By Edward Pevos | MLive.com | Published: Apr. 22, 2023

DETROIT – This place will be like a vacation for dogs while their owners watch them play while sipping on beer and cocktails. Detroit is getting its first dog park and beer garden featuring 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space.

Barkside is set to open sometime this summer at 7960 Kercheval Avenue in Detroit’s West Village. It will be a huge space for unleased dogs to play safely in the park and indoor play areas while owners enjoy craft beers, cocktails and coffee.

“Barkside is a social destination for dogs and their humans to relax and enjoy a beverage in the company of others,” said owners David Oh and Cody Williams. “Our safe, monitored play yard allows dogs to have fun with their furry friends while their humans enjoy local beers – all among a friendly staff and community of fellow dog lovers.”

Barkside will also offer doggy snacks, treats and birthday pupcakes. It will host special events including dog yoga, adoption events, puppy training classes, trivia, singles events and more.

“We are both innately passionate about dogs,” Williams added. “Like many of us who love our dogs, we want to go out but often feel guilty leaving them at home. Visiting other dog bars around the country, we realized an urgent need for Barkside in Detroit. Not only are dog bars an exciting place for dogs to socialize, but it also allows like-minded people (animal lovers) a chance to gather and build a community.”

The indoor area of Barkside will be 3,000 square feet with an indoor dog park, bar and lobby. The 7,000 square feet outside green space will offer seating for more than 100 people. It will be completely fenced in with a covered patio, televisions and another bar.

Barkside will offer both day passes as well as monthly and annual memberships. Admission is free for humans who visit without a dog. Along with this upcoming Detroit opening, Oh and Williams say they are scouting locations to expand into the Detroit suburbs and beyond.