Dog-Friendly Bars and Restaurants in Cincinnati to Bring Your Furry Friend

In October 2018, former Ohio Gov. John Kasich signed House Bill 263, which permits "the owner of a retail food establishment or food service operation to allow dogs in an outdoor dining area of the establishment or operation." Basically, the bill lets you now legally hang out with your dog while you eat brunch/lunch/dinner/etc. outside. Prior to the passing of the bill, Ohio restaurant patios and other outdoor areas with food service that allowed animals on the premises could have been held in violation of certain health code restrictions. Well, no more. House Bill 263 says that the director of the Ohio Department of Health and director of agriculture shall adopt rules which permit dogs in outdoor dining areas, adjusting current handling and sanitation laws as they apply to allowing dogs on site. The ODH is currently drafting those new rules, which should be available for public comment in April. And this is for outside only. As far as health codes go, animals still aren’t allowed inside restaurants, unless they’re service animals. This ain’t Europe. Note: This doesn't mean that restaurants have to let your dog on the patio — it’s up to each individual restaurant. But if they do allow dogs, there are still some rules you must follow: • You must control your dog while in the outdoor dining area via a leash or other method. • You can't take your dog through the interior of the restaurant to reach the outdoor part. • Your dog must be properly vaccinated. These drinking and dining destinations allow pets in portions or all of their establishments, as long as your pet is well behaved. Regardless, we recommend calling or checking with the business in advance before you bring your furry friend with you. As always, this is not a comprehensive list of every single place you can bring a pet with you.
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16-Bit Bar+Arcade
1331 Walnut St., Over-the-Rhine
Calling all button smashers and pinball wizards: 16-Bit has more than 50 free arcade games and a tasty selection of celeb-inspired cocktails for you to slurp down as you relive your childhood nerdy nostalgia sans the quarters. If you want to drink like an adult while you act like a kid, try a cocktail like the Lisa Frank (vodka, watermelon Pucker, pineapple rum, fruit punch and an Airhead) or a Patrick Swayze (gin, simple syrup, lime, ginger beer and mint). Dogs get drinks, too, with branded water bowls featuring sayings like, “Buzz, your girlfriend, woof.” Pets are allowed indoors during the day and as long as the bar isn’t crowded. Bonus points if your pooch knows how to do any Mortal Kombat fatalities.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

16-Bit Bar+Arcade

1331 Walnut St., Over-the-Rhine
Calling all button smashers and pinball wizards: 16-Bit has more than 50 free arcade games and a tasty selection of celeb-inspired cocktails for you to slurp down as you relive your childhood nerdy nostalgia sans the quarters. If you want to drink like an adult while you act like a kid, try a cocktail like the Lisa Frank (vodka, watermelon Pucker, pineapple rum, fruit punch and an Airhead) or a Patrick Swayze (gin, simple syrup, lime, ginger beer and mint). Dogs get drinks, too, with branded water bowls featuring sayings like, “Buzz, your girlfriend, woof.” Pets are allowed indoors during the day and as long as the bar isn’t crowded. Bonus points if your pooch knows how to do any Mortal Kombat fatalities.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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The Woodburn Brewery 
2800 Woodburn Ave., East Walnut Hills
This East Walnut Hills brewery offers a plethora of creative beers, from fruity cream ales brewed with blood oranges grown at Krohn Conservatory to a Wild Things IPA with sweet malt and a Chocolate Cherry Imperial Stout. Armed with this lineup of clever brews, they frequently host fundraisers and other events to benefit local pet rescues and animal welfare organizations. Dogs are always welcome to chill inside the taproom or outside on the patio at Woodburn, where they will receive many pets.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

