Went to Yard Bar with my sister and my sister-in-law. It has a good size play area for the pups. They also have a small enclosed area for smaller dogs, there were no dogs in the small dog section but the main section had dogs of all sizes. Austin has received a lot of rain the last week or so so the play area was pretty muddy. The dogs didn't seem to mind. It would be nice to see mulch or some other groundcover that would help with the amount of mud. The nice thing is, they have an area for you to give your dog a bath or just hose them down before you depart. We didn't get any food or drinks, but they do have a nice area to sit and eat outside the dog play area. I love the concept and will definitely go back again. read more

Yard Bar - Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Bartender was very rude. I walked up to the window to order my drink and she rudely informed there was a line from the other window. I got back in line to order my drink and I ended up going back to the same person. I told her I was a bit confuse because there was two windows and no signs saying where the line started. She said that both windows are never open and when it is it's to help with the line and that's just how it is. Which I know is a lie, since the many times that I've been at the bar there were two lines for both windows. I ordered an ice tea and she replied with a rude "that's it?" Today was a big day for yard bar and I would think that you would be nicer to your customers and a bit more patient. Since so many new dog facilities are coming up soon. read more

Love the idea, I want to love this for our german shorthaired pointer BUT this is more of a location for me as the owner than it is for our dog (namely because he just wants to play fetch which doesn't require interaction with other dogs so he could care less). Now I do appreciate the selection of beers, friendly staff, and clean environment. Fire pits are there when its cold and the monthly membership to make this a frequent stop would be amazing if I had a dog that loved to interact with anything other than a tennis ball. The biggest con with anything involving places that you take your pets is often not the staff, location, or environment but having to put up with other dog owners that often are oversensitive to their untrained animals that "never act this way at home." (good thing they serve GREAT beer) read more

This is by far the best pet friendly outdoor bar/food restaurant in Austin, the staff here are super friendly, the food is AMAZING, fresh, & delicious. Everything this great here, you really can't go wrong here, try their deviled eggs, or their burgers, they are so gooooooood!!! I totally recommend everyone to check this place out, the parking is great as well. read more

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I'm curious what dogs start thinking when they're brought here: 1. "Oh c'mon, some of these dudes really smell like ass." 2. "Wow, I've never seen dookie that big before." 3. "Hey, this isn't real ice cream. Didn't we just pass an Amy's? No, really..." Okay, maybe not. But here's what I think: 1. Yard Bar has lots and lots of parking. 2. When two dogs scuffle, every other dog in the place runs over and shouts "Wassup? Wassup?" 3. You don't have to booze, eat, or even own a dog to have a good time here. But you really should like dogs. And not be surprised when they like you back. They're having a good time. read more

Yard Bar - The delightful Ashley S having a random moment with a dog. - Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

What a sweet bark bar! Not being a dog owner myself, I can't speak to how the off-leash park area works for those little guys but we had a great time with good service in the outside area. The design feels a little spare -- picnic benches and bright blue railings. The policies around the bark park seem really well thought out -- no food in there, no personal dog toys so as not to create conflict. They've got bark rangers who are monitoring the dogs and all dogs must be up to date on vaccinations. We each had a drink and shared some appetizers. Deviled eggs and hushpuppies. The hushpuppies were definitely the standout. They are fantastic. Fresh and hot and moist and a little spicy. Of course, we had the house made cheez whiz drenched on them so... it's hard to top that. My drinks were okay but need some tweaks. Catahoula Mama is a spicy margarita style drink - long on the agave, short on the tequila. The 67 cooler had little flavor and the st. germain didn't pop like I expected. A cool spot I'd definitely bring friends with pups to but I might not come rollin' solo or sans four footed friend - mostly due to my propensity to sweat. ** Edit after owner response: They don't have TVs on purpose so that people are watching their dogs. ** read more

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Always a really great time! Haven't been since they updated what the kitchen serves but never had a bad experience. Friendly staff too!

