The Top 10 Best Dog-Friendly Breweries and Bars Near Portland, Maine
Let’s be honest, there’s nothing better than sipping a craft beer with your dog right by your side during a gorgeous Maine summer evening right? Whether you're winding down after a long workweek or planning a weekend adventure with your four-legged best friend, finding the perfect dog-friendly brewery in Maine just got easier. Portland, Maine has a bustling craft beer scene, and is often referred to as the Micro-Brewery capital of the USA.
As a native Mainer, total foodie, craft beer conessouir, as well as being voted as Maine’s top-rated dog and pet photographer, I know the very best spots to share a cold one with your four-legged best friend by your side! I created this list for fellow dog moms (and dog dads!) who like to bring their dogs along, and believe they should be right in the middle of the fun with them!
1. Allagash Brewing Company - Portland, ME
Distance from downtown: ~3 miles
Vibe: Rustic, spacious, low-key
Beer: Belgian-style ales (try the Allagash White)
Dog Perks: Shaded patio, water bowls, plenty of tail-wagging space
One of the most well-known dog-friendly breweries in Portland, Allagash is a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Bring your pup, grab a spot at a picnic table, and enjoy their legendary beer lineup while soaking up that classic Maine charm. My personal favorite is their tried and true fan favorite, Allagash White!
2. Rising Tide Brewing Company - Portland, ME
Distance: <2 miles from downtown
Vibe: Urban garden, community feel
Beer: Lagers, IPAs, seasonal favorites
Dog Perks: Outdoor seating, casual atmosphere
Located in East Bayside, this brewery has a reputation for being one of the best breweries for dogs in Portland. It's relaxed, approachable, and perfect for pups who love people-watching. There is ample outdoor seating, and they have a Raspberry Sour Beer that is delicious! The food is great, and it is nearby to other breweries and restaurants, so it makes it easy to walk to lots of local spots to check out.
3. Oxbow Blending & Bottling - Portland, ME
Distance: ~1 mile from downtown
Vibe: Artsy, minimal, trendy
Beer: Mixed fermentation, farmhouse ales
Dog Perks: Dog-friendly patio and laid-back atmosphere
If your style is more curated and you're looking for a craft beer spot that mirrors your design-savvy side, Oxbow is your place. Think earthy beers, cool vibes, and a large beer garden for your dog to hang out with your. It is one of Portland’s best dog-friendly breweries! With a rustic interior, this brewery is a must check out.
4. Foundation Brewing Company - Portland, ME
Distance: 3 miles
Vibe: Industrial, open-air
Beer: Creative brews and seasonal IPAs
Dog Perks: Pet-friendly patio, great for outgoing dogs
Known for its inventive beer list and community feel, Foundation is perfect if your pup loves meeting new friends (both canine and human).
Need a place to stay if you are visiting Portland, Maine? The Francis Hotel is a dog-friendly hotel that offers a fantastic location right in the heart of Portland the Western Prom!
5. Gritty McDuff's Brew Pub - Portland, ME
Distance: In the heart of the Old Port
Vibe: Traditional brewpub
Beer: Classic ales and hearty pub fare
If you're wandering through the cobblestone streets of Portland's Old Port and craving a cold beer with your favorite four-legged sidekick, Gritty McDuff's is a must-stop. Known as Portland's original brewpub, this cozy, dog-welcoming spot has been a local staple since 1988 and it just so happens to offer one of the most relaxed and welcoming patios in the city for both you and your pup.
Located just a 5-minute walk from the bustling Commercial Street waterfront, Gritty's offers easy access, paid lot parking nearby, and the kind of friendly, laid-back atmosphere that feels quintessentially Maine.
6. The Great Lost Bear - Portland, ME
Distance: ~2 miles from downtown
Vibe: Quirky and fun
Beer: Over 70 taps!
