog owners are responsible for any excessive cleaning costs or damaged items.
🐾 Shopping centers
Asheville Outlets, 800 Brevard Rd.
This outdoor shopping center has a pet way station with plenty of green space and a drinking fountain, located behind the West Elm outlet. While each store may have different policies, dogs on leashes are welcome on the campus.
Downtown Asheville
Plenty of shops welcome pups inside, including the Asheville Emporium, Duncan and York, Malaprop’s Bookstore + Cafe, and Mast General Store. Just ask before you waltz in with your four-legged friend.
Patton Avenue Pet Company, 109 Patton Ave., 1338 Patton Ave., and 582 Hendersonville Rd.
All three locations, which span North, South, and West Asheville, welcome well-behaved pets inside to shop for toys, treats, leashes, and other goods.
Foundy Street, 1 Foundy St.
This artsy outdoor plaza in the River Arts District has plenty of pet-friendly shops. Plus, when you’re done shopping, you can enjoy a beer at Wedge Brewing Co., which is also dog-friendly.
🐾 Parks
Azalea Dog Park, 395 Azalea Rd.
Azalea is arguably the most peaceful dog park in town thanks to its sprawling acreage, minimal crowds, and nearby river access.
French Broad River Park, 508 Riverview Dr.
This riverside park, which most locals consider the most lively dog park in town, offers two fenced-in play areas and is a great place for dog owners to chat. Pro tip: Snag a latte or smoothie from Home Ground Coffee Bar & Deli afterwards.
Wagbar | 320 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville
This outdoor, interactive 25,000-sqft bar offers ramps, tunnels, and a permanent pool to keep your dog entertained for hours. There’s also plenty of shade, fans, and outdoor heating options to make the outdoors more bearable for humans.
Buncombe County Sports Park, 58 Apac Cir.
Buncombe County’s first-ever dog park, which opened in May 2022, features two fenced-in play areas.
