Pups & Pints: The Best Spots for Yappy Hour
Although the days are starting to shorten, there is no shortage of beautiful evenings in Philadelphia. We think the best way to spend that time is at a Philadelphia Happy Hour with your dog. “Yappy Hours” are popping up all over the city, and we are definitely not mad that this trend has gone to the dogs. Food, beer, dogs… we’re there.
Morgan’s Pier [Penn’s Landing] This summer hotspot has it all: good food, a large drink menu, live music, and an awesome waterfront view. Once a month, they also offer a Sunday Yappy Hour. The next Yappy Hour will be Sunday, October 6th from 2-6pm. A portion of proceeds from these events go to the Pennsylvania PSPCA, so you can feel good about indulging in a margherita flatbread, chipwich, and a couple beverages.
Evil Genius Brewing Company [Fishtown] You can’t go wrong with a place that serves beer with names like “You’re Killing Me Smalls”, “Purple Monkey Dishwasher”, or “Stacy’s Mom.” Their beer garden allows dogs, and Happy Hour is Monday through Friday from 5-7pm. Might we recommend a $5 pint of the “Pick Me, Love Me, Choose Me”, a strawberry rosé glitter beer that sounds perfect for any dog lover. Evil Genius Brewing are friends of Vetter’s and hosted a prior fundraising event. We can’t say enough about this place!
Cherry Street Pier [Old City] Recent renovations have made Cherry Street Pier the new place to be in the city. With a variety of food vendors available, there is something for everyone. Try Hardena’s for authentic Indonesian fare, Cooperage for salads and sandwiches, and Birdie’s Biscuit for sweet or savory homemade biscuits. Little Baby’s Ice Cream is also there to serve a rotating assortment of their small batch ice cream (rumor has it they have pizza flavored ice cream). The bar features rotating specials from local breweries, cideries, and distilleries. Although they don’t have a specific Happy Hour, we have a feeling any hour spent here will be happy. Open Sunday-Thursday from 11am-10pm, Friday from 11am-11pm, and Saturday from 10am-11pm.
Parc [Rittenhouse] Okay, so technically Parc doesn’t offer Happy Hour. However, it’s unfair to not include this Rittenhouse mainstay on the list. Channel your inner Parisian and try escargot while enjoying the view of Rittenhouse Park. Unfortunately, the ritzy feel comes with a price tag, but based on how busy it is, it’s probably worth it. Open Monday-Thursday from 7:30am-11pm, Friday from 7:30am-12am, Saturday from 10am-12am, and Sunday from 10am-10pm.
Bok Bar [South Philadelphia] This seasonal rooftop bar allows dogs on Sundays. The food menu includes Middle Eastern bites such as doner kebab gyros and a watermelon kebab with mint, sumac, and labneh. Wine and beer are offered along with hard seltzer from Two Robbers and kombucha from Inspired Brews (Bok is the headquarters for the manufacturers of both companies). On Saturday, September 21st from 2-5pm mingle with the featured pup from the PSPCA and enjoy some drink specials that benefit this group. Open Sundays from 2-10pm.
Red Owl Tavern [Old City] Red Owl hosts a lot of different special events, but their best may be their Yappy Hour on Wednesdays from 5-7pm. History buffs will love the location, and half price appetizers (including fried calamari and chipotle hummus) are sure to please. Plus, their Yappy Hour hosts rescue dogs, so you are sure to meet a new friend!
Dock Street Brewery [West Philly] Although this West Philly favorite doesn’t offer a Happy Hour-specific menu, it’s worth a mention for its delicious pizza and beer. Favorites such as the Flammenkuche pizza (don’t ask us how to say it) go great with their rotating beers. Plus, take home a growler for snuggles and beer at home with your pup. Open Monday-Thursday from 3-11pm and Friday/Saturday from 12pm-12am. Don’t make the same mistake we have and dream about their Fig Jam pizza on a Sunday… they are closed every Sunday.
White Dog Café [University City] Not only does White Dog Café have a dog friendly patio, but each room in the restaurant has a unique dog theme. White Dog is a favorite place for locals to bring “out of towners” to show off Philly’s delicious food and artistic side. Their Happy Hour is Monday-Friday from 4-7pm and features Oysters and $5 cocktails. The “Dirty Dog” cocktail made with vodka and spicy pickled green beans sounds right up our alley.
Barks on Tap [Rotating Locations] Philadelphia’s traveling beer garden pops up in different parks throughout the city until late September. They offer food, rotating drafts, wine, spiked seltzer, cider, and non-alcoholic beverages along with cozy places to hang out in the park. From 9/18-9/22 they will be in Pretzel Park (Manayunk) and from 9/25-9/29 they will finish out the season at Strawberry Mansion Bridge. Bring your pup and enjoy an improved version of your local park. Open Wednesday/Thursday from 5pm-10pm, Friday from 4-11pm, Saturday from 1-11pm, and Sunday from 12-10pm.