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There are more than two-dozen bars in the city where you can take your best friend with a wet nose to share a wet one. Actually, most dogs like beer - just make a light beer and don't encourage Fido to make a habit of it. In our weekly "Pet Central" feature Places To Take Your Dog, we highlighted the Ten Cat Tavern. Here's some info about the Ten Cat and a half dozen other bars who welcome pups. For more doggy friendly bars, check out my book, "DogGone Chicago: Best Places To Sniff Out Taking Your Best Friend," which will be out in early August.
Lincoln Park
Jake's: They have the best bouncer in the business, an Akita named Titus. Titus does get territorial; some dogs she tolerates, others he does not. Any dog arriving in the afternoon or early evening must deal with Titus. Later in the evening, Titus lounges at home, and the doors open to all canines. Despite the hip clientele with two legs and four, Jake's retains a neighborhood pub sort of feel. 2932 N. Clark Street; (773) 248-3318.
Ravenswood
Augenblick: When owner David Butler's malamute Jackson is on the premises, he says that the cover charge is "petting the dog." Candles illuminate this cozy tap in the is where owners can sit on old over-stuffed couches, although dog clientele are discouraged from this practice. One highlight is the Gilligan's Island pinball machine. 3907 N. Damen Avenue; (773) 929-0994.
Bucktown/Wicker Park
The Charleston: A Chicago Tavern Classic: It's not named for the dance, but rather for Charleston Street. A mounted goat wearing a baseball cap greets all dogs, which are welcome only until 7 p.m. 2076 N. Hoyne Avenue; (773) 489-4757.
Roscoe Village
Finley Dunne's Tavern: Pet a Jagermeister - that's the name of owner Joe Kenny's lab/shepherd mix. The Meister dog is usually there during the day to keep Kenny company when the bar isn't so busy. Talk about variety, this old old-fashioned juke box plays everything from Dean Martin to Joe Jackson, but never the Spice Girls. The bar is named for Finley Dunne, a columnist with the Chicago Evening Post in the 1890's - the Mike Royko of this day." 3458 N. Lincoln Avenue; (773) 477-7311.
DePaul
The Local Option: On one visit to this DePaul neighborhood bar, I was greeted by a German shepherd dog, a pug and a pair of golden retrievers. When not welcoming patrons, the dogs played with an old softball, the 16-inch kind. There's a pool table in back for people to play with. This bar is legendary for being dog friendly, but when it gets crowded, on Friday and Saturday evenings, dogs are discouraged. 1102 W. Webster Street; (773) 348-2008.
Halsted Street
Marquee Lounge: The bartenders here have been known to toss the tennis ball for a game of Fetch. Here's a little tip for you, although most canines figure this out pretty fast: Bartenders keep treats behind the bar. When there's live music, the dogs can stay, but for sensitive pups, the music is earsplitting. 1973 N. Halsted Street; (773) 988-7427.
North Central
Ten Cat Tavern: As if one cat isn't enough, imagine ten - no wonder the dogs love the place. The bar is a blast from the past, like a 1960's home, complete with Formica table tops and chaise chairs indoors, and additional seating outside. On occasion, a collie who is truly named Lassie, visits. All that's missing is Timmy. 3931 N. Ashland Avenue; (773) 935-5377.
Lincoln Park
Jake's: They have the best bouncer in the business, an Akita named Titus. Titus does get territorial; some dogs she tolerates, others he does not. Any dog arriving in the afternoon or early evening must deal with Titus. Later in the evening, Titus lounges at home, and the doors open to all canines. Despite the hip clientele with two legs and four, Jake's retains a neighborhood pub sort of feel. 2932 N. Clark Street; (773) 248-3318.
Ravenswood
Augenblick: When owner David Butler's malamute Jackson is on the premises, he says that the cover charge is "petting the dog." Candles illuminate this cozy tap in the is where owners can sit on old over-stuffed couches, although dog clientele are discouraged from this practice. One highlight is the Gilligan's Island pinball machine. 3907 N. Damen Avenue; (773) 929-0994.
Bucktown/Wicker Park
The Charleston: A Chicago Tavern Classic: It's not named for the dance, but rather for Charleston Street. A mounted goat wearing a baseball cap greets all dogs, which are welcome only until 7 p.m. 2076 N. Hoyne Avenue; (773) 489-4757.
Roscoe Village
Finley Dunne's Tavern: Pet a Jagermeister - that's the name of owner Joe Kenny's lab/shepherd mix. The Meister dog is usually there during the day to keep Kenny company when the bar isn't so busy. Talk about variety, this old old-fashioned juke box plays everything from Dean Martin to Joe Jackson, but never the Spice Girls. The bar is named for Finley Dunne, a columnist with the Chicago Evening Post in the 1890's - the Mike Royko of this day." 3458 N. Lincoln Avenue; (773) 477-7311.
DePaul
The Local Option: On one visit to this DePaul neighborhood bar, I was greeted by a German shepherd dog, a pug and a pair of golden retrievers. When not welcoming patrons, the dogs played with an old softball, the 16-inch kind. There's a pool table in back for people to play with. This bar is legendary for being dog friendly, but when it gets crowded, on Friday and Saturday evenings, dogs are discouraged. 1102 W. Webster Street; (773) 348-2008.
Halsted Street
Marquee Lounge: The bartenders here have been known to toss the tennis ball for a game of Fetch. Here's a little tip for you, although most canines figure this out pretty fast: Bartenders keep treats behind the bar. When there's live music, the dogs can stay, but for sensitive pups, the music is earsplitting. 1973 N. Halsted Street; (773) 988-7427.
North Central
Ten Cat Tavern: As if one cat isn't enough, imagine ten - no wonder the dogs love the place. The bar is a blast from the past, like a 1960's home, complete with Formica table tops and chaise chairs indoors, and additional seating outside. On occasion, a collie who is truly named Lassie, visits. All that's missing is Timmy. 3931 N. Ashland Avenue; (773) 935-5377.
k in the Park Saturday, May 3 at 9am The 14th Annual Walk for Animals
