Barkside

rachel wedel

2024-04

This place is fantastic. Perfect for letting your pup get energy out and socialize with other dogs and people. It's a good spot if it's cold because of the heated patio and indoor off leash area. Great variety of drinks and the staff are super friendly and very helpful. Will definitely be back!

Megan Derwich

2024-04

Tl;Dr this is an amazing place to bring your furry friend. There are refs in the yard to make sure safe play is possible. They have super fun events weekly and monthly. It is a great place to work remotely too.In depth:Atmosphere: Absolutely 10/10 no questions asked. Everyone is extremely nice. The staff go out of their way to talk to you and know your name and your dogs. They begin to know each dog temperaments, or in my case, my dogs love to play with little dogs (he's 42 lbs and doesn't get it). They have great Internet, so I have been able to work remotely there while my puppy plays. The yard is pretty well picked up of dog poop and marked areas get sprayed down pretty quickly. The yard outside is mainly wood chips but the chairs and picnic tables provide a lot of fun tracks for the dogs to take. The inside is warm and pretty chill but a great place for trivia night with the dog.Drinks: they have a great selection at the bar, while also having sodas and coffee for the non drinkers. They have special mix cocktails and a wide selection of different beers. You can order from the counter or from the app which will be brought to your table.Food: they partner with amazing Detroit based companies!! The pizza looks really good (yet to have it) and they often have a taco truck that comes on Tuesday during trivia. I recommend the chicken and pork tacos.Events: this group goes way out of their way to make fun and enjoyable events for both the dogs and the people. They had a singles night, which they had bingo to be an ice breaker. Trivia and themed trivia on Tuesday. I will admit I went to the Friends trivia thinking I was pretty good at facts from the show. They completely stumped me. Photo booths and tennis ball nights. It's always something new and exciting. It's really helped me as a person to make new friends and to talk to other dog owners. My dog even met his best friend (Mister) at an event and now me and their owner chat while they play.Dog safety: this is my number one worry. Dog parks aren't really my jam anymore due to other owners not watching or knowing their dogs temperament. I was sick of constantly stepping in poop at public dog parks. Here at Barkside, they clean and rack the outside yard, it's all fenced in. The refs are always out there looking after the dogs and helping the owners. They have rules in place to keep dogs safe like vaccines. The clean atmosphere prevents dogs from eating trash. No snacks are allowed, which helps monitor what is fed to your dog. They also don't have toys, which is sad in my book, but it's meant to prevent territorial play from happening.Suggestions: I wish they would put in a $5 pay for people who don't have dogs. That way people having a rough day but can't own a dog themselves could come and pet the puppy's and get that dog serotonin boost.

Kyna Reuter

2024-03

Fantastic dog park / bar hybrid! We love our time coming here and letting our dog run around while enjoying some drinks. Outdoor area is very spacious with plenty of picnic tables and seating. Very clean, well maintained, and safe. The staff do a wonderful job keeping dog play safe and ensuring a fun environment.

Emily Chase

2024-05

Great spot for dogs and humans to socialize. The heated area keeps it comfortable in the winter and they fill up pools in the summer for the dogs to cool off. Plenty of alcoholic options as well as a coffee bar, pizza by Elephant Co. and rotating food trucks. They hold regular events including trivia and breed meetups. Fun place to work remotely for a few hours.

Tabitha Zabik

2024-04

Absolutely love coming to Barkside and so does my dog Julep. Everyone is always so kind, great atmosphere and to top it all off, great music!! I’ve been trying to get all my friends to come here and you should too :)

Rachel Metz

2023-12

Barkside is truly a special place for me and my golden retriever, Nola!The staff are all so friendly and the facility indoors and outdoors are kept extremely clean. The dogs have all gotten along so well and we have made so many new human and furry friends. Trivia Tuesdays are our favorite and they have very nice heaters, so even in the winter we can hang out indoors or outdoors!The atmosphere is so fun, I would highly recommend Barkside to everyone who wants a night out WITH their pup!