The Woodburn Brewery

2800 Woodburn Ave., East Walnut Hills
This East Walnut Hills brewery offers a plethora of creative beers, from fruity cream ales brewed with blood oranges grown at Krohn Conservatory to a Wild Things IPA with sweet malt and a Chocolate Cherry Imperial Stout. Armed with this lineup of clever brews, they frequently host fundraisers and other events to benefit local pet rescues and animal welfare organizations. Dogs are always welcome to chill inside the taproom or outside on the patio at Woodburn, where they will receive many pets.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Hightail Mount Adams
941 Pavilion St., Mount Adams
This hillside watering hole, inspired by mid-19th-century whaling clubs in New England, brings a warm welcome to everyone who walks in the door. With an enormous selection of bourbons and beer, this is a perfect place to whet your whistle. But maybe the best thing about Hightail is that they encourage all tails, especially during their Sunday Yappy Hour from 4-7 p.m., where you’ll receive special deals and your pup will receive some yummy treats. It’s a neighborly place where they not only know your name, they know your dog’s name, too.
Photo: Sam Locey

Hightail Mount Adams

941 Pavilion St., Mount Adams
This hillside watering hole, inspired by mid-19th-century whaling clubs in New England, brings a warm welcome to everyone who walks in the door. With an enormous selection of bourbons and beer, this is a perfect place to whet your whistle. But maybe the best thing about Hightail is that they encourage all tails, especially during their Sunday Yappy Hour from 4-7 p.m., where you’ll receive special deals and your pup will receive some yummy treats. It’s a neighborly place where they not only know your name, they know your dog’s name, too.
Photo: Sam Locey
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Mecca OTR
1429 Walnut St., Over-the-Rhine
This hip OTR hideaway is a welcoming hangout for those interested in no-frills drinking, L.A. vibes, vinyl tunes and free popcorn. Find the main courtyard entrance tucked away down 15th Street, and cross the big-ass gravel patio, past colorful street-art murals, a panoply of rainbow lighting and a plethora of communal seating to enter a world of hanging plants (in summer the patio is decked out in greenery as well) and the most creatively decorated — dare we say selfie-ready — bar bathrooms in the city. Dogs are always welcome, as long as it’s not too crowded; nobody wants to see stressed-out doggos. Mecca has water bowls, poop bags and sometimes treats on hands for furry guests.
Photo: Brittany Thornton

Mecca OTR

1429 Walnut St., Over-the-Rhine
This hip OTR hideaway is a welcoming hangout for those interested in no-frills drinking, L.A. vibes, vinyl tunes and free popcorn. Find the main courtyard entrance tucked away down 15th Street, and cross the big-ass gravel patio, past colorful street-art murals, a panoply of rainbow lighting and a plethora of communal seating to enter a world of hanging plants (in summer the patio is decked out in greenery as well) and the most creatively decorated — dare we say selfie-ready — bar bathrooms in the city. Dogs are always welcome, as long as it’s not too crowded; nobody wants to see stressed-out doggos. Mecca has water bowls, poop bags and sometimes treats on hands for furry guests.
Photo: Brittany Thornton
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Queen City Radio
222 W. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine
The historic Queen City Radio building has been turned into a well-manicured full-service bar and outdoor beer garden. The bar serves rotating taps of local, regional and national beer, canned and bottled brews, wine, a small cocktail program and boozy slushies. Garage doors create indoor/outdoor space, weather permitting, and there’s an onsite food truck. Their expansive patio is the perfect place for a furry friend to keep you company while you enjoy good drinks and good weather. Or bring them inside.
Photo: Patty Salas

Queen City Radio

222 W. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine
The historic Queen City Radio building has been turned into a well-manicured full-service bar and outdoor beer garden. The bar serves rotating taps of local, regional and national beer, canned and bottled brews, wine, a small cocktail program and boozy slushies. Garage doors create indoor/outdoor space, weather permitting, and there’s an onsite food truck. Their expansive patio is the perfect place for a furry friend to keep you company while you enjoy good drinks and good weather. Or bring them inside.
Photo: Patty Salas
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BrewRiver Creole Kitchen
4632 Eastern Ave., East End
Chef Michael Shields, who earned his chops under Emeril Lagasse, opened BrewRiver GastroPub with craft beer and thoughtfully paired New Orleans-leaning cuisine in mind. He recently moved his Big Easy operation to the former Bella Luna location on Eastern Avenue and renamed the restaurant BrewRiver Creole Kitchen, expanding on the pub’s selection of po’boys, brews and swampy singer-songwriters. Well-behaved dogs are welcome visitors on the patio when it’s in operation, typically from April through October.
Photo via Facebook.com/BrewRiverCreoleKitchen