When I saw the Yard Bar project on Kickstarter I instantly joined the ranks of Austinite supporters. It has been a long journey of patience to await the opening of this place, and the wait was worth it. We have been multiple times since membership opening weekend and have always had a good experience. Our two dogs love the open space to run around, the agility equipment, and just hanging out with their humans while we enjoy a drink or two. The craft cocktails are well done. Be careful to watch out for playful pups running to the water as you make your way up to the bar window to order your drinks. They have numerous water bowls throughout the park, but most of them are near the bar area. The bark rangers do their best to keep up the park free of steaming piles, but I always find myself picking up after someone else. So be careful where you walk, especially in the evening as the park is dimly lit. The bark rangers are friendly, and do well to help mitigate any potential dog brawls, without being overly sensitive. Dogs will be dogs after all. The mister fans make the Texas summer heat more bearable, and there is plenty of seating scattered throughout. Once the dogs have worn themselves out a bit, I like to take them on leash to the other side of the park to enjoy some human food. They also have some dog snacks on the menu. The menu offers some light lunch size picnic offerings. I actually liked their burger better than the Shake Shack patty I had recently. You can make your visit as long or as short as you like. They have washing stations should your dog pick up any extra dirt. The only thing I wish was different was the ground for the dog park. I wish they had the special awesome dog grass that my doggy day care has installed recently. But, I know that stuff is expensive. read more

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Lots of fun for both dogs and their humans. There's a separate area for small dogs, but most just go in the main area unless they are in yet another separate dining area. Always fresh water available for pooches and a nice selection of craft beers and spirits for their people. Food fare is more than fair, in terms of menu, ingredients and taste. Dogs of all sizes, people of all types, all hanging and enjoying each other's company and a great place. Highly recommended! read more

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I think the first time I came here, I was on edge primarily because of my dog being new and not knowing what to expect. Now that I've had Sterling (THE Sterling) for about 5 months and I've been needing to exercise/socialize my dog and also grab a beer - Yard Bar has been my spot. The unlimited memberships are nice because when you have one, and you live relatively close by, you don't feel obligated to stay a certain amount of time to get your money's worth. They pay for themselves really fast. My dog can be a jerk sometimes, a lot of times, and the Bark Rangers are excellent. They know how to handle my dog and also to ignore him that vast majority of the time when he's having a tantrum. They know how to distinguish rough playing from fighting. I've been meaning to bring cash for the tip jar but I'm forgetful and I don't like carrying cash, but they really deserve it. Lastly, if you were to view Yard Bar as a bar with a theme - because let's face it, a dog park is not everyone's ideal bar - you end up with a bar full of a diverse group of people who all love dogs. I like being around dog people. It's easy to start conversations and share stories. Dogs do all the ice breaking. All in all, this is a really special place. Bonus: It's fun to find a dog look alike. read more

Yard Bar - Sterling and, his doppelganger, Barrett - Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Beware. My dog was attacked here by another dog shortly after arriving. They did their best to control the bleeding but my pup now has a very painful wound on his back leg that is proving to be both traumatic and very costly. Calling to speak to the manager only elicited 'well the other dog hasn't done this before'. The other dog was aggressive and involved in many spats on the 10 minutes I was there with the attendants having to settle him down multiple times. The bar owner was polite but they apparently have a no fault that extends to the owner of the attacking dog. Obviously I'm never coming back here and read their policy carefully should you decide to take the risk. We need more safe, off leash areas in North Austin but I went against my own rule of 'no dog parks' and my buddy paid the price. Edit: A few people that were there that night messaged me to offer sympathies, my thanks. 1200 and counting on vet bills for the sweetest pointer in A-town, he gets his 25 stitches out next week. I also learned that since this is off leash, animal control for COA can't do anything for dog on dog attacks on private property. read more

