Venture with me off Central Avenue and 29th Street and enter the latest buzz in Tampa Bay: Mutts and Martinis, a new dog bar that’s putting a unique spin on the dog-friendly scene in St. Petersburg. This fresh addition to the Love My Dog Resort brand, a brainchild of Natalie Conner, offers a blend of exhilarating experiences for both dogs and their owners.

A Venue Perfect For Hot Weather

Housed in a repurposed auto-repair garage, Mutts and Martinis effortlessly embraces an industrial vibe. Original roll-up auto doors and other chic fixtures adorn this eclectic space, crafting an atmosphere perfect for a sports bar. With large flat screen TVs decorating the walls, sports enthusiasts won’t miss a second of any crucial event.

The Layout

The property consists of three sections. First, an entrance hall that doubles as an extra seating area — its purpose might seem ambiguous, but it provides plenty of room for patrons. Then, there’s the bar area, a full liquor wrap-around bar with an abundance of high-top tables and bar seating. Grab a drink or some martinis and enjoy the 28 flat screen tvs adorning the space. Large fans are strategically placed throughout, offering a cool refuge from Florida’s notoriously hot weather.

However, the pièce de résistance at Mutts and Martinis is undoubtedly its doggy splash pad. Boasting a zero-entry pool/fountain embellished with arched fountains along the edges, the place is a live canine paradise. A fleet of balls floating around invites the mutts to a game of chase and frolic. To ensure a smooth experience, 4 to 6 ‘Pawslice’ officers maintain the peace, preventing any potential bullying among mutts.

A Few Hiccups

The area does lack in one aspect — adequate shade for both humans and their furry friends. Despite the owner’s best efforts to get the city’s approval for a sun shield, the appeal has been denied so far. More servers for drinks in the water park area could also be a welcome addition. Conner assures that an appeal is in the works, so hopefully, this situation will improve soon.

Another aspect that might raise eyebrows is the mandatory leash rule in the bar area. While it’s understandable for safety and comfort, it’s an aspect some visitors, myself included, might find inconvenient.

Big and Small, A Watery Event Fun for All

In an effort to keep the fun fair and safe, the water park is split timewise between big mutts and little mutts. Each group gets a 30-minute window to play, ensuring that the smaller pups can enjoy their time without fear.

Final Verdict

Mutts and Martinis is a commendable addition to St. Pete’s pet-friendly spots. Despite a few minor snags, it’s a destination that promises a great time for mutts and their owners. My boy, Bolt, is a testament to this. He had an absolute blast playing in the pool and with the fountains and falls, despite not being a fan of the beach. It was an enjoyable surprise, and we’re already eager for our next visit. Stay tuned for more updates on this appealing dog bar’s journey.

Don’t forget, Mutts and Martinis isn’t all about drinks and play. They also offer a light food menu to curb your hunger after a busy playtime with your four-legged friend. The selection may be light, but it’s crafted to satisfy a range of appetites, perfect for a quick bite or to pair with your chosen drink.

And if you thought this place couldn’t get any more interesting, keep an eye out for upcoming events. The owner has hinted at an exciting lineup of music and entertainment in the future. During our visit, a DJ was playing music, adding to the lively atmosphere. So along with a splash pad for the pups and a full bar for the humans, Mutts and Martinis promises more vibrant experiences that are sure to make every visit a memorable one.

With such a promising start, I can’t wait to see how Mutts and Martinis continues to evolve and raise the bar for mutt-friendly venues. So grab your leash, your pup, and come toast to new adventures at Mutts and Martinis!

If you’re looking for other dog friendly activities in the area, be sure to check back for another post on upcoming events (have you seen the artisan market held by Imagine Museum every other Sunday?), check for something more specific in our search box, and sign up for our newsletter for our stories guides and more so you never miss a chance to spend time with your pup!