Crooning country music, plenty of craft beer, and finger-licking BBQ await visitors of Bat City. Yet, you’ll find way more than delicious eats in Texas’ state capitol.
Follow along as we dive into the best pet-friendly hotels, breweries, and restaurants in Austin.
From serene afternoons spent fishing on Lake Austin to rousing games of frisbee at Zilker Park, there are countless ways to entertain your animals in this Hippy Haven.
Adventurous mutts can hit the city's many hiking trails or join their humans for an ice-cold brew on a pet-friendly patio. Chow down on succulent sausage and brisket, or make friends at Metropolitan Park.
However you spend your time in the Lonestar state, you're more than welcome to bring your pooch!
Pet-Friendly Hotels
Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt
Angling for an authentic Austin experience? Paint the town red when you reserve dazzling downtown digs with the Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt. Located just minutes from Lady Bird Lake and the buzzing Rainey Street Historic District, these boutique accommodations place you squarely in the middle of Austin's action.
All rooms feature lake or city views, floor-to-ceiling windows, yoga mats, and more. Submerge yourself in the oversized soaking tub, or head to the chic rooftop pool to work on your tan. Enhance your experience with a cabana rental, or take in some live music at Geraldine's.
Traveling with a furry, scaly, or feathery friend? You'll receive nothing but a warm reception at the Kimpton, where all manner of pets are accepted sans fees. Even better, pooches are more than welcome to join the nightly wine reception and receive a selection of food, water bowls, and mats upon check-in.
photo credit: Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt via Facebook
South Congress Hotel
Quirky, funky, with just a splash of classic, the South Congress Hotel might as well be a microcosm of Austin. Guests here will fall head over heels for the chic rooms, custom bed linens, and trendy Travis Heights neighborhood. Sweat it out in the 24-hour fitness center, or grab a piping hot latte from Cafe No Se.
This all-day cafe features a pooch-friendly patio and the best kouign amann in town. In addition, Daredevils can embrace their inner rebel with a motorcycle rental at Revival Cycles.
While gourmands can treat themselves to a luxurious Omakase at Otoko or join in on the weekly happy hour in the Lobby Bar, polished pooches can get in on the TLC at SCH too. Dogs of all sizes are accepted with no extra charge, and the hotel will provide beds, bowls, and treats upon request.
Lone Star Court
Retro-inspired ambiance with a down-home country feel, the Lone Star Court delivers a hearty helping of Texas Charm. Relax and unwind on four lush acres of landscaped greenery peppered with outdoor fire pits, wraparound porches, and rocking chairs.
Cool off with a refreshing swim in the outdoor pool, revel in the live music, or explore the Domain community via loaner bike. Then, don your cowboy hat and take in this traditionally Texas aesthetic as you moan over brisket, ribs, and more at the Water Trough Restaurant.
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Social schnauzers can mix and mingle, too, as the hotel hosts a 'Yappy hour' every Thursday in June featuring Yappy Pup House Margaritas, bar specials, and live music.
Small dogs under 70 lbs are welcome here, and guests will be charged a $50 non-refundable pet fee. Visitors can also spring for the hotel's 'Pawsitively Pet Package, ' including welcome amenities.
photo credit: Lone Star Court, by Valencia Hotel Group via Facebook
Hotel Ella
Live, breathe, and sleep among Texas history when you score a reservation at the historic Hotel Ella. Homed in a stunning refurbished manor, this boutique hotel is one of Austin's original landmark estates. In her 124-year history, the Ella has served as a dormitory, sorority house, and rehabilitation center.
Guests can opt to stay in the original mansion or the later addition, North Wing. Stroll through the stunning courtyard featuring sculpture art by the renowned artist Charles Umlau, or grab a classic cocktail at the Parlor Bar. Embrace the pool view from a private veranda, or dine on unparalleled global cuisines at the onsite eatery, Goodall's.
Hotel Ella loves four-legged friends, and your pet can sleep soundly here for free.
The Line Hotel
Dynamic, modern, and dazzling, the Line Hotel is a downtown oasis that reflects the ever-changing nature of Austin. Once home to a 1960s Jazz club, today, the Line's luxurious suites will intrigue even the most discerning traveler. So revel in walk-in rain showers, blackout drapes, and capitol views as you snuggle up with your pup.
Treat yourself to cocktails and tacos by the saltwater infinity pool that overlooks both the lake and the Congress Avenue Bridge. True foodies must plan for an epic nosh at Arlo Grey, the hotel's lauded lakeside restaurant run by Top Chef winner Kristen Kish.