BrewRiver Creole Kitchen

4632 Eastern Ave., East End
Chef Michael Shields, who earned his chops under Emeril Lagasse, opened BrewRiver GastroPub with craft beer and thoughtfully paired New Orleans-leaning cuisine in mind. He recently moved his Big Easy operation to the former Bella Luna location on Eastern Avenue and renamed the restaurant BrewRiver Creole Kitchen, expanding on the pub’s selection of po’boys, brews and swampy singer-songwriters. Well-behaved dogs are welcome visitors on the patio when it’s in operation, typically from April through October.
Photo via Facebook.com/BrewRiverCreoleKitchen
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Braxton Brewing Co.
27 W. Seventh St., Covington
Braxton prides itself on loving beer and innovation, but their real soft spot is for dogs. Employees dole out treats and lots of belly scratches for any pup that visits the taproom. Cross the river for the Revamp India Pale Ale, stay for the canine haven. Currently undergoing a $5 million expansion, which includes the construction of a rooftop patio, the taproom and brewery serves more than beer and spirits: it’s also a cultural landmark thanks to its widespread success. The taproom opens at 8 a.m. Tuesday-Friday as a public workspace, serving Carabello coffee. And pets are welcome — just make sure they’re out by 9 p.m. on weekends.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

Braxton Brewing Co.

27 W. Seventh St., Covington
Braxton prides itself on loving beer and innovation, but their real soft spot is for dogs. Employees dole out treats and lots of belly scratches for any pup that visits the taproom. Cross the river for the Revamp India Pale Ale, stay for the canine haven. Currently undergoing a $5 million expansion, which includes the construction of a rooftop patio, the taproom and brewery serves more than beer and spirits: it’s also a cultural landmark thanks to its widespread success. The taproom opens at 8 a.m. Tuesday-Friday as a public workspace, serving Carabello coffee. And pets are welcome — just make sure they’re out by 9 p.m. on weekends.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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MadTree Brewing 
3301 Madison Road, Oakley
With 32 MadTree-exclusive taps, ambient lighting and an industrial brick fa?ade leftover from the building’s factory days, there’s more than enough space to accommodate all the beer-drinking, cornhole-playing, dog-loving humans that hang at the 10,000-square-foot outdoor beer garden on the regular. The garden is both tented and heated in winter and allows pets year-round; just remember to enter the garden directly instead of through the main entrance if you plan on bringing a furry friend. There’s also plenty of space to drink and hang indoors if you come without fido.
Photo: Phil Heidenreich

MadTree Brewing

3301 Madison Road, Oakley
With 32 MadTree-exclusive taps, ambient lighting and an industrial brick fa?ade leftover from the building’s factory days, there’s more than enough space to accommodate all the beer-drinking, cornhole-playing, dog-loving humans that hang at the 10,000-square-foot outdoor beer garden on the regular. The garden is both tented and heated in winter and allows pets year-round; just remember to enter the garden directly instead of through the main entrance if you plan on bringing a furry friend. There’s also plenty of space to drink and hang indoors if you come without fido.
Photo: Phil Heidenreich
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Urbana Café
1206 Broadway St., Pendleton / 2714 Woodburn Ave., East Walnut Hills
Urbana Café owners Daniel Noguera and his wife serve high-quality coffee with a purpose and their purpose is helping stray dogs. Urbana shares its resources with dog rescue organizations in order to “find good homes for good dogs.” With storefronts in Pendleton and Walnut Hills and a little blue Vespa Ape in Findlay Market, you can indulge in options ranging from a caffé frizzante — espresso poured into a highball glass and then topped with San Pellegrino carbonated mineral water — and a flat white to an Americano or cold brew. They also offer baked goods, like scones and almond croissants, plus homemade dog treats.
Photo via Facebook.com/UrbanaCafe

