A Tail-Wagging Good Time

“Home” is Where the Dog Is

Whether you’re visiting friends or family, having a quick staycation, or a true vacation, settle into the perfect home-away-from-home at our pet-friendly hotels, all of which are within walking distance of the shopping, dining, and entertainment of St. Louis Park’s West End.

At the AC Hotel by Marriott, Spanish style and European influences create a modern retreat. Check out the sweeping views of the Minneapolis skyline from the REVEAL Rooftop Bar & Lounge. One pet is allowed per room, with a non-refundable fee per stay.

The nearby Homewood Suites by Hilton is perfect for couples and families who need a bit more space. Each suite features a separate living area and a fully-equipped kitchen. There’s also a swimming pool. Pets are allowed up to 75 lbs. with a non-refundable pet deposit.

The rooms at the DoubleTree by Hilton feature Serta Suite Dreams® beds and 50” HDTV’s – perfect for hanging out with your furry companion. They also have ample meeting space for hosting family reunions, weddings and business meetings. A pet fee may apply.

Planning to stay for a while? The TownePlace Suites by Marriott offers all the comforts of home. Enjoy a fully equipped kitchen, onsite laundry facilities, seasonal outdoor pool and a grilling area. One pet per room, up to 50 lbs., with a non-refundable deposit.

Bone Appétit

For the ultimate doggy dining experience, head to The Block Food + Drink in St. Louis Park. Relax on their year-round pawtio and order from their exclusive, three-course dog menu. Start with an appetizing treat, such as a beef marrow bone or pig’s ear, then choose an entrée, like Nala’s Turkey Muttloaf. (They also serve salmon cakes – purr-fect for your favorite feline.) Finish with some homemade Pupcream, made with bananas, peanut butter, and whipped cream. Human diners will love the broasted chicken, burgers, bowls, weekend brunch and adult libations. Don’t want to drink alone? They have dog beer, too!

For more dishes you’re pup will love, try the Barkin’ Bites menu at Kip’s Irish Pub. They offer a pup loaf that’s made with beef and rice or a turkey treat made with ground turkey, rice, carrots and peas. For dessert, your canine companion can cool off with some Frosty Paws ice cream! Kip’s regular menu is filled with Irish classics, such as corned beef & cabbage, shepherd’s pie, fish & chips, or a Reuben or Rachel, plus Guinness braised beef short ribs or walleye. Grab a pint and enjoy live music every Friday.

To dine like a local, head to JJ’s Clubhouse in Golden Valley. There you’ll find a spacious, tree covered patio. Their menu is filled with sandwiches, wraps, burgers and pizzas. Try their house special lasagna or the walleye dijonnaise. On weekends, they’re famous for their big ‘ole bloody marys and screwmosas, as well as a mean game of bingo on Saturday afternoons. Your pupper will enjoy a dish of water and maybe even a treat!

Another popular hangout for doggos is the Park Tavern. They have a newly expanded, tent-covered patio and live music every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening. Their extensive menu features classic appetizers, pizzas, burgers, salads and sandwiches. Brunch is served on weekends and their prime rib special on Friday and Saturday nights will have you howling for more.

Other dog-friendly restaurant patios include Three One Six Bar + Grill, New Bohemia Wurst & BierHuas, Mill Valley Kitchen, and Yum! Kitchen & Bakery.

A Walk in the Bark

There are over 80 parks to explore with your dog in St. Louis Park and Golden Valley. Enjoy paved paths, tree-lined trails and wooden boardwalks. (Please note that in order to maintain it’s natural habitats, dogs are not permitted at Westwood Hills Nature Center.)

Staying in town for while? Your dog will enjoy our two off-leash dog parks: Cedar Knoll Park (2541 Nevada Ave S) and Dakota Park (2643 Dakota Ave S). The parks are open daily from 7 am – 8:30 pm. An off-leash dog permit is required. You can pick one up at City Hall – make sure you have proof of rabies vaccination.

In the winter, for a truly Minnesotan experience, why not try skijoring?! Skijoring, which is derived from the Norwegian word for “ski driving,” is a wonderful winter sport where you cross-country ski while being pulled around by your dog. All you need is a dog, a pair of skis and a pulling harness. At Theodore Wirth Regional Park in Golden Valley, you’ll find the perfect place to skijor. There are 5 different skijoring trails to choose from, ranging in length from 1.1 – 2.2 km and offering sweeping views of downtown Minneapolis and Wirth Lake. Don’t own skis? No problem! Hoigaard’s in St. Louis Park rents them by the day, the weekend, or the week! Dog harnesses for skijoring start at around $40.

Sit. Stay. Drink.

Craft beer aficionados will love the offerings from Steel Toe Brewing. Try the Provider, a golden ale that won silver medals at the 2018 World Beer Cup and Great American Beer Festival. Or try the gold medal-winning Dissent or their Size 7 IPA. Enjoy a pint on their outdoor patio and grab a bite to eat from a visiting food truck. All dogs must be on a leash.

The family-owned Dampfwerk Distillery specializes in German-style fruit brandies and liqueurs, as well as gin and aquavit, and they’ve recently launched an American single malt whiskey. Their focus is on neat spirits, sipping shots, flights, and classic cocktails. The cocktail lounge is open Tuesday – Saturday and the first two hours are always happy hour. Enjoy a spirited evening as you relax under their patio’s twinkling lights. Mocktails are also available, as are dog bowls of water.

At Under Pressure Brewing, choose from over 20 beers on tap or create your own unique beer blend in their blendery – the ultimate craft beer experience. Thursday nights are themed trivia nights. Show off your knowledge while dining on Cheese Curd Tacos and other rotating food truck offerings. Your dog will enjoy lounging on the grassy patio.

Give a Dog a Bone

Good boys (and girls) deserve treats. You’ll find a large selection of high-quality packaged and raw dog food (and cat food), treats, toys, and other pet supplies at Bone Marché in St. Louis Park.

In the Historic Walker Lake district, just down the street from The Block, discover Petropawlis. This neighborhood pet care store features your favorite brands of food and pet supplies. They also offer doggie daycare, boarding, and grooming services.

A Pampered Pooch

After a long day of play, if Fido needs a bath, be sure to head to Bubbly Paws. Choose from self-service baths, full-service baths, and a variety of grooming services.

We hope you’ll have a tail wagging good time in Minnesota’s Sweet Spot!