Whether traveling with Fido or Friskie, all animals stay for free at the Line with zero hassle. Your furry (or scaly friend) can receive courtesy bags, water bowls, and treats upon check-in.
photo credit: The LINE Hotel Austin via Facebook
Human-Friendly Activities
Happy hounds equal happy humans. But, once your cuddly companion is squared away, it's time to get weird! Embrace the food, culture, and storied sights of Texas's bustling capital with any of the following activities:
Tamales, chili, pizza, oh my! Get to know America's Tex-Mex and BBQ culinary hub through your stomach as you strap in for a three-hour sojourn with Secret Food Tours Austin. Sample centuries-old recipes, glean cooking techniques, and observe cultural landmarks.
Hit the ground running and discover the hottest downtown neighborhoods when you schedule the Real Austin Tour. From food trucks to local art to iconic sights, you'll set eyes on the very best of Austin. Have your camera ready, as you'll be dying to document the Texas State Capitol, Zilker Park, and the Greetings from Austin postcard mural.
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Go under the sea and experience an afternoon of aquatic excitement with the Austin Aquarium.
Hand-feed sharks, rays, birds, and more, or explore marine environments from Oregon to Indonesia.
photo credit: Austin Aquarium via Facebook
Dog-Friendly Activities
Barton Creek Greenbelt
In the market for a dog-friendly Austin hike? Rover can work off some of those milk bones and even pop in for a swim at the Barton Creek Greenbelt.
This 7-mile-long trail runs along 360 and Mopac and contains multiple access points. Revel in the lush nature, or partake in sublime bird watching, mountain biking, or rock climbing. All pooches are encouraged to get in on the nature-loving so long as they are leashed.
Zilker Park
An off-leash oasis in the middle of Austin? Yes, please! Fix up Fido like a local when you spend hours strolling through the grassy expanses of Zilker Park. This 350-acre park is home to two trails and a blooming botanical garden. While pups are permitted in the Zilker Botanical Garden, they must be leashed at all times.
However, this fragrant area is well worth visiting due to its diverse array of themed flora areas, including the Taniguchi Japanese Garden, the Hartman Prehistoric Garden, and the Rose Garden.
Red Bud Isle
Sitting pretty in the middle of the Colorado River, Red Bud Isle is pure paradise for any water-loving pooch. This 13-acre island contains an off-leash dog park, plenty of recreational space, hiking trails, and more.
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Outdoorsy humans can perfect their paddle with a kayak or canoe rental while Rover cools off on the shore. An uber-popular area for Austinites with dogs, we recommend coming early to avoid peak temperatures and crowds.
Auditorium Shores at Town Lake Metropolitan Park
Need some centrally located canine relief? Pups of all ages and sizes will enjoy the off-leash dog park at Auditorium Shores. Then, engage in a rousing game of fetch or frisbee as you soak in the views of Lady Bird Lake and the city skyline.
Please keep an eye on your pooch, though, as the Auditorium is an unfenced property. This city park is a slam dunk with plenty of trees, doggy water fountains, waste bag dispensers, and an added section of high-performance turfgrass for your dog to enjoy.
photo credit: Auditorium Shores at Town Lake Metropolitan Park
Pet-Friendly Breweries
Beerburg Brewing
Sustainable brewing, a sublime Texas Hill Country atmosphere, and an onsite dog park. Beerburg Brewing is a true haven for beer nerds and dogs alike. Sip the day away as you sample everything from classic beers to seasonal or experimental offerings, many of which feature locally foraged ingredients.
Relish the flair of exotic ales such as the Horehound Golden or Grape Vine Porter, and don't forget to pair it with some traditional Mexican fare from their onsite restaurant, Taqueria la Violeta.
Austin Beerworks
Vibrant flavors, a commitment to quality, and over a decade of brewing experience make Austin Beerworks a must-visit for any craft beer snob. However, even happy hounds can get in on the fun as this beloved brewery now allows pets on their astroturf patio.
Try a flight of their core beers, or throw caution to the wind and imbibe with a Rad Labs exclusive, such as the Fresh to Death cold, pale ale, or seasonal Bloodwork Orange IPA. Then, soak up those hops with some loaded nachos or carnitas tacos from their very own Cantina food truck.
photo credit: Austin Beerworks via Facebook
Jester King
Jester King's commitment to community and country living is unmatched as part brewery, part farm, and part event hall. Let the stress of city life melt away as you meander through 200 acres of tree-lined ranch, just 18 miles west of downtown. Jester King specializes in a beer fermented with wild yeast, and they're not afraid to mix it up.