Alan Hejl

2023-12

Great new dog park in east village. The doodle meetup we went to on Saturday was a blast.The indoor and outdoor areas are all extremely dog friendly and fun to explore. Staff was attentive in helping break up things if dogs were getting too rowdy to play. There's ample water sources everywhere, and it's great having both indoor and outdoor zones to take a break from play.$15 for a day pass felt a little steep considering after 2 hours of play, most dogs are ready to head home. I wish that admission included a discount on some of the drinks or some benefit for the people side of things. Hopefully this improves as the business establishes!I also wish there was better signage for doors and the check in process & rates - there are three different doors I noticed from the outside to enter, and none of them seemed accessible or had signage of what would be considered the "main entrance" or exit. For accessibility, my wife who wasn't with me is a wheelchair user, and I always scout these things for her to join me in the future. Even after talking to the front desk, I wasn't clear how we'd enter together with a dog in tow. All visible entrances have doors and steps, which adds a small challenge bringing excited dogs as well. Hopefully this improves in coming months as well!

JessRose Narsinghia

2024-03

I took my German Shepard there for the first time and I could not have had a better experience! All the employees are so kind and don’t shy from conversation. I love being able to keep warm and enjoy a drink while my dog plays. The Referees will separate dogs if they get stressed or if any fights occur. You can feel at peace not watching your dog line a hawk. Will make this a regular visit for mine!

Sarah B.

2024-03

Absolutely love Barkside! I've seen similar concepts in other states and so happy we finally have one. I mean what's not to like, dogs and cocktails! I was a little hesitant about dog safety since I know there are horror stories at regular dog parks but the "rufferees" do a fantastic job of watching the dogs. There were no major scuffles while we were there and even if there was a commotion or a lot of barking, they were quick to investigate. They are not distracted at all. On top of that the place was extremely clean inside and out. I love that there is not dirt so you don't have to worry about muddy dogs or dodging piles of poop. I would say the beverages are stadium prices. I had a bloody mary (so good) and it was $9. You can get a coffee if you prefer. And although there is no food on premise, you can order Eastern Market Brewing Co. pizza and they will deliver for free. I believe they do have food trucks occasionally too. Cannot wait until it warms up so we can go back. They also have a lot of events like breed meet ups, trivia, etc. I hope they expand to other areas!

David Morgan

2023-12

Staff was great at check in. Clean nice place. Outside heater and lots of chairs. Staff was very good keeping the peace with the dogs if they got to playful. Hot chocolate, beers and seltzer. Taco truck in the parking lot. Highly recommend.

Emma Wolford

2023-12

Checkin was simple since we had already uploaded our dogs’ vaccines through the portal. Facility was clean, bright and cozy. Staff were friendly. Patio was kept warm with heaters. “Ruffarees” made sure all the different sizes of dogs were well behaved and getting along. Lots of seating areas and great drink selections including coffee, hot cocoa, draft and canned beers, cocktails, mocktails and seltzers. Met some friendly people and dogs. Easy accessible free parking lot. Will be back 👍🏼

Lucas Iskra

2024-05

Have been bringing my dog here for a couple months now, and the team at Barkside is phenomenal! Every interaction is better than the time before, and they take great care to make sure all the dogs are getting along without issue. So easy to relax with your dog and know they are in good hands while you hang out

Carrie Croft

2023-12

We finally got to visit for the first time last night and it was so much fun! The entire place was clean with fun colors and lots of dog art on the walls. Towels & other items offered to clean your dog before leaving. Plenty of beverage options to choose from at the bar. A variety of seating options inside and outside as well as heat lamps for cooler days. Plenty of parking. The cherry on top was the amazingly kind staff! We will definitely be back. :)

Tory Fingerle

2024-05

Barkside is an amazing addition to West Village and Detroit! I love that it provides a safe environment for my dog to interact with other dogs. The staff are very friendly, helpful, and most importantly, they all have an excellent awareness and understanding of productive dog interactions; intervening when necessary to keep everyone safe and happy. I highly recommend visiting!

Samantha Youtsey

2023-12

Really fun place to bring your pup. Fun drinks and a relaxing atmosphere. My pup felt safe and happy the entire time.

