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Canine crowd kicks one back

By Kristen V. Brown | Special to amNew York

December 7, 2007

New Yorkers love their dogs. We take them everywhere, from rides on the subway to shopping trips. Now they can be your drinking buddy too, thanks to a host of bars that keep their doors (or patios) open to canines. Check out some of amNewYork's top picks:

South Fourth, 90 South Fourth Street, Brooklyn, 718-218-7478.
You know a place is pooch-friendly when you spot a water bowl in front of the bar. The bartenders at this Williamsburg neighborhood staple often joke that it's a "dog and baby bar" because so many customers bring their children and pets. With dog treats in the corner, board games for the kids and a whole slew of exceptional locally brewed beers on tap, there's something for everyone at South Fourth. Customers especially enjoy Free Pizza Mondays and $5 make-your-own bloody mary's every weekend.

Zum Schneider, 107 Avenue C, 212-598-1098.

Sylvester Schneider, the owner of this Bavarian beer garden, says dogs that come within sniffing distance are often seen dragging their owners into the bar at "dog lightspeed." Owners are rewarded with 12 German beers on tap and Bavarian specialty dishes, while canines are treated to pieces of sausage. Dogs are only allowed in the heated outdoor seating area, but the bar encourages people to sit outside year round by offering cozy blankets for chilly nights.

The Gutter, 200 N. 14 Street, Brooklyn, 718-387-3585.
The Gutter was the first new bowling alley to appear in Brooklyn in 50 years when it opened this summer. A window from the dark lodge-like bar overlooks the lanes, where the equipment is vintage gear purchased from an old bowling alley in the Midwest. While dogs aren't allowed on the lanes, they can be seen hanging out at the bar, sometimes even taking a sip from their owner's beer. The bar specializes in American microbrews and, like the gear, the prices are old fashioned as well games are $7, $6 during happy hour.

Von, 3 Bleecker Street, 212-473-3039
The biggest treat for many pups that wander into Von is meeting owner Charles Von's pit bull Happy, who is especially fond of other pit bulls. You wouldn't expect this chic, romantic bar specializing in beer and wine to be a canine hotspot, but after Happy arrived, many regulars started bringing in their dogs as well. Usually they have treats waiting for well-behaved dogs, that can mingle in the cozy bar up front, or in the candle-lit backroom. Don't miss the extensive selection of international wines.

Downtown Bar & Grill, 160 Court Street, Brooklyn, 718-625-2835
Customers love to bring their canine pals to play in this Brooklyn bar's outdoor patio. With an impressive selection of over 750 bottles and a dozen drafts, this Cobble Hill gem specializes in beer, as well as a more upscale version of traditional American bar food. Usually the owner, his wife or daughter tends to the bar, and regular beer enthusiasts often come in to talk beer. A customer favorite is the Ayinger Brau-Weis, a light wheaty beer.