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Order up everything from a Hazy IPA to a German-style Pilsner. Indulge in beer accented with fresh blackberries, or sip some enchanting blueberry wine. Book a brewery tour, hit the two-mile nature trail, or meet some fluffy 'kids' on a Goat Tour! All behaved leashed critters are welcome on Jester King's grounds.
Easy Tiger
Name a better combo than beer and bread! One of Austin's most iconic beer gardens, Easy Tiger, has long combined these two carb-loaded loves. Snag a seat on their string-laden patio with your pooch in tow and prime your palate for some suds.
Sit under shaded picnic tables at South Lamar, or head to East Austin for Electric Jellyfish IPA on draft. With three Easy Tiger locations to uncover, you'll have no excuse not to sample their Hill Country Sourdough or Whiskey Barrel-Aged Double Pecan Porter.
Grab some pastries for the road, including their perfectly chewy chocolate chip cookie or an uber moist slice of caramel banana bread.
photo credit: Easy Tiger via Facebook
Pet-Friendly Restaurants
Yard Bar and Fat City
Doggie nirvana may be closer than you think! Locals in the know have been hightailing it to Yard Bar for years. Austin's first off-leash dog park and bar cater entirely to the four-legged community. Check their schedule for breed meet-ups, or savor a frozen lemonade slushie.
Fido can make friends while you sample the diner-inspired eats of the onsite Fat City. This counter-style restaurant slings crave-worthy options such as doubles with cheese, crinkle-cut fries, and creamy root beer floats. Even pups can partake in some 1950sera chow with special dog menu items such as canine meatballs, and all dogs go to heaven ice cream.
Banger's Sausage House & Beer Garden
Fancy some bangers and mash? Beer, sausage, and plenty of pet-friendly times are in-store when you spend a sunny day at Banger's Sausage House & Beer Garden. Despite its massive size, Banger's Beer Garden garners a special backyard feel. Tickle your tastebuds with the biggest tap wall in Texas (over 200 beers) before moving on to the grub.
Share an order of spicy and white wine-infused jalapeno cheddar mac and cheese and sample a smorgasbord of sausages. While we are particularly fond of the duck, bacon, and fig, classics like Hot Andouille or Spicy Italian always hit the spot.
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Fuzzy friends will be well watered and fed with complimentary water bowls, and special dog-friendly sausage called the Woof Wurst. Rover can even run wild on the small onsite dog run.
photo credit: Banger's Sausage House & Beer Garden via Facebook
Austin Terrier
Rolling into Austin fully loaded? This pet and kid-friendly neighborhood bistro is the perfect spot to relax and refuel. Kick back on Austin Terrier's cool, covered patio with a glass of vino or a Pink Poodle Martini. Drool over a Texas BBQ Burger or opt for homemade pizzas named after local Austin haunts.
Zilker Love features spinach, red onions, marinated tomatoes, feta, pesto, Kalamata olives, fontina, and mozzarella cheese. At the same time, the refined Greenbelt Pie contains a great mix of truffle oil, fresh arugula, mushrooms, and parmesan. All pies can be ordered with wheat, white, or gluten-free crust, and any leftovers will gladly be gobbled up by hungry pups.
photo credit: Austin Terrier via Facebook
Lorro
Ready to feel the heat on South Lamar? Prime yourself for an umami explosion when you dine at Lorro in Austin. An Asian-inspired smokehouse helmed by James Beard Award winners, their Austin location contains a spacious and shaded outdoor patio perfect for pooped pups.
Spot can lap up freshwater, while you slurp down a boozy mango sake slushie and order sustenance at the bar. Add some roughage to your diet with sprightly kale and Asian pear salad before loading up on animal proteins. Go to town on smoked Baby Back Duroc Pork ribs, or try their Thai take on Smoked Beef Brisket.
End your epic meal on a sweet note with a melt in your mouth Peach-Yuzu Cobbler garnished with five-spice whipped mascarpone.
photo credit: Loro Austin via Facebook
Thanks to an abundance of great weather, Austin residents know how to take it outside.
From hiking among the Oak and Juniper trees to casting a line at Red Bud Isle, there are a multitude of ways to experience the breathtaking beauty of the state's capital.
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Fortunately, Austin is as obsessed with your animals as you are! Whether you are angling for a Hazy IPA on a sun-soaked beer garden or have your heart set on smelling the fragrant roses at the Zilker Botanical Garden, Rex is invited.
Grab an iced latte and pastry at Easy Tiger, or channel your inner ranch hand at Jester King.
Pets of all shapes and sizes are invited to enjoy the weird, the wacky, and the wonderful in Austin, Texas.
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