Urbana Café

1206 Broadway St., Pendleton / 2714 Woodburn Ave., East Walnut Hills
Urbana Café owners Daniel Noguera and his wife serve high-quality coffee with a purpose and their purpose is helping stray dogs. Urbana shares its resources with dog rescue organizations in order to “find good homes for good dogs.” With storefronts in Pendleton and Walnut Hills and a little blue Vespa Ape in Findlay Market, you can indulge in options ranging from a caffé frizzante — espresso poured into a highball glass and then topped with San Pellegrino carbonated mineral water — and a flat white to an Americano or cold brew. They also offer baked goods, like scones and almond croissants, plus homemade dog treats.
Photo via Facebook.com/UrbanaCafe
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Streetside Brewery
4003 Eastern Ave., Columbia Tusculum
From their taproom/brewery along Eastern Avenue in Columbia Tusculum, Streetside Brewery blends craft and community. With beers like their milkshake blonde Cereal Milk and a red velvet donut stout collaboration with Holtman’s Donuts, this brewery has developed a niche for having your cake and drinking it, too. The taproom frequently hosts food trucks and programmed events. Well-behaved dogs are allowed inside and on the patio.
Photo: Scott Dittgen

Streetside Brewery

4003 Eastern Ave., Columbia Tusculum
From their taproom/brewery along Eastern Avenue in Columbia Tusculum, Streetside Brewery blends craft and community. With beers like their milkshake blonde Cereal Milk and a red velvet donut stout collaboration with Holtman’s Donuts, this brewery has developed a niche for having your cake and drinking it, too. The taproom frequently hosts food trucks and programmed events. Well-behaved dogs are allowed inside and on the patio.
Photo: Scott Dittgen
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Northside Yacht Club
4231 Spring Grove Ave., Northside
A loosely nautically themed and ironically landlocked Rock club from two local music and mixology veterans, the Northside Yacht Club is all fun. The cocktails — served by tattooed bartenders in the vein of Sailor Jerry — are masterful, made with fresh juice, fruit and herbal garnish. The tropically themed and navy-inspired drinks are served in Tiki glasses and deceivingly potent. Lay down a base layer with a bar-food menu that features satisfying items like house-smoked wings, poutine with duck fat gravy and vegan lentil chili fries. If you’re feeling mean, bring your dog to the patio to watch you eat any of the above (except maybe the lentils; dogs probably don’t like lentils) and don’t offer them any.
Photo: Kellie Coleman

Northside Yacht Club

4231 Spring Grove Ave., Northside
A loosely nautically themed and ironically landlocked Rock club from two local music and mixology veterans, the Northside Yacht Club is all fun. The cocktails — served by tattooed bartenders in the vein of Sailor Jerry — are masterful, made with fresh juice, fruit and herbal garnish. The tropically themed and navy-inspired drinks are served in Tiki glasses and deceivingly potent. Lay down a base layer with a bar-food menu that features satisfying items like house-smoked wings, poutine with duck fat gravy and vegan lentil chili fries. If you’re feeling mean, bring your dog to the patio to watch you eat any of the above (except maybe the lentils; dogs probably don’t like lentils) and don’t offer them any.
Photo: Kellie Coleman
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Darkness Brewing
224 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue
Friends Eric Bosler and Ron Sanders were avid homebrewers before expanding their passion for creating strange and tasty beers in Darkness Brewing in Bellevue in 2016. The microbrewery focuses on the dark and unusual — like their Man on the Moo milk stout with lactose or Witch Head Nebula red IPA with beets — served in a community-minded taproom. Man’s best friend is allowed indoors and out as long as they are on a leash and off the tables.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

Darkness Brewing

224 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue
Friends Eric Bosler and Ron Sanders were avid homebrewers before expanding their passion for creating strange and tasty beers in Darkness Brewing in Bellevue in 2016. The microbrewery focuses on the dark and unusual — like their Man on the Moo milk stout with lactose or Witch Head Nebula red IPA with beets — served in a community-minded taproom. Man’s best friend is allowed indoors and out as long as they are on a leash and off the tables.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Oakley Wines
4011 Allston St., Oakley
Oakley Wines started as a boutique bottle shop just off the main drag in Oakley until it became an ever-expanding go-to spot and subterranean bar for Friday night wine tastings and other-night drinking. Recently taken over by the owners of The Rhined cheese shop, there has been a welcome uptick in cheese in general, plus pop-ups, pairings and other events, including nights like the upcoming For the Love of Frenchies on Sunday, Feb. 24 to meet local Insta celeb Vince Cincy and benefit Queen City Bulldog Rescue. And it’s not just that Sunday. When the kitchen is closed at the end of the week, you can bring your leashed dog to enjoy some Sunday evening sips.
Photo via Facebook.com/OakleyWines