Good food and a great place. Super friendly, the kind of Austin hospitality that makes Austin such a unique town. It is a 100% outdoor venue which allows true social distancing, delicious drinks and food. The Yard Bar seems to be taking COVID seriously, which is refreshing. The dog park is a VERY well monitored dog park. The Bark Patrol are constantly circulating ensuring your pup is engaged in positive play. My dog was struggling with socialization. The Bark Patrol helped me to acclimate him. I could not have done it without them. Plus, if you can work remotely, they have lightening fast Wi-Fi and lots of great shade. I HIGHLY recommend checking them out. read more

This place has gone to the dogs.. okay, why am I the first one to post this humor? Overall, I do like the premise. It is nice for me personally to come here, have a beer, and give my pup play time, but as a pup parent I think my boy gets the water spray more than others from the staff? (lol) Simple thought is that he is a big boy and tussles with other big boys PLAYFULLY sometimes; so they both get the spray? It is cute because they actually are unaffected by it and lap it up, but my comparison is that the medium sized dogs run break neck speed through the crowds and they don't get spray disciplined? I know that is being picky on a business, but it is part of the staff's job just like the wait staff in dining establishment, so I just wanted to share that experience. Overall the place is nice, the beer is good, and you have a place for your pooch. read more

I would give 0 stars if I could. I have never encountered such rude, disrespectful employees in my life. The staff belittle you and act like you can't comprehend anything. Do not support this business. There are aggressive dogs there that the staff do NOTHING about yet they yell at you if you haven't taken the leash off your dog within 2 seconds of being in the park. Unbelievable. Don't go here if you respect you and your dog's safety. read more

SO I took the wonder puggles over during the day (it was mid 80s, a little breeze...heaven) on a weekday. It costs 5 bucks per doggie, and they have a membership if you so choose....or a 20 buck pass with gives you 5 entries (remember 1 per dog). Since this was our first time I opted to pay the 10 bucks. Lunch...was on my mind, but unfortunately they werent serving lunch when I went last week (mid sept) but are now offering lunch daily , so ive been told...although I havent been back yet. The yard itself was pretty clean and covered with what looks like wood chips, pieces etc..and there were about 3-6 dogs chillin with their owners...my boys are highly social and friendly so they explored all over and played with some dogs here & there...while mama had some delicious cold beer and read a book. Stayed so long, I ended up getting some food once the kitchen opened and they have a dedicated side for food..but you can still go back over after you are finished (also you are not allowed to bring any snacks for your dog into the park itself FYI) Theres a little dog side too...saw a couple of aggressive dogs start crap while me & the boys were eating so that little dog side may come in handy when I return when its a big crowd (which I hear happens at nite...) But the service was lovely, professional and cool..we will all be back. read more

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Absolute SUGAR RUSH! So yummy but adults be warned lol - split something because the sugar is no joke. It's so delicious and we usually do friend meet ups and always have a wonderful time here. Highly recommend!! read more

With there with a friend, who is 70 years old and recently broke her leg. One of our dogs a golden retriever a little leash was denied entry. Because he is unfixed. He is unfixed because of his age. Nevertheless, they turned us and including the lady in the Walker away. They were rude about it and I will never go back. read more

Yes. Yes. Yes. I have 2 dogs that play together all day in a massive yard, but there are some of those days when I feel like they might need to get out in the world and sniff other dog butts more than just each others. YB is an old mini golf course turned dog park, where you can have your adult beverage, sit back, and let the bark rangers (dog police) make sure that there aren't any dog fights or jumping happening in the yard. You trying to go on a date and both of you have/love dogs? Yard bar is a perfect no pressure, easy atmosphere place to do so. read more

