This Kansas City-based dog bar is the best in the country, national ranking says
The best dog bar in the United States is split between three cities — and one of those is Kansas City.
After a month of readers voting on USA Today’s “10 best dog bars in the U.S.,” the results revealed that Bar K took the top spot, beating out dog bars all over the country, from Washington to Florida.
The combination dog park and bar, which was selected by an expert panel and voted by readers as the best in the U.S., is located at 501 Berkley Parkway in Kansas City. The KC-based company also has locations in St. Louis and Oklahoma City.
“A massive thank you to everyone who voted and supported us throughout this journey,” Bar K said in an Instagram post. “Your dedication and votes made this victory possible.”
The Kansas City bar was the first location, opened in 2018 by Leib Dodell and David Hensley. It will celebrate its sixth anniversary in August.
What’s inside Bar K?
The main area, open to all dogs, includes a jungle gym, a shallow splash pool with cabana-style seats where dogs can lounge while they dry off and a rock climbing wall.
Bar K also has small spaces sectioned off for dogs weighing no more than 25 pounds and Puppies’ Pub for ages 3 to 9 months.
The bar includes a landscaped area for people to hang out with the dogs or just watch them at play. Humans can also sit at a full bar, restaurant and coffeehouse, and order items like burgers and grilled chicken bowls.
The park’s hours are noon to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Entry is free for human visitors, $10 for a dog and $5 for each additional dog if you bring more than one.
“We’re honored to be recognized for our leadership in this industry,” Tim Schoenfelder, who became the CEO of Bar K in June, said in a statement. “We will continue to create opportunities for people and dogs to socialize and bond.”
“Bar K is the best dog bar in America, and we plan to get even better,” Schoenfelder said.
Bar K finished ahead of these dog bars across the United States:
- Bark Social Bethesda, North Bethesda, Maryland
The Boozy Mutt, Philadelphia
Pub Dog Colorado, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Dogwood Play Park, Seattle
Unleashed Hounds and Hops, Minneapolis
The Dog Bar, St. Petersburg, Florida
Fetch Park, five locations in Georgia
Omaha Dog Bar, Omaha, Nebraska
Boo’s Ice House & Dog Bar, Sarasota, Florida
This story was originally published July 8, 2024 at 1:51 PM.
