Dog Bar - Charlotte — Restaurant in Charlotte

This is an open concept dog bar, meaning that dogs roam off leash. I've been here three times now with my pups Chuck and Charlie (my buddies in the picture, not taken at the bar). Large outside playground for the big dogs, and an interior bar that seems better for small dogs. Open seating concept that allows unleashed dogs to wander.

I really like this place so I took some time to read the lower star reviews. A lot of the reviews are over 2 years old, some as old as 5. I could not smell anything foul (07/17 last visit). It seems that the outdoor area is updated with obstacles as the older ones are used up. Very cool concept as everyone agrees.

I do think a dog bouncer and checking for vaccinations are both great ideas. I also understand that a small business is reluctant to spend a salary to a person whose job is turning away paying customers.

If you took the time to read this review, you're probably not the kind of person who needs to read this review. But if you need to hear this:

(1) Don't bring a dog that does not have vaccinations anywhere where it will interact with other dogs.

(2) Only bring your dog to an open concept dog bar if you have observed and instilled healthy canine interaction in your dog prior to visiting.

(3) There is a double gate with fairly clear signage saying to open only one gate at a time. Follow these instructions.

(4) Wear closed toed shoes when you visit a place that serves food or drinks. Regardless of if it's a dog bar or not.

(5) Keep one eye on your dog, and take personal responsibility for ensuring that its behavior does not negatively impact others or their dogs. Leave if it does.

(6) If you bring small dogs to a place like this, accept that there is an element of danger and keep both eyes on them.

The bartender (owner if I recall correctly), noted to me that the bar has been in town for a long time. I think there's a reason for that. Small businesses thrive when customers are self-reliant, cognizant, self-aware, and exercise a reasonable amount of forethought in their actions. And from my experiences, the vast majority of people who come here fall in that category. I'm sure as I visit more often, there will be times when I am uncomfortable with certain dogs and or owners' behavior. That's okay. My dogs love this place, so I do too.

Visit this place and come prepared, and you will likely have a good time for a reasonable price, while your dogs enjoy a rowdy time.

Edit: After re reading this, I feel the need to clarify that I don't know the owner. I'm a random guy that moved here right before Covid. My dogs are @charlita_the_pomchita on Instagram. I just had the best time here and I hope this review helps at least a few people enjoy this place where they wouldn't...

Let's call this A Tale of Two Cities: Last Sunday the 13th of Oct, we had an amazing first experience with your dog bar. Great service, amazing bartender, and several happy pet parents thrilled to have this venue! However, yesterday, just one week later, we had a WAAAY different experience. Before even entering through the fence, we were aggressively greeted immediately by the unknowledgeable, young bartender who is very full of herself. (It's one thing to politely say no kids allowed, as some stated throughout the day, another thing ALTOGETHER to be so rude, and snooty, and oblivious to others' emotions --those PAYING, patronizing, and actually creating the revenue.

We have two dogs, a Samoyed and a Rottweiler. The Rottweiler is barely 10 months old and she demanded he leave, not yet fixed. Thankfully, the actual manager or owner intervened, bringing actual wisdom to the situation.

Bottom line: this crabby bartender's chow mix seemed to share her same anxiety. There is a way to say any and everything. That's the point. She, instead, continued talking over me and telling me how humping is a sign of dominance --NO REALLY?🙄 You don't even have to be a dog owner to know that basic knowledge.

Just a word of advice: Do not rudely speak down, or demanding or demeaning to those who pay the bills. There will eventually be a "For Sale" sign, if that...

I unfortunately had a bad experience here for the first time. I have a Dalmatian who unfortunately can jump pretty high and their fence is short and close to the street. They told me the dogs had to be off leash. Once I realized their rules, I decided to leave because I didn’t want to risk losing my dog that night. The workers were not the nicest about it and tried to give me a lecture about leashes for dogs and were kind of mean. The one female worker actually yelled about her dog being a TSA dog at me on my way out. We kindly respected their rules and were very understanding as we headed out the door. The extra commentary was simply unnecessary and rude. In addition, it is no where stated on their website nor on the rules which are posted on their gate as I ensured to check the site for rules and expectations before coming. Regardless if you have someone who is being respectful and leaving the unnecessary commentary and lectures are simply not needed. I even continually heard them discussing it loudly while I waited for my food order from the restaurant across the street. It was just not a...