Picture this, your Bernese Mountain dog steals a few fries off someone else’s plate while they sit there, drink a beer and smile about it. Happens all the time at a good dog friendly après spot. Mountain towns are full of them right now and there is no snow required.
Hey look…your dog earned it too. All of those miles they racked up alongside you on your hike. All of those times it stood by guarding your bike at the trailhead. The mode of transportation on the runs may change on the trails during summer in ski country but the currency remains the same. Work hard, then enjoy the work after at some good place. The dog is around for both.
I did a little research on dog friendly patios that deliver a serious summer scene, not just the ones that mention it on a chalk board at the door. Here are five that passed the sniff test.
Stowe, Vermont: Von Trapp Brewing Bierhall
The same patio that overlooks the snow capped “Green Mountains” in the winter turns into a hub for hiking and biking in the summer. And, believe me, it’s every bit as good with a cold Lager in hand. Long, communal tables, views of the mountains and trails in the distance and an oversized Bavarian Pretzel steering the wheel that is driving your day. A cold Kolsch combined with a plate of sausage and the dog rolling around in the grass is tough to beat. This is how Vermont does dog friendly in the summer, so stay a while. They are open late enough for you to catch the sunset over the Green Mountains while you chill with man’s best friend.
Palisades Tahoe, California: Le Chamois
Known affectionately to locals as the Chammy, it has been pouring beers since 1969…snow not required. In the summer (and even warmer ski days) the bar crowd spills out on the grassy plaza packed with the post ride crowd and their furry friends. If you are going to be in town for a minute, the Buddy Pass is worth your while. For $60 or so, you get 20 domestic beers. The Chammy is the type of dog friendly bar where hikers from Shirley Canyon and lake day regulars all congregate, share the same bench and more than a few stories.
Breckenridge, Colorado: RMU Breckenridge
Part bike shop, part bar and totally comfortable no matter what the season. RMU is open to dogs on their front patio or back yard beer garden which also usually includes live music and a grilled cheese truck. Roll in from the trail a little bit dusty, rinse off at the bike wash station, then grab a local brew as you and your dog chill on the patio. RMU is one of the better dog friendly patios in Breck and spending time there in the summer just makes sense.
Park City, Utah: Blind Dog Restaurant and Raw Bar
The name earns its keep year round. The patio still has real sand underfoot, live music some nights, and a raw bar menu that outclasses most restaurants in town. Long summer nights means more time with sand between the furry paws as you order another cocktail. Even after 27 years, it’s still one of the best dog friendly patios in town. That’s saying a lot for a place dubbed “Bark City,” but like I said, the name earns its keep.
Jackson, Wyoming: StillWest Tap Room
Directly across from Snow King and right in the heart of Jackson sits StillWest Brewery and Grill. The ground floor tap room trades ski boots for hiking boots and the Snow King alpine slide, but the view of the mountain remains the same. This is where you will find their dog friendly seating, which is completely separate from the main dining room upstairs. Order a pint of something brewed in house, grab a small bite and watch the remaining hikers come down while your dog takes it all in with you.
Gearing Up for Summer Après with Your Dog
Of course, none of this works without the dog under the table, chin on your boot, waiting for the fries that are absolutely going to drop on the ground. That’s the whole point of summer après, so be sure to bring them along.
About the Author
Rich Stoner is the founder of the après-ski lifestyle clothing and media brand, All About Après. He is also the co-host of the Après All Day Podcast. No stranger to the ski and après-ski scene, Rich has been a long time contributor for many publications on topics like skiing, travel, gear, beer and food. However, his passion is on the slopes and enjoying good times with good people. You can find him perfecting his craft carving turns and drinking beers in the Green Mountains of Vermont. @allaboutapres