Dog-Loving Yard Bar Opens for Canines and Humans

Yard Bar, the combination bar, restaurant, and dog park all in one, is now officially open on Burnet Road. The boozy canine park in the former Putt-Putt Golf and Games space held its soft opening during the first week of August.

Access to the dog park is membership-only with packages ranging from yearly to five-visit passes. For dogs, there will be hydrants, two parks depending on animal size, toys, and dedicated staff who will overseeing the playing animals. For humans, there will be beer, wine, coffee, sandwiches, burgers, salads, and snacks like hush puppies, as well as wifi. The park is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the dining patio from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Owner Kristen Heaney, who worked for restaurant architect Michael Hsu, came up with the idea in 2013 and launched a crowdfunding campaign for $37,000 in early 2014. Construction began in October 2014, after facing many delays.

It’s a good time for pets and restaurants in Austin. Further south and east from Yard Bar will be the city’s first cat cafe: the Blue Cat Cafe, set to open this fall.

Update, August 13, 5 p.m.: Heaney passed along Yard Bar's menu, which includes special dog treats like beef sliders and ice cream. She also noted that the dog park is membership-only for animals—any person can dine at the establishment.

Yard Bar's Menu