Brewery Dogs Across America

Posted by Lauren Barker

If you remember watching TV commercials in the late 1980s, you likely recall Spuds MacKenzie, the Bull Terrier mascot of Bud Light. While Spuds, whose real name was Evie, might have been one of the first well-known brewery dogs, he certainly wasn’t the last. Along with the rise of craft breweries across the country comes an increase in four-legged taproom employees and mascots. Bring Fido along to these dog-friendly breweries and taprooms and meet the canines in the running for Employee of the Month.

Mac & Biscuit

Graham, NC
“Smile Mac, this could be on a beer can.” Photo by Facebook.com/ForgottenRoadAles

At Forgotten Road Ales in Graham, NC, French Bulldog greeters, Mac and Biscuit are always eager to say hello. In addition to seeing them in the taproom and out in the beer garden, you can also occasionally spot their faces on cans of specialty brews like Mac’s Barrel Select and Biscuit’s Blueberry Biscuits, as well as on gift shop merchandise like T-shirts and dog bandanas. Bring your canine companion into the taproom or grab a seat at one of the picnic tables in the beer garden and order a bite from the visiting food trucks. Plan your visit for the end of September and you can help celebrate Mac’s Birthday Weekend Extravaganza with fun dog-themed activities, birthday beer and barkeuterie boards.

Pick up a six-pack to-go and bring it back to this home in downtown Graham where Fido can explore the fully fenced backyard.

Chai & Atlas

Anchorage, AK
“Is that dog beer?” Photo by @onsitebrewingco

Visit Onsite Brewing Company, the most dog-friendly brewery in Alaska and you might run into Chai, the brewery manager and head of the complaints department. She’s described as having brown fur, four paws, two ears and a tail, and she likes to sleep a lot. She also enjoys pets, walks and treats. The brewery has another four-legged employee in training, an HR intern, Atlas. You can also spot her napping, asking for pets and searching for crumbs from the visiting food trucks. Stop in for a cold brew and while you’re there browse the selection of cool collars which double as bottle openers.

After toasting with Chai and Atlas, spend the night just around the corner at Towneplace Suites Anchorage Midtown.

Buster Brown

Hyannis, MA
“Can I get directions to the treats?” Photo by Facebook.com/CapeCodBeer

At dog-friendly Cape Cod Beer in Hyannis, MA, Buster Brown may know more about the brewing process than anyone else. That’s because this Field Spaniel’s favorite thing to do is hang out at the top of the brewery stairs and listen to the daily tours. Take the tour for yourself when you visit with Fido, and once it ends, Buster will be there to greet you and ask for pets. Buster shares his four-legged brew crew duties with a cat named Nona, short for “no name” who has been with the brewery for more than 15 years. While you’re visiting, be sure to order a pint of the Buster Brown Ale. If you plan your visit for early October you can take part in Buster’s annual birthday “pawty.”

Book a pet-friendly room at Best Western Cape Cod Hotel and take your pooch for some off-leash fun at Barnstable Dog Park, both just minutes from the brewery.

Eden, Cowboy and Cal

Atlanta, GA
Sunbathing is hard work. Photo by Facebook.com/MondayNightBrewing

Monday Night Brewing boasts four dog-friendly locations across the South including Nashville and Birmingham, but their original home base in Midtown Atlanta is where you’ll find brewery pups Eden, Cowboy and Cal hard at work. Eden, a rescue, is the four-legged best friend to the brewery’s co-founder and is the brewery’s official Guard Gal and Lunch Theif. Cowboy, also a rescue dog, has earned the titles “Cuddle Buddy” for his affectionate demeanor, and “Mover and Shaker,” which is less about his ability to get things done and more about his fear of all noises. Cal, the Doodle of the brewery’s CEO has yet to earn an official title, but if you ask him, he pretty much runs the place.

Stay nearby at this West Midtown Home and you’ll also be close to Fire Maker Brewing Company which features an on-site private dog park.

“Would you like a taster of Remy’s DIPA?” Photo by Facebook.com/RockinghamBrewingCompany

When Rockingham Brewing Company opened its doors in 2015, owners Rob and Ali knew they’d need to hire some staff. The first full-time employee was a Great Pyrenees mix named Remy. All these years later, Remy is still working hard at the Derry taproom and his likeness even graces the can of his own Remy’s DIPA. Throughout the year Remy helps the brewery hold fundraisers and adoption events to benefit the Greater Derry Humane Society. Stop in with your four-legged taste tester and meet Remy, then grab a seat on the outdoor patio with a cold brew and something delicious from the visiting food truck.

Spend a weekend exploring New Hampshire and book a room at Best Western Plus Executive Court Inn.

Rocco and Nitro

Lincoln, CA
“Can we jump in the pond now?” Photo by Facebook.com/DuelingDogsBrewing

Although the brewery is named Dueling Dogs Brewing Co., Rocco and Nitro are far from enemies. This brother duo enjoys running around the brewery and farm together with their human brother, Matteo. Rocco, a black Labrador Retriever can often be found playing fetch with Matteo at the pond, browsing the selection of low-hanging fruit on the 10-acre farm, or munching on spent grain from the brewing process. Nitro, a yellow Lab and the brewery’s “Branch Manager,” earned his title because of his love for chewing on everything, including his favorite item - a large tree branch. The original brewery dog, Newton crossed the rainbow bridge in 2016, but together with his canine counterparts, the three pups are the heart and soul behind everything at Dueling Dogs, from the brewery’s name, logo and apparel to the titles of popular brews. Stop in with Fido and try the ChoccoRocco stout, Puppy Pils, or the Sweet Lab of Mine honey blonde.

Kick back for the night at the nearby Holiday Inn Auburn and grab dinner and more delicious brews on the pet-friendly patio of Auburn Alehouse.

Avery, Tilly, Daisy, Copper, and Porter

Skowhegan, ME
“Keeping a watch come rain, sleet or snow.” Photo by Facebook.com/BigelowBrewing

Bigelow Brewing Company in Skowhegan, ME might as well be managed by dogs with the number of canine employees on the payroll. Avery, an English Cream Golden Retriever; Copper, a Miniature Australian Shepherd; Porter, a black Lab mix; and Tilly and Daisy, both mixed breeds, can be found visiting guests in the dog-friendly outdoor seating area and in the brewery’s on-site dog park. While Fido hangs out with his new pals in the fenced space, you can enjoy a pint of brews like Avery Peak and Copper Dog. You may also catch a glimpse of another furry employee, a grey cat named Gary who also enjoys meeting visitors and receiving pets. Grab a pint of his namesake beer, Scary Gary’s Do Good Ale, an ever-changing pilot beer with Gary on the label. A portion of the proceeds from each pint of Gary’s ale goes to an animal rescue.

After playing with his new friends in the dog park, Fido will be ready to rest up at Towne Motel in downtown Skowhegan. Pet-friendly first-floor rooms include hardwood floors and quick access to the pet relief area.

Have you visited a pet-friendly brewery with a brew dog? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by Facebook.com/OnSiteBrewingCompany.