So, this is a pretty cool concept - and seems to work out well. I headed here today with my two boys - a Chinese Crested and Tibetan Terrier. The Chinese Crested has admittedly always been poor with dogs encountered in public; the Tibetan isn't well socialized and has a visual impairment. Because of this, I opted for the on-lead area of Yard Bar. You still get the restaurant/bar service and nice picnic tables under shade. Each table has water dishes for the dogs and are comfortable enough to just lounge around. Also, you don't have to pay the park admittance fee ($5). I thought this would be a good socialization experience for the boys; but everyone mostly kept to themselves, and this area seemed to be more for "People with Dogs" versus "Dogs with People" - which is fine. So we stared longingly at the park area where big and little dogs were behaving; cooled by misters and fans. The park area is a good set up, with room for the dogs to roam, to play fetch and run through small agility set ups. The waitstaff is awesome - friendly with the dogs and attentive to the humans. They definitely made it a great experience. So we hung out, watched the other dogs and enjoyed the weather. The boys each got an ice cream, which they seemed to enjoy. read more

Yard Bar - Doggy Ice Cream. Quite frozen, took a little time for the boys to work through. Pretty sure Joe got a brain freeze :) - Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

We were very excited to try this new place - & the good news is that the food is great!! YUM! I took pictures of the menu, and we had sandwiches but the potato chips were just so good, you have to try them. 4 stars because they had a rule on the website that "no halters are allowed" and you had to have all tags on a collar (we only use halters, so went a purchased collars for this) - then it seemed like no one checked this rule, so I don't know if it is a serious rule or not. We brought our super furry little guys, and unfortunately the little dog yard was a mess with weeds, pine needles and cut grass that got stuck in their hair - but they are dogs, & they had a good time anyway! We heard several dog fights in the big dog yard, which seemed to have several people trying to help. The little dog yard was mostly drama-free, even though it was pretty full. We will definitely be back! read more

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I've been so delayed in coming here and it's such a shame since I'm all about my dogs. Well, as a side note my dogs are not such great fans of dog parks but they did get along pretty well here... This is a cool place. I think it's like $5 per dog for the entrance fee unless you're a member. The drink selection is excellent and there is a large area with bark, tables, tons of water bowls so it's perfect if you really want to chill, drink and socialize while letting your dogs roam free. Some of the dogs got a little rowdy but for the most part all is cool and employees monitor the grounds as well as fill up the bowls regularly. I probably won't be a regular or anything but I really just love this idea so much - fun for humans and their dogs that I really wish it was implemented in every city! read more

This place has a very unique concept. We went for a work hangout, and I loved the open environment with all of the dogs. The staff does their best to keep the place clean and kept up with but unfortunately the water pool was dumped into the grass after a dog used the restroom in it. The area became muddy with each dog rolling into the mud. The drinks were average, but I'd come back for the experience and concept alone. read more

I really enjoyed my first visit to Yard Bar! The park is big enough to handle both people & pups. They have a great selection of beers. It was hot, but the folding chairs w/cup holders were nice & you could move them under the mister fans. It's nice that kids can go to the restaurant side, but that they aren't in the open play area. I was able to enjoy a beer with a friend & visit while our dogs ran around to play. The bark rangers were great too! Very friendly & helpful. One young woman with blonde hair whose name I forgot to ask was amazing. She was playing with several of the dogs on the agility equipment & was quick to scoop up after dogs if their parents were distracted & didn't see the dogs go to the bathroom. They also helped to separate dogs who didn't like each other. You can take your dogs to the rinsing station to hose them down in the heat if they get too hot. My dogs loved it & I'm sure we'll be regulars here! read more

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I've been coming here for 6 months a few times a week since I have the monthly membership. My dog LOVES it here. I tell everyone I know to bring their dogs here. The bark rangers are really good about helping keep an eye on things, and when your dog is the trouble puppy that day, they never make you feel bad. The staff is super friendly, great beer selection, there's even a spot to hose your dog off before you go home! Pro tip: always keep an eye on your drink, dogs tend to jump on tables here. read more

My wife son and I thought we would make a little family trip to Austin and this is where we ended up eating. It was really nice, and spacey. They have fans with mist blowing to keep everyone cool, the food is excellent my wife got the chicken bites and fries I myself got a burger with fries and our puppy had the meatballs and gravy. They have bowls of water for your little fur babies, also a have separate dog area for members only tho. All in all a very cool and nice place to spend time here in Austin read more

