Colorado is a state that loves its dogs. Here in the Sweetheart City, that dog-loving stereotype meets craft breweries, shopping districts, outdoor recreation and even winery tasting rooms! So, if you’re looking for outdoor adventures, head to Devil’s Backbone Open Space or the dog parks at Mehaffey Park and Fairgrounds Park. If you’re looking for shopping, eating and drinking with your dog, keep reading!
And please remember every dog-friendly business on this list is limited to well-behaved, leashed dogs who do well in public environments. Enjoy!
Backyard Tap
Since dogs are allowed in your backyard and that’s just the kind of warm, friendly atmosphere Backyard Tap has created, feel free to bring your dogs to this taproom and food truck park! Driven by the social experience of sharing cold beer and great grub, this local spot has indoor and outdoor space where you can gather with friends and family over local food truck fare, attend frequent events, and always have tons of fun.
Big Thompson Brewery
Inspired by the powerful Big Thompson River, the motto at this hometown brewery is “Let the beer flow”, and that’s exactly what they’ve been doing since opening their doors in 2015. The online tap list (which you can view here) lets you see what they’re pouring now. Original brews can include anything from the classic Headwaters Pale Ale, Alluvial Apricot Wheat and Oatmeal Stout to seasonal selections like the Smoked Chipotle Porter. Feel free to bring your four-legged drinking partner, because this taproom is dog-friendly!
Cactus Grille
Photo courtesy of Brandon Dill, Big Dill Marketing via Cactus Grille
Mike Severance had managed then owned the Cactus Grille for 20 years before closing in December 2008. After several years without these award-winning margaritas, this outstanding food and the dog-friendly patio, Cactus Grille was reopened in Downtown Loveland in 2013 by Mike and his daughter Chrissy French! To see what’s on the Southwest-inspired menu, click here.
Crow Hop Brewing Co.
Crow Hop has been a Loveland favorite for years, bringing home medals from Great American Beer Festival while impressing the locals with every new brew. When they relocated to their downtown location, they brought the neighborhood more patios, more dog-friendly space, more beer and more fun! And no matter which brew you’re sampling, it’ll be clean with complex flavors from just four classic ingredients, starting with pristine Colorado water. To see their tap list, click here.
Drätz Brewing Company
Named after Owner Kerry Drake’s ancestor, Josias Drätz, this Loveland brewery is inspired by a family history that includes both Holland and rich U.S. history dating back to 1661 when Josias immigrated here. With this in mind, this family team crafts beer that combines American, Belgian and German styles as well as fun, experimental rotations and seasonals. In the taproom, you can bring your dog to taste those beers and attend frequent events, including live music, trivia, bingo and more.
Grimm Brothers Brewhouse
Photo courtesy of Jonathan Castner via Grimm Brothers Brewhouse
Both famous for their delicious craft beer and their huge, dog-friendly taproom, Grimm is a Loveland favorite. Their head brewer, Laura, isn’t just one of the best female brewers in Colorado; she’s one of the state’s best brewers period. In addition to flagship favorites like Little Red Cap and Robber King, they release incredible seasonal brews, including an annual Valentine’s Day beer that is only available during the Valentine’s Day season. To stay up to date on events and new releases, follow the team on Facebook here.
JAX Mercantile Co.
950 E Eisenhower Blvd | Facebook
JAX is a locally-owned Northern Colorado original with more than five locations throughout the region, including one right here in Loveland. A favorite for all things outdoor—from clothing and hunting gear to tents and even dog accessories—your dog is invited to shop with you while you pick up adventure goods, dog food, and of course, treats!
Loveland Aleworks
This Sweetheart City original is an independent, family-owned brewery offering a selection of handcrafted, small-batch beers. Driven by brewer and owner Nick Callaway, the beers are inspired by traditional European and American craft beer styles and can include anything from a classic Saison to the Guava Milkshake IPA, a New England-style IPA with lactose sugar, Tahitian vanilla and guava puree. Dogs are allowed on the patio so be sure to bring them along when the weather’s warm!
The Promenade Shops at Centerra
Photo courtesy of The Promenade Shops at Centerra
One of the most popular shopping, dining and entertainment destinations in town, The Promenade Shops at Centerra is dog-friendly! Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome in the district’s common areas and merchants that permit dogs will have a sticker on their door or window to indicate that dogs are welcome. To read the rules and see a list of dog-friendly shops (there are more than 35!), click here.
Sweet Heart Winery
Built from the belief that wine draws us together, Sweet Heart Winery is an intimate winery headquartered in the Sweetheart City. This family team kicked off their garage hobby in 2010 and has grown the operation into an 8-acre winery and event center with a dog-friendly patio. Using grapes from both California and Colorado, they craft wines that reflect all the love and dedication put into them. For information on visiting the tasting room, click here.
Verboten Brewing
The old German Purity Law stated that beer could only be made with three ingredients: barley, water and hops. Later, yeast was added to that lineup. Verboten’s beers are driven both by the simplicity of the German Purity Law and the creativity that comes from breaking the rules. Their beers incorporate fruit and spice, barrel aging, and other distinctive ingredients that were once “verboten”. Driven by the belief that there’s a beer out there for everyone, this is a must-visit in Loveland and be sure to bring your dog if you’re sitting on the patio!
Do you know a dog-friendly place in Loveland?
In the comments below, tell us where you take your four-legged friends in town!
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