It's not a night at the local unless the whole gang can come along.
For many of us, our four-legged chum asleep in front of the fire is just as much part of the pub-going posse as your best mate and the ringer you bring along on quiz night.
Luckily, there are dozens of pubs, cafes and other venues in Liverpool which welcome dogs. Some even have special treats behind the bar for their waggier-tailed customers too.
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Below are 25 places in Merseyside where you can pop in with Fido for a pint and some pork scratchings - but probably not a round of darts. Not with those paws.
1. Brewdog, Colquitt Street
This place is canine in both name and nature. Dogs are given a warm welcome all year round, and even more so on their birthdays.
Brewdog's 'Dog Pawties' give you the opportunity to throw a party for your pup, with £1 from every Dog Party pack sold going to charity Street Paws. Parties include a specially crafted dog ice-cream sundae, celebration card, and party hats.
Brewdog is explicitly dog-friendly. Your dog couldn’t be among faster friends, the team absolutely love pooches.
2. Shenanigans, Tithebarn Street
It’s a little bit tucked away from the main drag of the city centre but what better reason do you need for letting Spot drag you a bit further than usual for a pint?
The website Doggie Pubs (the ultimate guide to the UK’s best watering holes for hounds and their owners) gives this Irish-themed bar a great rating, saying ‘dogs of all shapes and sizes are welcome’ (although possibly not Digby, the World’s Biggest Dog - he wouldn’t fit through the door).
3. The Caledonia, Caledonia Street
Dogs are so popular here, there is even one in residence with a warm welcome for customers. The pub describes itself as 'Very very dog friendly', which is always a good sign.
With so many events and group meetings taking place at this community-focused venue week-in, week-out, your faithful friend will become ever so cultured if it becomes a regular.
The pub regularly features its furry visitors on its Instagram page, ensuring they're as welcome as their owners are.
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4. Salt Dog Slims, Seel Street
We’ll admit, we were surprised to find that this city centre bar was happy to let dogs in but that certainly seems to be the case.
As one very happy customer posted on Google Reviews: "Great atmosphere and dog friendly. Pebbles loved all the attention".
5. The West Kirby Tap in Wirral
The West Kirby Tap, was named one of the most dog friendly pubs in the North West in the DogBuddy Awards.
The Wirral pub also made it to The Good Beer Guide, so if you're looking for a new pub to try out, this should be top of your list.
6. Ship & Mitre, Dale Street
One of the city centre’s most popular pubs is also happy to wave a paw at any doggy drinkers.
Staff are happy to welcome your furry companions with open arms, with water and treats ready behind the bar. A top spot to visit with your dog in the city centre.
7. Peter Kavanagh’s, Egerton Street
One of the most interesting pubs in the city, there’s history seeping out of every pore of Peter’s, as you’ll see when you step inside.
There’s also a welcome for every paw at Peter’s. They love it when a furry chum pops along to say hello.
8. The Lodge, Lark Lane
One of the bigger pubs on Lark Lane, The Lodge is divided into distinct sections and if you’re taking your dog, head for the right-hand side of the bar.
There, you’ll find a crackling fire (perhaps not ideal in the summer months) where your best friend can curl up for a nap while you nurse a pint.
9. Dovedale Towers, Penny Lane
This huge building is also home to a very friendly pub.
That friendliness extends to the canine population, with water bowls kept handy behind the bar for doggie thirst emergencies.
10. Baltic Fleet, Three Acre Road
Not far from the M&S Bank Arena, this Wapping-based pub is a whopping great place for dog owners.
As the Baltic is also its very own brewery, you can enjoy some Scouse-made real ale and some excellent pub grub at the same time.
Described a must-try for beer lovers, this pub is the perfect stop off for a pint with your pup.
11. Milo Lounge, Lark Lane
You can always tell when it’s a sunny day as the Milo Lounge has its big windows open, allowing the outside in to this popular bar and eating place.
