Dog-Friendly Nashville: Where to Sip, Snack, and Stroll With Your Pup

by Paul Whitten

Can anyone name the place in Nashville?

If you are traveling to Music City with a dog, Nashville is a good place to land. This town has always been social by nature, and over the last decade that social energy has spilled onto patios, rooftops, greenways, and breweries that welcome dogs without a second thought. Dog-friendly Nashville is not a niche here. It is part of the culture.

I spend a lot of time walking this city for a living, and I see dogs everywhere. On Broadway before noon. Lounging under picnic tables in 12 South. Cooling off after a long walk along the Cumberland River. If you want to sip, snack, and explore without leaving your pup behind, this is a solid starting point.

Dog-Friendly Bars and Hangouts in Nashville

Nashville has dozens of dog-friendly patios. Some are quieter neighborhood stops, others sit right in the middle of the action. These are well-known, easy wins that visitors consistently enjoy.

Broadway and Downtown Energy

The Stage on Broadway- Right on Lower Broadway, this one is always buzzing. Dogs are welcome outside, and you will get a front-row seat to live music, neon signs, and people watching that never really slows down. Real talk though- it's loud in these bars. Be careful with your pup on broadway.

Redneck Riviera- Live music, cold beer, and a patio that works well for groups traveling with dogs. It is loud, lively, and unapologetically Broadway.

The Pub Nashville- A casual downtown stop with outdoor seating. Good for a quick drink before heading elsewhere.

Neighborhood Favorites and Breweries

Von Elrod’s Beer Hall & Kitchen- Big space, big energy, and one of the better patios in the city. Plenty of room for dogs to stretch out while you grab a beer and a bite. Truth be told, I lvoe this place.

TailGate Brewery- Craft beer and pizza is always an easy win. TailGate locations are consistently dog-friendly outdoors and attract a relaxed crowd.

12 South Taproom & Grill- This is one of my favorite neighborhood patios. It feels local, laid back, and sits in an area that is perfect for strolling before or after a meal.

Hops & Crafts- If craft beer is your thing, this spot is worth the stop. A solid dog-friendly patio and a great rotating selection.

Built for Dogs

Urban Dog Bar- This place is exactly what it sounds like. A social club for dogs and humans, complete with off-leash play areas. If your dog needs to burn energy, this is the move.

SandBar Nashville- SandBar regularly hosts dog meet-ups and outdoor events. Check their schedule, especially on weekends.

Parks, Greenways, and Walks for Your Dog

Between meals and music, Nashville has plenty of green space to burn off energy.

The Shelby Bottoms Greenway is flat, scenic, and popular with locals walking dogs. Centennial Park offers wide paths and shaded areas near Vanderbilt. The Cumberland River Greenway downtown pairs well with a brewery stop afterward.

If you are up for a short drive, Percy Warner Park gives you real elevation and woods. Just remember that some trail sections require leashes.

A Local Tip From the Sidewalk

One thing I always tell visitors is to think about timing. Nashville patios fill up fast, especially on weekends. Earlier afternoons and weeknights tend to be more relaxed for dogs. Bring water, watch the pavement temperature in the summer, and do not be shy about asking staff where dogs are most comfortable.

Seeing Nashville on Foot With Nashville Adventures

Nashville is best experienced at street level. That is where you notice the details, hear the music spilling out of doorways, and understand how neighborhoods connect. If you want to explore the city beyond the barstools, our Nashville History Walking Tour covers downtown landmarks, hidden stories, and the kind of context that makes the city make sense.

If you are already walking the city with your dog, you are doing Nashville the right way.

Have a favorite dog-friendly patio or park we missed? Let us know. This city is always adding new spots, and the best recommendations usually come from locals on four legs and two.