20 places to warm up with your dog in NYC this winter

When it's cold out, what could be better than finding a warm place to sip a hot drink (or a strong one) with a friend?  Doing it with a dog friend!

At School For The Dogs, we love taking our pups everywhere we can. Indeed, it's a major reason why we believe that training is so important — the better behaved your dog, the easier it is to have him or her with you in places where non-human mammals are permitted (and the better the chances that you'll both be welcomed back).  Thanks to a recent change in local laws, we can now enjoy outdoor dining with our dogs in NYC, however, during these colder months,  it can be hard to find warm places to hang together outside of your own living room.

But don't fret! We've compiled a list of indoor venues where you can cozy up with your dog. There is a variety of types of places here. A few spots are not technically food-serving establishments, which makes it easier for them to avoid the city's stringent laws about mixing dogs with food. New dog “cafe” Boris and Horton has gone to great lengths to adhere to the Department of Health laws relating to places that serve food while also accommodating dogs; they've had to create two separate areas in order to get approved to operate. Other places, like the hotels and book stores we've listed, have food areas that are in some way separated from any place where a dog can go, which makes it a bit tricky, but not impossible, to grab a hot chocolate and then find a different part of the venue to hang in. On this list there are also a few bars and cafes that probably technically aren't allowed to have dogs beyond service dogs, but we have anecdotally found that our clients and colleagues manage to go to these places a lot without being turned away…  All the more reason why a dog's behavior in such a place should be on point! They're lucky to be welcomed, and we're lucky to have places that we can all go to together.

So, without further ado, here is our Winter 2018 list of the best indoor NYC spots to hang out with your dog:

Boris and Horton, East Village: New York City's first dog cafe is about to hit the East Village and they have chosen to partner with us! We have an exclusive members-only soft opening on the calendar, and plan to host monthly tricks classes at this exciting new venue. Check out their website now!
The Bowery Hotel, East Village:  Although primarily for hotel guests, this hotel's lovely lounge is a great place to people watch, with your dog BFF.
Ruff Club, East Village: Located half a block from School For The Dogs, Ruff Club is a dog daycare run out of an old bar. Although there is nothing on tap, people are allowed to hang out with their dogs at the fully intact wood bar in the entry area; there is always free coffee available.

Ruff Club in the East Village is a dog day care in an old bar. Coffee is served all day.

The Bean, East Village: This adorable little East Village coffee shop is a staff favorite at School For The Dogs. It's a great place to sip a smoothy in a comfy chair with your dog cuddled up next to you. 
Intelligencia Coffee, Chelsea:  Located in the High Line Hotel, this minimalist-but-cozy coffee joint serves sustainably and ethically sourced coffee. Dogs are permitted, usually.

McNally Jackson Books, Soho: This independent book store on Prince Street technically doesn't allow dogs in the cafe area, but it's easy enough to grab a cup of joe and then find a place in the store area's stacks to hang out with your dog and some great books.

Soho Grand Hotel, Soho: This arty, luxurious hotel was actually founded by the Hartz family, which made their fortune selling pet products. In addition to their amazing private dog run, which is open exclusively to their guests' dogs, they also allow dogs in the restaurant, cafe, lounges and bar. Look for our Golden Retriever student Jose if you go– he is a regular!

DBA, East Village: With a glassed in outdoor area where dogs are often permitted to be off leash, this place is already a favorite for many of our members, so much so that we are hosting monthly Members Mixers there: sign up for our first mixer on Sunday Jan. 28th.

 NYLO, Upper West Side: Boutique Hotel that loves its doggy guests as much as its humans.

 The W Hotel Union Square, Gramercy: Although not permitted in the Irvington restaurant, dogs are welcome in the lobby's plush ground floor lounge, where you can order drinks and nibbles.

Equinox Orchard Street Salon, Lower East Side: This edgy space has been set up to get people excited for the new Equinox gym that is opening across the street later this year. It's a great place to warm up with your dog. We've been using this space to hold some fun dog-friendly happy hours for our Members.

The Owl Farm, Park Slope: This BK bar has no owls, but four-footed mammals are permitted.

Luckydog, Williamsburg: The name says it all. This joint has long been a major hangout for the area's dog lovers, and drink lovers.

Mission Dolores Bar, Gowanus:  This bar also has pinball machines, which are sure to provide a great socialization opportunity for your dog!

South 4th Bar and Cafe, Williamsburg: Hop in the Photo Booth with your pup and bring a souvenir home with you.

VON bar, NOHO: Great cocktails at this dog-welcoming Bleecker Street boozer.

Tradesman, Bushwick: Amazing happy hour, and they'll even let you pop your pup on a barstool for a picture.

Pine Box Rock Shop, East Williamsburg: This former casket shop welcomes dogs and vegans with open arms.

11th Street Bar, East Village: Dogs who like an Irish Pub will love grabbing a pint at this cheerful spot.

Union Square Barnes & Noble, Union Square: A similar situation to McNally Jackson. Dogs technically aren't allowed in the Starbucks — they are only permitted on the ground floor. But if you can manage to grab a cuppa, there are lots of places on the main level to hang with the pooch.

Annie Grossman
annie@schoolforthedogs.com