Even our four-legged friends deserve a taste of the good life.
Guest blogger Archer shares his experience at Archer Hotel Austin — penned by his human, Mary Anne Bargen. From sniffing out the top dog-friendly spots to lounging in style, Archer’s blog delves into the ultimate dog-friendly experiences in Austin.
Learn more about Archer Hotel Austin's Pups Welcome Program.
Just a Dog That Loves Adventure
Howdy! It’s your pal Archer. The chihuahua mix, not the hotel. Recently, my person and I have traveled to the place where the stars at night are big and bright - (clap clap clap clap) - deep in the heart of Texas and Archer Hotel Austin. I feel like this blog entry should come with a warning because, since our stay, my human has been looking at houses to rent and wants the hosts to be our friends. Texas-Shaped Waffles Forever! Clear eyes, full bellies can’t lose! Read on at your own risk for dog-friendly hot spots for brews, BBQ, and of course, a few hidden gems.
The Finest in Southern Hospitality
I’ve heard about southern hospitality, but nothing could have prepared me for the warm welcome we received upon walking into the lobby. The excitement was electric and contagious and SINCERE. Our room was beyond our boutique hotel dreams - this place is LUXE. Everything is bigger in Texas and so were our beds and the dog-friendly details. Among the treats left for me - a stuffed armadillo, BIODEGRADABLE and COMPOSTABLE poop bags (!!) and a PET SERVICES card featuring info about animal hospitals, dog parks, dog walking services, groomers, pet supply stores, AND MORE. To say this place caters to canines is an understatement. The hosts are pretty cool with people as well. Let’s just say ONE of us got cocktails delivered to the pool.
Every morning as we headed out for our walk, the hosts would say “Good morning, Archer!” My name is as unforgettable here as the experience. The hotel is located in Domain Northside, which features parks, restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. Shout out to the Juiceland right across the street, the Velvet Taco around the corner, and the friends we made along the way.
Exploring Near Archer Hotel Austin
Venturing out of the Domain, and maybe if it’s your first time in Austin, 6th Street and Rainey Street for some tunes (it IS the live music capital of the world!) or Banger’s might be your vibe.
But here are a few more places for your to-do list that are more hometown than touristy.
Barbecue is king here in the Lone Star state. There are SO many places to choose from, but we unlocked a secret code to skip the line at La Barbecue. We ordered a couple of days ahead and were able to walk right in and have our food on our table in minutes. Other good food (and long lines) found here: Terry Black’s BBQ, Micklethwait, and Franklin Barbecue.
Chase all that meat with a sweet treat at Casey’s New Orleans Snowballs. They even gave me my own scoop of (plain) snow!
Austin is BUSTLING with dog-friendly breweries, and even at the ones where dogs can only be outside, there are fans, and in some cases misters, which do a lot to cut the Texas heat. Among our faves: Lazurus Brewing; Hopsquad - which now also features the agave bar Kramer’s (where dogs can hang inside), Central Machine Brewery; and Meanwhile Brewery (live music happens here!). Southern Heights, Nomadic, and Vacancy all welcome wagging tails INSIDE.
Places for Pups to Play
If beer doesn’t quench your thirst, here are a couple of other fun places to eat, drink, and let your pup pal play around: The Watering Bowl, Bouldin Acres, and Yard Bar. Kitty Cohen’s is a super fun patio bar with a wading pool, Kinda Tropical was kinda a favorite, Sign Bar had ALL the photo opps, and Vintage Bookstore and Wine Bar combined a lot of things we love.
Fresa’s was also yummy, and Upstairs at Caroline’s came highly recommended.
Enjoying the great - and humid - outdoors feels good in a place like Ski Shores Cafe. It overlooks the Colorado River and I love a water feature. Speaking of - there is OF COURSE the amazing Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail as well as Barkin’ Springs in Zilker Park. BUT many Austin waterways are entered at your own risk - especially during the summer and fall - because of harmful algae, so depending on the time of year you’re in town, be aware and follow guidance.
P.S. Zilker is VERY dog friendly, and the largest off leash park in the city. Run, my friends, RUN! Run like you know you have a cool hotel room with a giant bathtub to come home to before falling asleep in your human’s bed because she’s cool like that.
I'm Ready for my Close-Up
I can’t wrap this without offering up the scavenger hunt that is all the photo opps, AKA Austin Murals, Quite a few are in and around and on the way to South Congress, a fun and very walkable collection of shops.
Before we left town, we posed for the Texas treasure that is Lumiere Tintype at Justine’s Brasserie. The flash is bright, but the result is delightful. (As is the food at Justine’s.)
We are all the sum of our adventures, and this was a fantastic one. See you next time!
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