bar K
Jun 30, 2022 08:00AM ● By KAREN CASSIDY
If you have ever wished there was a dog-friendly, fun place where you and man’s best friend could hang out, grab drink, catch a concert and socialize with other like-minded humans, Missouri’s BarK is that place. It has everything a mutt(or pet parent) could ever want in a bar...or a dog park.
Under the watchful eyes of“dog tenders,” trained handlers, Fido can safely wander free. “Bar K is a unique destination combining a thoughtfully designed, fully staffed dog park with a bar, restaurant, and event space,” says cofounder Leib Dodell. “[It] features a two-acre off-leash dog park with separate large and small dog play areas, supervision by trained Bar K staff, fun and interactive dog recreational equipment, a stage, outdoor bar, and all-weather seating areas with water, heaters, fans, shade, and shelter.” Leib and Dave Hensley created Bar K to allow urban dwellers the same recreational outlet as their rural counterparts.
Bar K’s dog tenders supervise play, keep the park safe and clean, and ensure all guests, human and mongrel alike, have an overwhelmingly positive experience. Dogs may be left to play with pals while their “masters” head to the bar or restaurant.
The Bar K restaurant serves a “healthy casual” menu emphasizing tasty, affordable, nutritious food for both people and pups. The large indoor bar pours a wide variety of exclusive Bar K cocktails, beer, and wine, including 20 craft and domestic taps. Bar K even hosts a “Yappy-Hour” Monday–Friday from 4pm to 6pm. Reverse “Yappy-Hour” is from 8pm to 10pm Monday-Thursday when you can save $2 off on apps and snacks, $2 off tapped cocktails, $1 off canned beer, and $4 off draft pitchers.
In addition, there’s live music and fundraisers to support causes in each Bar K community.weird,” says Leib. “But Bar K offers a unique bar, restaurant, and coffeehouse with great house-made food, gourmet coffee, craft beer and cocktails, art, and entertainment.” They even host adoption events, so chances are those without canine companionship may not be solo for long.
Not only is Bar K’s concept innovative, but so is its business model. They sell yearly ($225) and monthly ($35) memberships. Guest passes are available at $10 for the first pooch and $5 for each additional pup in the household. However, during peak season (April-October), the weekends cost $15 with a fee for additional animals. Petless? Entry is free.
They have weekly events, including music trivia and bingo nights. Trivia Tuesdays are hosted by Geeks Who Drink. Wednesday nights are Run Club nights where you and your furry workout partner can run with people of all fitness levels. Every Thursday is Puppies Night, where the babies can practice their socialization skills. Add these to doggie birthday parties, doga (dog-friendly yoga), and the grooming salon at the St. Louis location, and your doggo will never be bored.
This place sounds like a little slice of hound heaven, doesn’t it? So if you’re looking to throw an epic birthday party for Princess, host an event, listen to live music, or just let Rover roam free, Bar K is an absolute must!
Currently, there are two Bar K locations. The first opened in 2017 is located in downtown Kansas City on the shore of the Missouri River in Berkley Riverfront Park, under the Heart of America bridge. The second is in the Grove neighborhood of St. Louis and opened in 2021. To enter, all dogs must be current on Rabies, Distemper/ Parvo/Lepto, and Bordetella vaccinations.
People without dogs are more than welcome too. “Some might think that’s
Bar K Kansas City
501 Berkley Parkway
Kansas City, MO
(816) 474-2275
Bar K St Louis
4565 McRee Ave
St. Louis, MO
(314) 530-9990
barkdogbar.com
