In this week's Florida on a Tankful, we head to The Dog Bar, a spot just minutes from the beach that allows you to sip some seriously awesome brews, while your pup gets the ultimate dog park experience.
With our sweltering Florida heat, especially in our summer months, sometimes we all need a spot to cool down and refresh. That's something Fred Metzler, co-owner of The Dog Bar, knows all too well — and it's a big reason he wanted to create a spot not just for the human variety, but canines as well.
“We opened up in 2016, that's six years now and things have just been great," Metzler said.
Six years of owning and running The Dog Bar in St. Pete, a spot dedicated to giving owners and their dogs a spot to relax and cut loose.
“So our Tiger Lilly lager is brewed here by Cigar City in Tampa specifically for us," Metzler said while walking through the open air bar that leads right up to the dog park areas.
Metzler takes his love for his bar and the dogs that visit a step even further. He crafted two specific beverages the Tiger Lilly lager and the Bruce Juice, named after two dogs very close to his heart.
“There you go, yes pet her under her chin first then she'll be much more receptive," Metzler said introducing a patron to his two dogs.
The drinks named after his own dogs, the two Great Danes that he and his fiance rescued from a shelter years back.
“We always say here dogs are perfect, people are tolerable and dog people are slightly more tolerable, so it works out well for sure,” he said.
The immense love for not just their dogs, but all dogs, is a huge reason why The Dog Bar also plays an active part in giving to local charities. Just last year alone they were able to raise $53,000 for local shelters and roughly 30 local rescues. This impressive feat is one they will continue and hope to surpass this year.
“Everyone always wants to tell us that we are the most amazing people, but I honestly just feel like we've caught lightning in a bottle, and it's our job to protect it protect it," Metzler said. "Not exploit it, but protect it."
The Dog Bar is open seven days a week and stays up late until midnight. There is a small membership fee that goes towards charity during each of your visits, that entry fee is $7. This spot is also only for people 21 and older.
For more information head to The Dog Bar's website.