urban underdog beer Archives - Good Food St. Louis

Russ and Bella at The DogHaus, the dog-friendly bar and playground in Soulard. Bella is especially fond of the free treats handed out at the order window. BELLA: “Make that a beer for the big guy here and a bowl of H2O for me—and a side of doggie treats.”

My grand-dog, Bella, is a 125-pound Newfoundland with the disposition of a miniature poodle and the paws of a bear cub. She lucked out early in life to find owners, my son Russ and wife Deb, who see to her daily happiness—and she to theirs.

One of Bella’s treats is going to The DogHaus—no, not a backyard dog house, but the very hip hangout in Soulard for puppies of all breeds and sizes—a sort of canine UN.

This DogHaus sign says it all and in canine-esque language: Come. Sit. Stay

The dog park/sports bar is the brainchild of owners Joe Schiro, Stephen Walters, and Laurie and Kevin Simpson. Their mission: to provide a dog-friendly, neighborhood watering hole for pet owners.

But like any playground, there are rules. To use the non-leash area, dogs must have proof of rabies vaccination—no immunization requirements for owners. Fido is required to wear a collar and ID and owners must provide poop patrol and disposal. To romp in the non-leash area costs $10 per doggie (sorry, only two dogs to a customer) or $40 for an annual membership at The DogHaus.

Sunday afternoon dogs romped while owners watched the Cardinal baseball game. “But you don’t have to have a dog, or know a dog, to come here,” says co-owner Kevin Simpson.

Come winter, the second floor of the three-story corner bar will be designated for those wanting to kick back and drink with their dog. (That is, booze for owners; water for pets). While the bar takes care of thirsty customers, hunger is assuaged by the food service of Mandy Estrella of Alphateria restaurant.

Check this place out in case you’re ever in need of a bar hopping companion.