What to Do in Where to Take Your Dog in North Brooklyn (Spoiler Alert: Start at Domino Park)

North Brooklyn is a dog lover's paradise, home to three times as many dogs as the rest of the city. What makes it such a canine capital? Not only is Williamsburg walkable, but the neighborhood seems almost tailored for pet owners, with super accessible dog runs and a plethora of paw-friendly watering holes. For the area’s posh pooches, there’s even a members only club called Dog PPL, dubbed a “Soho House for hounds”, set to open in Williamsburg by the summer of 2025. If the prospect of shelling out over $1000 a year for access to a private, 18,000-square foot dog pound isn’t in the cards, we’ve got you covered with the choicest spots in the nabe for pooches and their humans to kick back and raise the woof, free of charge (or close to it).

DOG RUNS

Domino Park Dog Run (Williamsburg)

Among the more popular dog runs in the area, this well-maintained spot nestled inside Domino Park, a 6-acre waterfront expanse, boasts unrivaled views of the East River overlooking the Manhattan skyline. (Even doggo will be dazzled.) The Dog Run is enclosed, so Fido can go off-leash. It’s also kitted out with astroturf and a fun hill for dogs to scamper over. Bonus points for a dedicated drinking fountain and a complimentary poop bag station, as well as pup-centric programming like the annual “Woof-O-Ween” costume contest. Best of all, there are meandering, scenic walking trails nearby in case you feel like extending your dog run into a full-blown day in the park.

Marsha P. Johnson State Park Dog Run (Williamsburg)

Situated on the north end of this 7-acre stretch formerly known as the East River State Park, this clean, pebbled dog run features a separate play area for smaller breeds, water fountains, and even a composting bin for dog waste. Dogs aren’t allowed in the rest of the park, which includes a popular slip of beach where—shh, don’t tell—dogs have been known to frolic on early summer mornings.

McCarren Park Dog Run (Greenpoint)

There’s a lot to like about the dog park adjacent to the 35-acre hipster haven in Greenpoint: it’s almost entirely shaded; there are separate sections for big dogs (over 20 lbs) and smaller ones; and the grounds are covered in mulch, which is both shock absorbing and appealing to diggers. On Saturdays, make a pitstop at the McCarren Park Greenmarket on your way home.

DOG-FRIENDLY BARS IN WILLIAMSBURG

Luckydog, 303 Bedford Avenue

The aptly named dive bar is a popular happy-hour for meet-ups, pooch in tow.

Dolly’s Swing & Dive, 101 Kent Avenue

The kitchy Dolly Parton-themed bar welcomes dogs so long as they’re on a leash or in a carrier.

The Gibson, 108 Bedford Ave

This popular local haunt features an extensive whiskey and craft beer menu, late closing time, and “all dogs welcome” policy.

Harefield Road, 769 Metropolitan Avenue

Cash-only breakfast spot is dog-friendly, save for the reliably busy weekend brunch hours.

Other Half Brewery, 195 Centre Street

The sizable taproom in Domino Park boasts an impressive menu of craft beers, perfect for taking in a stunning sunset with your furry pal.

Westlight, 111 N. 12th Street

A rarity in all five boroughs, this duplex restaurant and bar welcomes dogs to its full-service first floor dining room. It’s open year-round, though reservations are required. The rooftop bar is also dog-friendly, but open only during summer months.