I have been here multiple times a week over the course of a few months and have had nothing but positive experiences. The bartenders are knowledgeable about the beer selection. The bark rangers know my dog by name her specific needs as well as knowing most of the other dogs. For a dog park, it is pretty clean even! read more

LOVE this place...possibly more than the pups do. :) My husband and I took our little ones to the Yard Bar and we were a bit hesitant to let them off their leashes as they are smaller dogs. However, once we did and watched them roam around, it was such a sight to see. The day we went, it was packed, so I would have probably liked to go when it wasn't so overly crowded. My only complaint was that some of the owners were not actively paying attention to their dogs...which is a dog owner issue, not the business. Overall - super fun place, good food and drinks...even for the pups. read more

Yard Bar - Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

We visited Yard Bar on 2/18/18. My credit card had fraudulent charges of $59.33 from the bar that I did not authorize. Called and spoke with manager, Maren, and after research, she agreed Yard Bar did not have signature on file. She thought it just got mixed up and said she would notify the general manager who would credit me for the fraudulent charge. A few weeks go by and still no credit, so I call again and spoke with Maren. She said she would follow up, but that it takes a long time. She said she left the general manager my phone # and he would call me. As of 3/15/18, still no return call, nor the credit that is due to me. When I try to call now, I automatically get the voicemail. I left a message on their voicemail days ago and again, no return call. Had to file a dispute with my bank. I'm very disappointed in the charge that shouldn't have occurred and the lack of customer service. How can a company acknowledge their own problem and then fail to resolve it? They obviously need new management. Beware, as this could happen to you.... read more

Such a fun place. It was super hot out but there is plenty of shade to sit under. They could use more misters out there, however. Or maybe position them a bit differently as you don't feel them too much. The staff does well making sure water bowls are full and the pups have a fresh pool of water/ice. Ordered a hamburger and fries, so good. They have a GREAT selection of beer. Paul was super friendly and happily helped us each time we went to the window/bar. There was another gentleman who helped us on our way out who was awesome as well but I am forgetting his name. My pup also loved his ice cream treat. He devoured it so fast. The dogs were so much fun to watch. They all got along. If any dogs were being too rough, the staff very quickly stepped in. I was happy to see how well and calm they were with the dogs, making sure to just divert their attention and not scold them. I think Yard Bar is the coolest and best place I've ever been. I can't wait for the weather to cool off a bit so I can go back MUCH more often. read more

When my own dog- a pit mix himself, got bitten 3 times by a so called "really friendly pit mix" and then proceeded to bite a person, with about 5 other witnesses, the staff at yard bar asked the owner to watch their "friendly pit mix" and had the dog go on several time outs. The owner proceeded to not watch the dog, and it tried to start 2 fights in front of the absent minded owner, while we spoke to the manager. The third time the management finally asked the owner to leave. I fully respect that they gave the dog a couple chances, and repeatedly asked the owner to watch their dog. Thanks yard bar for trying to mitigate, but thank you more for asking the owner to leave. Who then proceeded to leave by throwing a fit, throwing his beer on the ground, and flipping off the establishment. They arent against pits or pit mixes, just aggressive dogs and shitty owners read more

Don't come here if you don't have a dog. I just wanted to grab a quick drink as I was waiting on a haircut next door and I got started at the entire time. Really weird vibe and too many dogs. More than your typical dog park and a fight waiting to happen. Lots of dogs seemed friendly, but a few you could tell didn't belong in group setting. Owners aren't on same page and Yard Bar I could see leading to some conflict, especially after a few beers. read more

Looks like Yard Bar cares so much about their dwindling reviews that they have people post 5 star reviews immediately after receiving a bad review. Isn't that a violation of Yelp's guidelines? How about you take this criticism and actually do something about it. Holding more value in a new customer's lies than a long time customer with no prior issues is just awful customer service. Maybe appreciate your loyal regulars more because you absolutely lost thousands in revenue today. And yes, Yard Bar DOES discriminate against breeds. I have witnessed it countless times and the employees feed into ignorant customers who discriminate against breeds. I will never return to Yard Bar and make sure that everyone I know hears about this disgusting discrimination. read more