Shelby Miller

2024-05

Clean space, friendly staff, GREAT margaritas! What more could you want?I appreciate the dog referees outside keeping an eye on everyone as well.

Frankie Gray

2024-05

Went for the second time today with my 8month old puppy. SHE LOVES IT. It’s so clean, as soon as a dog uses the bathroom it’s cleaned. They monitor the dogs so much so there’s no concern about aggressive dogs. The staff is all so kind. Cant wait to spend more time there!

Heather Musallam

2024-04

So happy this space is finally open. My pup loves it here! Great for dogs and humans.Its clean, and affordable. Go check it out!

Megan Threats

2024-03

I came here to celebrate my dog’s birthday and we had an excellent time! They gave him a little party hat and a pup cup with a doggy treat. We made lots of new friends during the poodles and doodles meetup too! We will be back soon.

Margo Dalal

2024-03

4 stars for drinks. I just wanted a seltzer water or any kind of non alcoholic / non sugary drink which seemed like a basic ask that they didn’t offer, so I didn’t end up getting anything to drink.I will say shout out to the park referee, doing the lords work of helping dogs behave and picking up poop. That was 5 star service.My dog had a blast and overall it was a very good vide.

Raine Friday

2023-12

So I believe it's amazing. $15 for a day passThey had lots of tables and chairs and at the tables they had QR codes to order drinks and pupcups so the bartender could bring them to you. Heaters and a TV outside and a living room sized space in the inside. (They also happened to have a taco truck their which was delicious)One thing I fully appreciated was that they had "referees" there to also watch the dogs, clean up poop that was missed and kinda make sure the vibes were good. No separate space for small dogs btw.My older 9 year doggy eventually got a little cranky and the refs asked to just kindly put her in a time out or leave which was fair.(Im hoping a senior dog event at some point would be nice!)It was overall awesome and like a dog persons heaven. I can't wait for it to get more established I will be back. Everyone working there was wonderful

Carlos Salcedo

2024-04

You will likely find Daisy and I here 3-4 days out of the week. We don’t usually like dog parks, but Barkside has always exceeded our expectations. Cannot recommend enough for any dog parent that wants healthy socializing for your dogs, and for dog parents too!

Allie Selden

2023-12

We came to Barkside for the first time today and it was an awesome experience! We brought our Golden Retriever for the GR meetup and he had a blast! The facility was super clean and the staff was very helpful and friendly. Getting to have some drinks while we enjoyed the sun and let our dog play was definitely worth the longer drive 😊 we also met one of the owners and are excited at the possibility of another location opening up closer to where we live. Highly recommend if you are looking for something different to do with your dog!

Suhperdave

2024-05

The owners are wonderful, the patrons are cool, I have made many new friends, my dog, Winston, loves it here. Everyone is very friendly. This business rocks!!!! Love the dog referees, clean ups and the service. I couldn't ask for anything better

Alexandra Schweigert

2024-01

This place was amazing!! We drove down from Ann Arbor and it was absolutely worth the drive. Great owners, friendly pet parents, and welcoming atmosphere! We will definitely be back!

Nicole Walker

2024-04

Got to hangout with my friend while we watched my dog make some of his own. Great indoor/outdoor area. They referee the dogs as well as pick up after them, so it is a place the owners can relax for the most part. Decided to get a month pass instead of a day pass because upon entering, I knew we'd come back!

Tyler Hedley

2023-12

This place is AMAZING! All of the staff are so incredible & kind, they have made each visit such a wonderful experience. Great drinks, just hoping for some more coffee options as they expand their menu 🤩 totally in love, almost as much as my pups!

elizabeth hall-knight

2023-12

What a great addition to the neighborhood! Perfect for those who want to take our four-legged best friends everywhere with us. Cool & modern aesthetic, coffee & cocktails, friendly staff, indoor/outdoor play space, heated patio... and dogs!!

Heather R

2024-01

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Jennifer Lorenz

2023-12

Barkside is the best! Our doggie had so much fun there today, as did we. Every member of the staff was exceptional. The space was beyond our expectations. We are looking forward to going back soon…as soon as our sweetie, who is sleeping so soundly, recovers from her fun filled day!