Photos Courtesy Of River Trail Brewing
Pets need three things to be happy: Treats. Water. Attention. They’ll find all three at a pet-friendly restaurant in the Susquehanna Valley. Where there’s a patio or deck, summer fun waits for you and doggo. Or cat. Or horse.
RIVER TRAIL BREWING
River Trail Brewing staff know when Nala is on the back patio. Whenever the train rolls past, the bicolor-eyed husky starts to howl. At the environmentally conscious River Trail Brewing, pet parents are delighted to discover that there’s a dog menu. Choices include steak scraps or chicken on whole-grain rice, or the rice and veggies for weight watchers. For dessert, there’s puppy ice cream with whipped cream and bacon. People have tempting choices too. Maybe it’s the Irish chicken, Louisiana jambalaya or vegan beans and rice, washed down with River Trail’s own Marietta Oat Club stout or Raging River pilsner. “A lot of the pet owners ask for the food to come out together so the dogs can eat at the same time they’re eating,” bar manager Renee Buspamante says. “It’s really sweet to see families have a moment like that.” While fur baby parents enjoy a day out, the staff gets a boost too. “When we’re jam-packed busy, and there’s 10 different dogs on our patio, I take a moment to decompress and pet a dog,” Buspamante says. “They’re our friends too.”
40 E Front St, Marietta | rivertrailbrewing.com
GIFT HORSE BREWING COMPANY
Photos Courtesy Of Gift Horse Brewing Company
Dogs can’t speak for themselves, so rescues give them a voice. At Gift Horse Brewing Company, the Ales for Tails fundraiser for local rescues (Aug. 10) is a highlight of the summer. Sip a Cart Before the Horse pilsner or the popular new Orange Squeeze seltzer while you watch the dunk tank hijinks or cheer on a three-legged dog racing against a human.
Gift Horse’s grassy, dog-friendly, kid-friendly beer garden is like a backyard in the city. Play cornhole or disc golf while you savor a smash burger or crunch burrito, paired with a Day at the Races West Coast IPA or other Gift Horse brew. Order a bunless burger for your dog, or the cook might even come out with a piece of cheese for them.
117 N George St, York | gifthorsebrewing.com
SPRING HOUSE BREWING COMPANY
Photos Courtesy Of Spring House Brewing Company
Corgis. Shepherds. Bichons. Cats. Yes, cats. Well-mannered people and their pets are welcome at Spring House Brewing’s Hazel Street brewery, where the old tobacco warehouse’s loading dock is now Dalton’s Doggie Deck. Regulations don’t allow food service around dogs, but part of the charm for human customers is ordering and picking up dishes and drinks through a walk-up window. While you’re enjoying your meal, your pup doesn’t have to miss out on the tasty treats.
Order a wood-fired pizza, poke bowl, award-winning Commander Salamander fruited sour beer or a creamsicle crush for yourself. Then give your fur baby a protein-rich treat with Chow’s Chicken or Barley’s Burger Patty from the Dalton’s Doggie Deck menu. “People like the opportunity just to have a place to go with their pet and relax and have a beer or pizza,” director of operations Victoria Bacanti says.
209 Hazel St, Lancaster | springhousebeer.com/dogs
THE VALLEY TAVERN
Photos Courtesy Of The Valley Tavern
The Valley Tavern has been equine-friendly since 19th-century farmers stabled their horses at this railside watering hole. A more recent customer named Cowboy Rick rode his mule here, where kitchen staff treated him—the mule, that is—to carrots and water. Saddle up for a ride on York County’s Heritage Rail Trail, stop at Valley Tavern, and tether your horse out back. Then, mosey inside for their famous broasted chicken, build-your-own burger or house-made broiled crab cakes.
“We pride ourselves on being a down-home, friendly place,” says Meg Fullerton, co-owner with her husband, Terry. If you can’t come inside, The Valley Tavern’s drive-thru window accommodates motorized and nonmotorized transport. “Riders have stopped at the pickup window and gotten snowballs for their horses,” Fullerton says. “We take care of them.”
1 Cherry St, Seven Valleys | thevalleytavern.com
TAKE YOUR DOGGIE OUT TONIGHT:
TIPS AND ETIQUETTE
Dining out with doggo offers your pup mental stimulation in new environments and strengthens human-canine bonds. Try these tips for a “pawsitive” experience:
Find your spot: The searchable bringfido.com details dog-friendly restaurants worldwide and in your neighborhood. Call ahead to confirm.
Know your dog: Be honest. Will your big galoot be knocking over tables? Will your loyal guardian bark constantly? Sometimes, it’s best to leave her at home.
Practice leash etiquette: Keep your dog on a short leash, out of aisles and away from other diners. Don’t tie leashes to the furniture!
Prevent begging: Let your pup enjoy the culinary adventure. Feed him before you go, or bring treats, especially if the restaurant doesn’t offer a dog menu or he’s on a restricted diet.