What's better than a bar? I bar with dogs! They have people walking around to break up dog fights too so that your dogs are safe. There is no food allowed in the area though. read more

Trying to be objective in this review, but it's challenging when the worker was so rough with our dog tonight. I was equally annoyed when our lab humped other dogs and tried my best to be quick to pull him off, but when the worker (with the backwards hat on 10/20/17) pulled him off at one point, and perhaps it was accidental, my dog's head somehow ended up pinned between the guy's leg and the post making him let out a little yip. Unacceptable when no dog or human was in harm's way and it seemed like this employee was in a bad mood-- an apology would've been nice since he made eye contact with me when I said (angrily, admittedly) to let my dog go. Our past 2 experiences here have been more pleasant but this one negates those-- It is nice to have a place to socialize our pets, but we won't be patrons here again unless they teach their workers how to properly separate dogs. read more

Yard Bar - Sorry for your experience here, pup - Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Yard Bar is a dog park with a bar. It's literally my favorite place in the world. The staff is amazing and it's full of new furry friends who are waiting on you to come scratch their ears and toss a ball. read more

I went for the first time with my Mom, brother and my almost 1 year old basset, Bella. It was soooo amazing!! Staff is AWESOME!! Food was really good! I loved the vibe and atmosphere. Dogs and their owners are super cool and Bella loved it. She dumped us like a hot potato and met all the dogs and people. It was sooo fun. I think Bella and I found our happy place!! We will become regulars!!!! read more

After 7+ visits we finally tried the food. What were we waiting for? It was delicious. The hushpuppies were crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Get the bacon and the house made cheese whiz for sure. (Isn't really like cheeze whiz... more of a cream) I think next time before we eat we will let our dog run around in the park a bit first. He didn't like showing up to the park and having to stay leashed to us. My hot dog just showed up. Time to eat. read more

Yard Bar - Hot dog... All the way... - Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

I'm not sure who loves this place more - me or my dog. It's an awesome place to hang out and relax with a drink or a topo chico. My dog runs her little heart out and comes home exhausted. The "bark rangers" are always on top of it and really allow the dogs to play in a safe manner. Owners are still expected to watch their dogs and stay on top of it, but most little things are quickly stopped and settled by the employees. Jupiter and I just love this place too much! read more

Yard Bar - Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Yard Bar is a solid concept, and they deliver on it. The bark rangers do their job well, though sometimes I do wish owners paid a tiny bit more attention to their dogs themselves to help break any bad habits (humping) or the start of aggression. I know the point of going to a dog park bar is to drink and catch up with friends while your dog plays (please don't keep your dog leashed), but my opinion is you also should keep your eye out for him or her and look up from your table every once in a while -- especially for poops! Those giant mounds of doggie doo should not be someone else's responsibility to pick up, and when it gets dark, it gets particularly challenging navigating the mine fields, as I tend to follow my dog around the park at a semi-close distance while sipping on a beer with a friend. Yard Bar also has pretty good food, though you'll need to eat it outside the dog park on their patio. I love Yard Bar and working with their staff as a volunteer on Austin Pets Alive! events -- they are huge supporters of our local animal shelter, which is another reason to support this business! read more

The food is awful. But that's fine. We just went because it's dog friendly. You can't have your food in open dog area, which is fine too (although they could've told us before we bought the food). When we went to check into the dog area, the employee asked how old my dog was and I told her he was 6 months old. She asked if he was fixed and I said not yet (he turned 6mo 5 days days ago and his vet said he had to be 6 mo before he could get fixed. He has an appointment scheduled) but they said he wasn't allowed in the dog area. My dog is FOUR pounds. Every other dog in area was over 50 lbs. How is my PUPPY going to be a problem for them? Is he going to impregnate a Rottweiler, lol? It was really just some picnic benches in a hot dry yard anyway. read more