Dogs are welcome and with it being such a popular venue for families too, there’ll be plenty of little people for your dog to wag their tail at too.
12. The Freshfield, Massam’s Lane, Formby
Not only are dogs more than welcome here, a special dining room has been installed just for them and their owners.
If your furry friend has been a particularly good boy or girl, there is even a treats menu tailored especially to their appetites.
13. Pig & Whistle, Covent Garden
It’s a defiant building, still standing proud on the corner of Covent Garden while everything else made way for a car park.
When you’ve got that bulldog spirit, there’s a good chance you’ll be a friend to dogs too. This traditional drinking spot welcomes you and your best mate on four legs.
14. The Victoria, Bath Street, Waterloo
On a summer’s day, the popular beer garden here is a great place to take the dog for a well-earned rest after a long walk.
Then again, are you taking the dog or is it taking you? It’s such a lovely spot you can’t blame them if they stretch the lead making a beeline for the place.
15. The Volunteer Canteen, East Street, Waterloo
This pub comes highly recommended, and it being openly dog-friendly is one of the top reasons.
TripAdvisor reviews praise the venue for welcoming pups as well as they do humans.
Feeling thirsty? Shout ‘walkies’ to Fido and tell him you’re both off to Waterloo for a few hours.
16. Liverpool Pigeon, Endbutt Lane, Waterloo
This Sefton micro pub is also welcoming to micro pugs (plus all other breeds too). The staff love pooches and keep water bowls behind the bar to help your mate out if need be.
17. Corner Post, Bridge Road, Crosby
Well-behaved dogs are more than welcome here (so don’t bring yours if they’ve just chewed your slippers).
This is another micro pub which, in case you’re wondering, got its name as it occupies a building which used to be a post office. And it’s on a corner.
18. Beer Station, Formby
Another micro pub, it’s a hop, skip and a jump from one of Merseyrail’s northern line stations - namely Freshfield.
With that in mind, it’s a great stop at the end of a walk - and you’re well-placed for your carriage home.
19. Crows Nest, Victoria Road, Crosby
The snug is the only part of the Crows Nest where dogs are allowed but they’re still in for a cracking time.
This is a bustling community pub which occupies a Grade II listed building and is a haven for real ale lovers.
20. Neighbourhood, Woolton Road, Childwall
Not strictly a pub although it is an ideal place to stop off for refreshment.
More significantly, it’s a very welcoming place for dogs and their people. This is also a place you can take the kids as well as the canine so it’s somewhere you really can take the whole gang.
21. Reader Café, Calderstones Park
Among the many, many positive responses to this place in Calderstones is a big thumbs up for how dog friendly they are.
As well as offering some delicious food and drink and a warm welcome to our faithful friends, it’s another excellent reason to visit the beautiful park which has fun things to do for all the family.
22. The Dead Crafty Beer Company, Dale Street
They really do love dogs at this place, declaring themselves a #dogfriendlybar on their Facebook page as part of their Liverpool Pride celebrations. They were even pictured pulling a pint on behalf of Dogs Trust.
The two-legged half of the drinking team will be happy to hear that the crafty types behind the bar also offer a wide and diverse range of drinks. Slurps all round.
23. Ye Cracke, Rice Street
Known to be a haunt of John Lennon in his younger days, you won’t find many Beatles there today but there’s a fair chance of spotting the odd beagle.
It’s not very far at all from LIPA, so you and your fab paws still have a chance of stumbling upon Sir Paul.
24. Bierkeller, Liverpool ONE.
The perfect spot to stop off for a pint while shopping in Liverpool ONE, Bierkeller is another of Liverpool's dog-friendly venues.
The pub even has a 'dog station' ready for your pup to relax after some retail therapy.
25. The Britannia Inn, Riverside
A great spot to watch the sunset, or enjoy a roast dinner, The Britannia Inn on Riverside is also dog-friendly.
With a designated spot outside with free water for your pooch, it's a top spot to grab a pint while walking your pup down Liverpool's stunning waterfront.
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