Oakley Wines

4011 Allston St., Oakley
Oakley Wines started as a boutique bottle shop just off the main drag in Oakley until it became an ever-expanding go-to spot and subterranean bar for Friday night wine tastings and other-night drinking. Recently taken over by the owners of The Rhined cheese shop, there has been a welcome uptick in cheese in general, plus pop-ups, pairings and other events, including nights like the upcoming For the Love of Frenchies on Sunday, Feb. 24 to meet local Insta celeb Vince Cincy and benefit Queen City Bulldog Rescue. And it’s not just that Sunday. When the kitchen is closed at the end of the week, you can bring your leashed dog to enjoy some Sunday evening sips.
Photo via Facebook.com/OakleyWines
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Rosedale
208 E. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine
When Neons closed in 2016, people were devastated to lose “OTR’s backyard.”  Then, 4EG — the entertainment group behind Lackman, Mount Adams Pavilion, Igby’s and more — announced they’d be taking over the space. After some upscale renovations, they reopened as Rosedale in January 2018. It’s a little more classed up than comfy-old Neons but has retained the former’s focus on craft cocktails… and the giant, dog-friendly patio (now with brand new seating). Sip discount drinks from the monthly $3 menu then grab some grub and support your community at the MORTAR Mess Hall, where food entrepreneurs hone their skills in a professional setting.
Photo: Ty Wesselkamper

Rosedale

208 E. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine
When Neons closed in 2016, people were devastated to lose “OTR’s backyard.” Then, 4EG — the entertainment group behind Lackman, Mount Adams Pavilion, Igby’s and more — announced they’d be taking over the space. After some upscale renovations, they reopened as Rosedale in January 2018. It’s a little more classed up than comfy-old Neons but has retained the former’s focus on craft cocktails… and the giant, dog-friendly patio (now with brand new seating). Sip discount drinks from the monthly $3 menu then grab some grub and support your community at the MORTAR Mess Hall, where food entrepreneurs hone their skills in a professional setting.
Photo: Ty Wesselkamper
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Keystone Bar & Grill 
313 Greenup St., Covington
This neighborhood joint offers a variety of tasty comfort food, like huge plates of pasta, a rockin’ quesadilla menu, build-your-own-burgers (including turkey or veggie options) and weekend brunch. But where it really shines is its macaroni and cheese menu: nine specialty selections of ooey, gooey carbs smothered in tasty dairy and named after famous bands, like the Fleetwood Mac with mozzarella, pesto and tomato. The Covington location allows dog owners to bring their furry friends along, permitting they stay in the ample-sized outdoor dining area.
Photo via Facebook.com/KeystoneBarCovington

Keystone Bar & Grill

313 Greenup St., Covington
This neighborhood joint offers a variety of tasty comfort food, like huge plates of pasta, a rockin’ quesadilla menu, build-your-own-burgers (including turkey or veggie options) and weekend brunch. But where it really shines is its macaroni and cheese menu: nine specialty selections of ooey, gooey carbs smothered in tasty dairy and named after famous bands, like the Fleetwood Mac with mozzarella, pesto and tomato. The Covington location allows dog owners to bring their furry friends along, permitting they stay in the ample-sized outdoor dining area.
Photo via Facebook.com/KeystoneBarCovington
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Luckman Coffee Company
5200 Beechmont Ave., Anderson / 8298 Clough Pike, Anderson
This local coffee chain offers small-batch roasted beans with a goal of “romancing” the beans to gain optimum flavor. Head to the original location in Anderson with your pup and sip a cup of joe on the patio (or inside the café, depending on how busy it is). If you stop by the second Anderson location, good dogs are allowed inside and out any time.
Photo via Facebook.com/LuckmanCoffeeCo

