
While I think Miami > Tampa, Bill is of the opposite mind. And I have to say, if we are going solely on how dog-friendly a city is, Tampa/St. Petersburg wins by a mile. There are SO. MANY. dog park slash bars. As in, dog parks that also have bars. Or bars that also cater to dogs? Anywho, here’s a rundown of our favorites.
Bars


Velvet Gypsy: The only bar on the list that’s not actually a dog park bar, Velvet Gypsy is Bill’s favorite bar in the entire world. Reggie made himself quite the barfly.

Pups Pub: This is a sports bar for dogs & their humans. The indoor bar area is astro-turf’d (with a not-so-subtle pee smell permeating from every surface) so we kept to the outside. You do have to buy a membership for your dog )and show vax records) but that can be done onsite and for a day pass. There’s also a small food truck.

Hair of the Dog Park: I could see myself coming here almost nightly if I lived in Tampa. It’s all outdoors and super laidback. You can bring in your own food or order delivery and grab drinks from the bar.
The Dog Bar: An outdoor, off leash dog park and bar, this spot in St. Pete was packed with dogs cooling off in kiddie pools of ice.
Two Shepherds Taproom: We didn’t make it here, but this indoor/outdoor dog park & bar comes highly recommended by just about everyone with a dog.
Mutts & Martinis: Another outdoor dog park & bar, this one in St. Pete has a waterpark for dogs.
Restaurants

American Social: Along the waterfront, this is a good spot to hang in the shade outside. The drinks & food are great and so is the people-watching, and they’re super dog-friendly.

The Independent: This German restaurant is very serious about beers, has an extensive vegan menu and sells two of my favorite foods: soft pretzels and pierogis. They also welcome dogs on their patio and have heaters for when the temps dip below 70.

True Food Kitchen: We came here for brunch and loved the healthy-ish menu of avocado toast, huevos rancheros, fresh green juice and a smoothie. The covered patio is dog-friendly.
SOHO Juice: The best smoothies, matchas & other ‘wellness’ food. The layered superfood bowl is pitaya, chia pudding and something they call Cloud 9 which is freaking delicious. Just get one. Reggie was welcome inside.
Beaches & Parks


Tampa Riverwalk: Super dog-friendly and scenic walk along the river.

Dog Park at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park: This off-leash dog park right on the river is a great spot to maneauver to when you’re doing the Tampa Riverwalk. There’a fresh water for the dogs and a few shaded tables & benches.
Davis Island Dog Park: Reggie loved running into the shallow waters at this off-leash dog-friendly beach near a tiny airport.