Best Dog-Friendly Breweries in Durham
Updated November 2025
Durham is home to a number of local breweries, many of which are dog-friendly and feature large outdoor and indoor spaces, which can be particularly accommodating for dogs. If you’re interested in bringing your dog to a brewery in Durham but don’t know where to start, we’ve put together a list of our favorite dog-friendly breweries in Durham, NC, to help dog owners find locations that are happy to host them!
What Breweries in Durham Are Dog-Friendly?
Whether you love a sweet cider or a bitter IPA, you can find a brewery in Durham that will fit your tastes and allow you to bring your dog with you! The high number of dog-friendly breweries in Durham makes it one of the best cities in North Carolina for those who love craft beer but don’t want to leave their pup at home (another strong contender is Cary, NC, which has lots of dog-friendly breweries!).
Check out our top nine pet-friendly breweries in Durham below:
1. Ponysaurus: Located in the Downtown East neighborhood of Durham, Ponysuarus has become a popular weekend destination. The 6,000 square feet facility features a taproom, beer garden, pizzeria, covered outdoor patio and occasional food trucks. Most of the seating is outside, making it an easy place to bring your dog.
2. Hi-Wire: Originally started in Asheville, Hi-Wire expanded into Durham at Golden Belt in 2018. Hi-Wire features 8,844 square feet of interior space, as well as a 1,678 square foot outdoor covered patio and beer garden. You’ll also find shuffleboard courts, soccer, pool tables, table tennis and food trucks. The sheer size of Hi-Wire makes it a great place to bring your dog.
3. Fullsteam: One of Durham’s original micro-breweries launched in 2010, Fullsteam has become a popular destination, and you’ll likely find it at your local grocery store. Fullsteam’s mission is to craft distinctly Southern beer that celebrates the farm and food traditions of the American South. Keep in mind that because they serve food, they ask that all dogs remain in the outdoor space (unless you have a service dog).
4. Bull City Ciderworks: If you’re craving cider (and even if you’re not), you need to visit Bull City Ciderworks. The cider bar has 24 draft cider taps and a selection of NC craft beers in cans (Fullsteam, HiWire, Four Saints etc.). They have a big outdoor space with decks, picnic tables and a fire pit, offering many spots to sit with your dog.
5. Gizmo Brewworks: With a highly popular location Raleigh, it was finally time for Gizmo to open up in Durham. Located in the new University Hill development on the second floor, there is plenty of outdoor space both in and around the taproom to enjoy time outdoors with your pup.
6. DSSOLVR Durham: Drop in for a pour of beer, wine, cider, or hard seltzer! They now have Hot Drinks and Jello shots too! Dogs are welcome both inside the taproom and outside on the covered patio. They have dog beds, water bowls, free dog treats, and an entire basket of dog toys available in the taproom!
7. Clouds Brewing: Located in Brightleaf Square, Clouds Brewing brings a little extra fun to the Durham beer scene with its self-pour “Down Pour Wall” and arcade-style games. The spacious patio makes it easy to bring your pup along while you sample German-inspired brews and classic pub food. Dogs are welcome outside, so you and your four-legged friend can relax in the heart of downtown.
8. Bull City Burger & Brewery: Durham’s original farm-to-table brewpub, Bull City Burger & Brewery pairs house-made beers with grass-fed beef burgers and other locally sourced menu items. While you enjoy one of their small-batch brews and a hearty meal in the heart of Durham’s downtown, your pup can join you at the outdoor tables. It’s a perfect choice if you’re looking for a full dining experience that’s still dog-friendly.
9. Durty Bull Brewing Company: Known for its creative lineup of barrel-aged beers, sours, and experimental styles that stand out in Durham’s craft beer scene. The spacious taproom and outdoor patio both welcome dogs, so you don’t have to leave your pup at home when you stop in for a pour. With frequent live music and events, it’s an easygoing spot for both people and pets.
5 Tips for Bringing Your Dogs to a Brewery in Durham
Want to feel prepared for your first brewery visit with your dog in tow? Review our top five tips for bringing dogs to breweries below:
- Visit during off-peak hours: A brewery is a whole new sensory experience for dogs, with lots of intriguing sights and smells for them to get distracted by. If your dog isn’t used to visiting breweries or other similar locations, visiting during off-peak hours is generally recommended, as it allows them to explore the environment and get comfortable. It’s also easier to teach dogs what they’re allowed to do or not do at the brewery when there are fewer distractions.
- Bring some basic pet supplies: While some breweries will have toys and dog bowls, you should still bring some basic supplies in case they don’t have them. For example, a water bowl, a leash, a toy, and treats are a must. You should also bring poop bags to make sure you can clean up after your dog if they have an accident.
- Keep dogs leashed: Most breweries will have the expectation that you keep your dog leashed while on their property. Unless you’ve been explicitly told the brewery allows unleashed dogs, make sure your dog is leashed. Investing in a leash that wraps around the waist and is short enough to keep your dog close can help you keep your hands free.
- Bring a small mat: A good way to keep your dog calm while at a brewery is to bring a mat or blanket that you can put on the floor beside your seat. Having a mat next to you will give your dog a space that’s entirely their own. As a result, they’ll be far more likely to lie down and rest while you enjoy your craft beer.
- Avoid overdrinking: Even if you’ve walked to a local brewery, you’ll want to avoid overdrinking for your dog’s sake. You’ll be responsible for them in a brewery, and if you’ve had a few too many brews, chances are you won’t be paying close attention to what your dogs are doing.
Choose Truss Vet as Your Veterinary Urgent Care Provider in Durham
If your dog ever needs to visit an urgent care for pets in Durham, NC, Truss Vet is ready to help. When you visit one of our veterinary urgent care centers, you can expect our team to treat your dog like a member of your family, delivering high-quality care. Our pet urgent cares treat non-life-threatening emergencies, with same-day reservations and walk-in appointments available to ensure your dog receives the treatment they need as quickly as possible.
Learn more about our veterinary urgent care center in Durham!
Have a brewery that you think should be added to this list? Let us know at woof@trussvet.com.