Want to sip a draft or glass of wine with your best friend? A handful of bars in town let you bring your pooch, even in winter. Because let’s be honest: your dog doesn’t just “tag along” – they’re the main character. You’re just the wallet. Among our faves (woof, woof!):
Slopeside/Los Locos
Aprèsing on the mountain? Go ahead and bring your leashed-up pooch to the outside patios at Slopeside and Los Locos, which offer more room to roam than any other patio in town. Just try not to let them pee on the snow. “The city allows dogs on patios, so long as you post the policy and advise people, so we happily allow dogs outside anywhere we can,” says director of operations Collin Kelley.
Back Door Grill: Burgers, Beers and Barkers
The patio here is basically a culinary obstacle course for dogs. Burgers drip, fries fall and somewhere in the chaos your pup decides he’s discovered religion. Leash laws apply, but that just means dogs get a front-row seat to human clumsiness. Servers will pet your dog before they ask for your drink order. You? Forgettable. Your dog? The star of the evening. By the time you leave, your burger will be gone, your fries will be “shared,” and your pup will be convinced this is heaven.
Cypress: A Patio for Pooches
Come the warmer days of spring, Cypress downtown (formerly Carl’s Tavern) is also dog-friendly on its patio outside, complete with a metal railing that lends itself perfectly as a tie-down. There’s not a whole lot of room, but it beats staying in the car. Bonus: It’s close to the sidewalk, spelling plenty of butt-sniffing opportunities and head-patting from passersby.
Mountain Tap Brewery: Craft Brews & Canine Cameos
Wood-fired pizza, cold beer, mountain views… and a patio full of dogs pulling their best “starving Dickens orphan” faces. Officially, dogs stick to the patio, but water bowls keep them hydrated while you work your way through the taps. “Since we are a full-service restaurant the health department doesn’t allow dogs (except service animals) inside the roll-up garage doors,” says co-owner Wendy Tucciarone. “No dogs in the gondola cabins either. But we welcome well-behaved dogs outside on the patio.” It’s the perfect balance: humans get the brews, dogs get to bask in mountain-town adoration.
O’Neil’s Tavern & Grill: Pawtio Paradise
Ah, the Yampa River – nature’s water bowl. O’Neil’s patio sits close to it, turning every dog into a riverside philosopher. Humans sip beer, dogs stare at ducks. The setup is strictly outdoors – sorry, Fido, charm doesn’t get you inside – but leashes and good manners keep the vibe relaxed. Servers seem to secretly judge your pup’s bandana collection, but only in the best way. You’ll find yourself staying longer than planned, mostly because your dog refuses to leave.
Storm Peak Brewing Company: BYOB (Bring Your Own Bone)
Storm Peak isn’t just dog-friendly – it’s dog-forward. Pups inside? Fine. Outside? Even better. This is less of a brewery and more of a Labrador social club with IPAs on tap. Humans bring their own snacks; dogs bring their own vibes. The only real rule: be chill. No husky karaoke, no terrier bar fights. Otherwise, you’re good. Water bowls double as beer flights (not recommended but try telling that to a Corgi). With dogs happily clicking their toenails on the concrete floors, the atmosphere is so casual you’ll wonder if the staff even notices who ordered beer and who just drooled on the floor. “It’s nice we’re able to allow them,” says co-owner Wyatt Patterson. “This town has a special connection with our furry friends and we’re happy to have a place that they can feel welcome.”
The Wild Card: Literally Every Other Patio in Town
In Steamboat, if there’s a deck, a beer and a server who secretly carries dog treats, your pup is probably welcome. Just don’t try to sneak your Chihuahua inside in a tote bag (this is Colorado, not Beverly Hills). Ask first, leash always, and tip well. Because let’s be real: your dog is why the staff likes you.
Want to take your pooch to one of the best dog bars in the country? Colorado Springs’ Pub Dog Colorado took second place in USA Today’s Top 10 Dog Bars list, thanks to an off-leash indoor/ outdoor dog park and plenty of treats.