Luckman Coffee Company

5200 Beechmont Ave., Anderson / 8298 Clough Pike, Anderson
This local coffee chain offers small-batch roasted beans with a goal of “romancing” the beans to gain optimum flavor. Head to the original location in Anderson with your pup and sip a cup of joe on the patio (or inside the café, depending on how busy it is). If you stop by the second Anderson location, good dogs are allowed inside and out any time.
Photo via Facebook.com/LuckmanCoffeeCo
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Hang Over Easy
13 W. Charlton, Corryville
Hang Over Easy is Corryville’s perpetual brunch and bar stop that claims to be the place to cure a hangover or keep the party going. Opt for a “morning after” dish like the menage a trois, aka three slices of French toast, and a good, basic bloody mary or mimosa. Dogs are allowed on the patio.
Photo: Patty Salas

Hang Over Easy

13 W. Charlton, Corryville
Hang Over Easy is Corryville’s perpetual brunch and bar stop that claims to be the place to cure a hangover or keep the party going. Opt for a “morning after” dish like the menage a trois, aka three slices of French toast, and a good, basic bloody mary or mimosa. Dogs are allowed on the patio.
Photo: Patty Salas
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13 Below Brewery
7391 Forbes Road, Sayler Park
Named for its location 13 miles “below” Cincinnati, the space is right on the Ohio River and boasts 13 taps behind a 20-seater bar. With a corner pub-vibe, their small-batch beers can be enjoyed with friends, family and dogs — or in the beer garden when the weather warms. Pups are allowed inside the taproom and out while their owners sample brews like the Fernbank Czech lager.
Photo via Facebook.com/13BelowBrewery

13 Below Brewery

7391 Forbes Road, Sayler Park
Named for its location 13 miles “below” Cincinnati, the space is right on the Ohio River and boasts 13 taps behind a 20-seater bar. With a corner pub-vibe, their small-batch beers can be enjoyed with friends, family and dogs — or in the beer garden when the weather warms. Pups are allowed inside the taproom and out while their owners sample brews like the Fernbank Czech lager.
Photo via Facebook.com/13BelowBrewery
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Brink Brewing Co.
5905 Hamilton Ave., College Hill
Good beer is about the people, the stories and the experience, according to Brink’s co-founders John and Sarah McGarry. The taproom’s communal table sits 20 and a brick wall stands covered in framed photos of the customers and community. There are no policies against pets, so feel free to bring a four-legged friend with you inside and outside. They even hosted a cutest #brinkdog contest on their Instagram this past summer, highlighting their favorite canine customers.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

Brink Brewing Co.

5905 Hamilton Ave., College Hill
Good beer is about the people, the stories and the experience, according to Brink’s co-founders John and Sarah McGarry. The taproom’s communal table sits 20 and a brick wall stands covered in framed photos of the customers and community. There are no policies against pets, so feel free to bring a four-legged friend with you inside and outside. They even hosted a cutest #brinkdog contest on their Instagram this past summer, highlighting their favorite canine customers.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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The Video Archive
965 E McMillan, Walnut Hills
Named in honor of the video rental store where director Quentin Tarantino once worked, The Video Archive is a video store that doubles as a speakeasy, like a Blockbuster with a back-alley bar. Upon entering, you’d think you’ve arrived at an indie flick shop, until you discover the secret door — opened by selecting a specific VHS movie from the shelves — that leads you to the booze room with Tarantino-themed drinks. Dogs and Reservoir Dogs are allowed inside.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

The Video Archive

965 E McMillan, Walnut Hills
Named in honor of the video rental store where director Quentin Tarantino once worked, The Video Archive is a video store that doubles as a speakeasy, like a Blockbuster with a back-alley bar. Upon entering, you’d think you’ve arrived at an indie flick shop, until you discover the secret door — opened by selecting a specific VHS movie from the shelves — that leads you to the booze room with Tarantino-themed drinks. Dogs and Reservoir Dogs are allowed inside.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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