Dog Perks: Dogs welcome on the porch
If you're a pet parent who loves bold beers and quirky character, The Great Lost Bear should be high on your list. This iconic Portland pub has been serving up craft beer and casual comfort food since the '80s-and yes, it's just as fun as it sounds. While the inside is a funky mix of retro memorabilia and Maine charm, the outdoor seating area is dog-friendly, giving your pup a front-row seat to the vibrant Portland buzz. Whether your dog is the social butterfly type or prefers to lounge under your table with a pup cup, the staff here are known to be kind and accommodating to all kinds of canine personalities. It's a casual, come-as-you-are place that feels a bit like home-just with a lot more beer on tap.
Local tip: They have some of the best Buffalo Wings in town!
7. Three Dollar Deweys - Portland, ME
Distance: Downtown
Vibe: Classic pub, lively energy
Beer: Craft beer and rotating drafts
Dog Perks: Street-side seating and a friendly atmosphere
If you're looking for a spot where your dog is just as welcome as you are, $3 Dewey's is not only one of Portland's iconic Bars, but is also one of Portland’s many dog-friendly restaurants with outdoor seating. Nestled right along the cobblestone charm of the Old Port, this local favorite offers a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, perfect for grabbing a pint after a scenic walk on the waterfront with your pup.
With a dog-friendly patio right on Commercial Street, it's a great people-watching spot, and the attentive staff is known to bring water bowls and the occasional scratch behind the ears. It's a fantastic stop for well-behaved pups who love a busy vibe, and for pet parents who want a casual hangout with quality eats and a rotating draft list that leans heavy on local Maine breweries.
8. Bissell Brothers Brewing - Thompson's Point, Portland, ME
Distance: 10 minutes from downtown
Vibe: Trendy, vibrant
Beer: Heady IPAs, crowd favorites
Dog Perks: Spacious outdoor area
Bissell Brothers isn't just one of Maine's fantastic breweries, it's also a great dog-friendly brewery near Portland. Located in the hip and ever evolving Thompson's Point district, this brewery has become a destination in itself for beer lovers and dog parents alike. Outside, the spacious patio invites dogs to lounge while their humans sip on some of the most sought-after beers in the state. The area has a laid-back, industrial-chic vibe with food trucks, picnic tables, and plenty of space to sprawl out-which makes it a favorite for pups who need a little room to breathe
9. Root Wild Kombuchery
Distance: Just a few minutes from the Old Port and East Bayside breweries
Vibe: Modern-meets-casual
Beer: Eclectic styles, small-batch brews
Dog Perks: Dog-friendly patio and quiet side street
If you're looking for something a little more creative and health-conscious than your average pint, Root Wild Kombuchery is where your taste buds (and your dog) will thank you. This small-batch kombucha brewery and tasting room is located in Portland's East End-a neighborhood known for its artsy charm and foodie finds-and it's very dog-friendly.
The laid-back, industrial-chic space offers indoor and outdoor seating, and dogs are welcome in both. Whether you're sipping on a house-fermented hibiscus-ginger kombucha or a rotating seasonal blend, Root Wild offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for a low-key afternoon outing with your pup.
🫐 What's on Tap: Kombucha, yes-but not just any kombucha. These are small-batch, flavor-forward, and occasionally spiked with local spirits for the adults who still want a little buzz with their probiotics.
10. Island Dog Brewing - South Portland, ME
Distance: ~6 miles
Vibe: Chill, laid-back
Beer: Everything from sours to stouts
Dog Perks: Very pet-friendly, inside and out!
If you've ever wished someone would open a brewery just for dog lovers, Dog. Brew. & Company is the answer to your paw-ayers. Located in scenic Cape Elizabeth, this woman-owned gem is more than just dog-friendly-it's a place built for dogs and their humans to relax, connect, and celebrate the good life.
This is where your golden retriever and your golden ale can happily coexist. The cozy indoor/outdoor taproom, grassy beer garden, and frequent dog-friendly events make this a must-visit for pet parents who want more than just a water bowl on the patio.
Coming to visit Portland and ready to check out our amazing brewery scene? Save these recs for your trip!
Looking for a way to make your trip with your dog even more special? What a better way to commenorate your trip with your dog to gorgeous Portland than with your very own portrait session? From urban scenery, to the gorgeous woodland trails, Portland is the perfect place to capture gorgeous portraits of your pup. Ready to learn more? You can learn more about my sessions here, or you can contact me directly here!
