Cocktails and Cocker Spaniels combine in a one-of-a-kind Barkansas establishment.
Tim and Megan Ruiz take a break from playing with their German Shepherd puppy, Montie.
Located in the backyard of SoMa at 1201 S. Spring St. in Little Rock, Bark Bar is Arkansas’ first and only dog park and bar. While humans wine and dine, pups play in the location’s expansive dog park.
William Doxey has owned Bark Bar since September. An entrepreneur for all things canine, Doxey is also the owner of Puppy Community, a dog boutique specializing in dog chews, leashes, treats and clothes.
The Bark Bar may be the first of its kind in the state, but that’s only one reason why it’s so popular with Little Rock locals. Bark Bar has a multitude of amenities that customers of all kinds can enjoy.
“It’s a great place to spend the day,” Doxey said. “It’s a comfortable, nice spot where you can bring your dog, eat and drink, watch television, watch the game, do everything you need to do.”
The Bark Bar hosts many events every month that are often holiday-themed.
Doxey’s favorite event, Paws & Claus, is coming up next month on Dec. 1.
During Paws & Claus, pups can get their picture taken with Santa. This has been the most anticipated event of the season so far.
“I’ve never had this many people respond to an event,” Doxey said.
For Halloween, the Bark Bar hosted an entire month of activities. Events included Spooky Trivia, a “Freaky Friday” dress-like-your-dog contest and a dog costume party.
Bark Bar is also home to a monthly member-coordinated book club. The next club meeting is 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 6.
For sports fans, the Bark Bar hosts Little Rock’s Liverpool Football Club and professional NFL games.
A 20-foot jumbotron is coming soon to Bark Bar to better enhance viewings of the matches.
Doxey looks forward to watching the Arkansas Razorbacks play on the big screen.
As Bark Bar is a fully functioning bar, adults must be 21 or older to enter the venue. The bar’s most popular drink is their signature spicy girl martini.
Quirk Hard Seltzer, featuring flavors such as cherry blossom, lime and blackberry sage, is another favorite.
Wednesday is Wine Wednesday at the bar and customers can enjoy a selection of beers and wines. Friday is Fun Friday with a variety of out-of-the-box craft cocktails — or “Cockertails,” as Bark Bar likes to call them. And on Sundays, customers can wind down with mimosas.
For adults who don’t drink, nonalcoholic mocktails are also on the menu.
Customers can also enjoy snacks such as Corgi Tails, which are soft pretzel bites, and Dogpile Nachos. Doxey says a new menu is coming soon, featuring french fries and fried pickles.
For pets, treats include a Spaniel Sundae, dog jello shots, training treats, and housemade peanut butter bones.
There are two membership options for Bark Bar patrons: a yearly $300 membership and a $30 monthly membership. Members are allowed unlimited entries into the Bark Bar. For a day pass, it is $9 per dog.
To become a member, all you need to do is sign up in person or on the Bark Bar’s website at barkbar.com and bring your dog’s vaccination records to the bar. Vaccinations must be up to date. Dogs over a year old must also be spayed and neutered.
The Bark Bar is open Tuesday-Friday from 4-9 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.