Dog Friendly Breweries
Dog-Friendly Breweries in the East Bay and Tips to Bring Your Pup
The East Bay is home to a thriving craft beer scene, and for dog lovers, it gets even better—many breweries welcome your furry companions! Whether you’re sipping a hoppy IPA or a smooth porter, these spots are perfect for a laid-back outing with your pup. Below, I’ll share some favorite dog-friendly breweries in the East Bay and tips to make your brewery adventure enjoyable for both you and your dog.
Dog-Friendly Breweries to Visit in the East Bay
1. Fieldwork Brewing Company (Berkeley and San Ramon)
Hero the Tibetan Terrier puppy in my Puppy Jumpstart program learning how to be relaxed at a local dog-friendly brewery.
Fieldwork is a favorite for beer lovers and their four-legged friends. Their spacious outdoor beer garden is dog-friendly, with plenty of seating and a relaxed vibe. Enjoy their rotating seasonal beers while your pup lounges by your side.
Pro Tip: It’s a popular spot, so visit during off-peak hours if your dog prefers quieter environments.
2. Faction Brewing (Alameda)
This brewery offers stunning views of the San Francisco skyline and a large, dog-friendly outdoor patio. With plenty of space to spread out, Faction Brewing is a great spot to enjoy a pint while your dog soaks in the fresh air.
Bonus: Their open patio makes it ideal for dogs who enjoy mingling with other friendly pups.
3. Drake’s Dealership (Oakland)
Located in the heart of Oakland, Drake’s Dealership combines great beer, delicious food, and a dog-friendly outdoor beer garden. They even have shaded seating to keep your pup cool on warm days, and heaters during the winter.
Must-Try: I am obsessed with their Vegetarian pizza (I add sausage) and Vegan Ranch, which often sells out because it’s so popular!
4. CaliCraft (Walnut Creek)
Koa the Labrador-mix being a good boy at CaliCraft Brewing in Walnut Creek.
CaliCraft is a super cool place in Walnut Creek with a huge outdoor area for dogs and kids. They have amazing rotating food vendors so you can enjoy dinner or lunch (on weekends) with your beer. There is plenty of space, so it can be a great place to practice with your dog or to take dogs who may not like to be super close to other dogs or people.
5. Headlands Brewing (Lafayette and Walnut Creek)
Headlands Brewing has been so successful in Lafayette, that they just recently opened a new location in Walnut Creek. This place is HUGE, and amazing for dogs, with open space and turf.
6. Canyon Club (Moraga and Danville)
Penny the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy practicing her down-stay at a local dog-friendly brewery in the Easy Bay.
Canyon Club is a bustling brewery in Moraga and Danville, often housing live music and easy QR code food ordering. It can be a bit crowded and loud, so go during off-hours if your dog prefers a quieter environment.
How to Prepare Your Dog for a Brewery Outing
To ensure both you and your pup have a great time, follow these tips for a successful brewery visit:
1. Socialize Your Dog
• Bay Area dog-friendly breweries can be busy places. Before heading out, ensure your dog is comfortable in social settings, around dogs, people, and loud noises, including screaming kids and live music.
• Practice calm behavior around groups of people and dogs to avoid overstimulation.
2. Brush Up on Basic Obedience
Daisy the doodle puppy showing off her skills at a local dog-friendly brewery in the East Bay.
• Commands like “sit,” “down,” “stay,” and “leave it” are essential for managing your dog in public spaces.
• Reward good behavior with treats, but avoid giving them food near other dogs to prevent conflicts.
3. Tire Your Dog Out
Taking your dog on a long walk or hike in the hills before you ask them to lay down quietly for dinner and drinks can be super helpful, especially if you have an active dog.
4. Bring the Essentials
• Leash: Keep your dog leashed at all times, as most breweries require it. If your dog gets chilly, bring a sweater or little mat for them!
• Water bowl: While many breweries provide water, it’s always good to have a portable bowl on hand.
• Treats or toys: Keep your dog occupied with a chew toy or a few treats to reward their good behavior.
5. Know Your Dog’s Limits
• Not all dogs enjoy loud, bustling environments. If your dog seems stressed, take breaks or choose quieter times to visit. Working with your dog a little bit in the parking lot or on the out-skirts of the brewery and gradually working your way into more active areas over time is a great way to ease your way into taking your dog along with you to local breweries.
• Avoid staying for too long; an hour or two is usually enough for your dog.
6. Clean Up After Your Dog
• Always bring poop bags and clean up promptly if your dog has an accident. Respectful pet ownership helps maintain the dog-friendly status of these Bay Area breweries.
Brewing Memories with Your Pup
Exploring dog-friendly breweries in the East Bay is a fun way to spend time with your pup while enjoying the local craft beer scene. By choosing the right location and preparing your dog for the outing, you can create lasting memories and support local businesses that welcome furry friends.
Have you visited any dog-friendly breweries in the East Bay? Share your experiences in the comments, or let me know your favorite spots!
