There are bars, many of which allow four-legged canine friends to accompany their own owners.
And then there are dog bars.
Which is not to say dogs are sitting around — maybe even playing poker — with adult beverages. (At least, many of us wish this could happen).
No, there are a handful of dog “bars” that are springing up, which allow dogs, small and large, off their leashes, so they can play, romp and even make new friends while the owners enjoy an adult beverage.
They are enclosed dog parks — but just a little extra to not only entertain the pups, but the owners, as well.
Now, there’s even more.
Mutts & Martinis isn’t the only dog bar in downtown St. Petersburg, but it is the only one that features a pool. That’s right, this new dog bar takes the splash area a step further and has a dog-only pool for pooches.
And that, my dog-loving readers, is why heading over there is totally worth the trip.
Splish splash — not a dog bath
Mutts & Martinis features a 10-foot, saltwater, dog-only pool, complete with a few water streams, rafts and plenty of tennis balls for the pups.
It’s barely 2-3 feet deep, so there won’t be any actual swimming — except for the smaller dogs — so expect a lot of romping, and splashing, around the pool’s edge.
What’s great about Mutts & Martinis is that the sports bar employs “lifeguards,” or employees that hang out in the pool area and play with the dogs. Sure, it sounds like a tough job, but it’s a lot like a kids’ indoor gym that also has employees keeping a watchful eye. In this case, it allows dog owners to enjoy food and drinks.
And that’s definitely the big appeal of Mutts & Martinis — bartenders will bring out the drinks and food, as dogs need to be leashed around the bar area. But there are plenty of shaded tables and seats for owners while the pups partake in the pool.
The sports bar features several other areas the dogs can enjoy, they just have to be leashed to do so. However, there also is a small-dog area, where the little ones can go off-leash and roam around, without feeling too overwhelmed by the chaotic pool area or larger dogs.
Pooling together options
And yet, Mutts & Martinis is more than just a dog bar with a pool.
Sure, that is the main feature that stands out from the rest, but the establishment goes beyond just pool playtime.
Regularly, like any other sports bar, Mutts & Martinis will host trivia nights, theme nights, costume parties for the pups, certain holiday and sporting event specials, and even breed meetups.
The bar will host a “yappy” hour time in which owners of a certain breed of dog can all meet each other, while the dogs play. The bar does it for breeds, small and large, and several of the meetups partner with organizations such as animal shelters and those dedicated to certain breeds of dogs.
Mutts & Martinis certainly goes the distance to be as pet- friendly as possible.
Working like a dog
Again, Mutts & Martinis is, by far, not the only local dog bar — but alas, there are none currently located in Pasco County. (Anyone looking for a new business idea?)
However, Mutts & Martinis stands out because it has a dog-only pool, which isn’t to say the other dog bars we’ve listed aren’t great in their own right (I should know, I’ve been to them all with my pup, Hunter).
In fact, each dog bar features its own uniqueness and events that make it worthy of its featured article.
It’s just that Mutts & Martinis showcases a pool for the pooches.
Making this bar worth the trip — especially for the dogs.
Mutts & Martinis
Where: 2900 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
Hours: Wednesdays and Thursdays, 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Fridays, Noon to 10 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sundays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: $10 day pass. Registration is required to enter, as is proof of all current and up-to-date vaccinations for dogs.
Details: A 21-and-up sports bar in downtown St. Petersburg that features a 10-foot saltwater, dog-only pool and play area. Food and drink specials also are available. The sports bar also has employees that interact with the pups, as well as complimentary toys and towels on hand by the pool.|
Info: Visit MuttsAndMartinisOnCentral.com.
Other Dog Bar Options
Two Shepherds
Where: 4813 N Grady Ave., Tampa
TwoShepherdsTaproom.com
The Dog Bar
Where: 2300 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
DogBarStPete.com
Pups Pub Tampa
Where: 2202 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa
PupsPubCo.com
Hair of the Dog Park
Where: 4211 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa
HairOfTheDogParkAndBar.com
Published January 03, 2024
