Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/611718
58 / the tasting panel / december 2015 A LONE STAR LIFE P laying with your dog in the backyard with a tennis ball in one hand and a cold brew in the other is part of Austin's reality, even now for those without a backyard—or a dog, for that matter. Opened in August, Yard Bar combines an open-air dog park with a full-service bar and restaurant; and, since Trudy's birthday was approaching, I decided to take my girl along for the visit. Yard Bar is a membership-based establishment, but, to be clear, those are dog memberships. Humans get in free, but must agree to the liability waiver and are responsible for paying the dog's monthly or yearly fees; or, as I chose for Trudy, a daily membership of five bucks (which is a reasonable cover charge, if you ask me, especially for a celebration). Inside the gate, there is close to 20,000 square feet of play area interspersed with agility equip- ment, picnic tables and other amenities. There is a dedicated space for small dogs, and staff members remain close-by to ensure play doesn't get too rough and both yards stay clean. While Trudy mingled and met some new friends for life, I ordered a round from the walk-up bar. The booze menu is filled with craft beers from Texas and beyond, and the wine selections—including Champagne—are interna- tional. There's a small liquor selection, so mixed drinks are offered, too. To keep the dogs safe, my beer came in plastic and the shot was served in a paper cup, and while settling back in a comfy lawn chair I couldn't help but wonder why no one had done this sooner. "The short story is that I just wanted to have a beer in the dog park," Yard Bar owner Kristen Heaney told me. But despite it seeming such a simple idea, there's a reason we don't see more facilities like hers. It's hard enough finding an urban location on which to build a private dog park, though Yard Bar's site was formerly a miniature-golf course and already zoned for outdoor recreation plus food. The real challenge was finding an insurance policy for a business that brings together booze, dogs and dog-owners, which Heaney finally did, though she says, "it was pretty much at the last hour, and we pay a premium for it." Folks without dogs can visit the park at no charge, and those under 21 can dine on the patio, which serves salads, sandwiches and burgers, plus dog snacks. Upon a thorough review of all the facilities, and despite her lack of business acumen, Trudy clearly indicated her satisfaction that Yard Bar's results have been well worth the effort. "Absolutely. One hundred percent yes. It's been really good," Heaney agreed, adding that even when it's busy, Yard Bar retains its unique, comfortable ambiance. "I want it to be a place for the community, but also make it feel close to being in your own backyard." Austin's Yard Bar does not serve alcohol to dogs, but Trudy highly recommends the place nonetheless. Sit. Stay. Drink. FINALLY, AUSTIN'S BOOZE CULTURE IS GOING TO THE DOGS by Anthony Head / photo by Kirk Weddle 58 / the tasting panel / december 2015 get in free, but must agree to the liability waiver and are responsible for paying the dog's monthly or yearly fees; or, as I chose for Trudy, a daily membership of five bucks (which is a reasonable cover charge, if you ask me, especially for a celebration). Inside the gate, there is close to 20,000 square feet of play area interspersed with agility equip- ment, picnic tables and other amenities. There is a dedicated space for small dogs, and staff members remain close-by to ensure play doesn't get too rough and both yards stay clean. While Trudy mingled and met some new friends for life, I ordered a round from the walk-up bar. The booze menu is filled with craft beers from Texas and beyond, and the wine selections—including Champagne—are interna- tional. There's a small liquor selection, so mixed drinks are offered, too. To keep the dogs safe, my beer came in plastic and the shot was served in a paper cup, and was finding an insurance policy for a business that brings together booze, dogs and dog-owners, which Heaney finally did, though she says, "it was pretty much at the last hour, and we pay a premium for it." Folks without dogs can visit the park at no charge, and those under 21 can dine on the patio, which serves salads, sandwiches and burgers, plus dog snacks. Upon a thorough review of all the facilities, and despite her lack of business acumen, Trudy clearly indicated her satisfaction that Yard Bar's results have been well worth the effort. "Absolutely. One hundred percent yes. It's been really good," Heaney agreed, adding that even when it's busy, Yard Bar retains its unique, comfortable ambiance. "I want it to be a place for the community, but also make it feel close to being in your own backyard." Austin's Yard Bar does not serve alcohol to dogs, but Trudy highly recommends the place nonetheless.