Rocket City Dog Bar
2404 Clinton Ave W, Huntsville, AL
Website
Tails are wagging in the Rocket City with the news of the Rocket City Dog Bar, opened on January 5 in the former Salty Nut location.
We’ve been hoping for something like this for years after seeing them in other cities and having friends across the US who enjoy similar establishments.
Hector and I got a sneak peek prior to opening and enjoyed chatting with the owners who are passionate and dedicated to a fun, and safe, space for dogs and their people. (Hector enjoyed running with one of the resident dogs-Roosevelt.)
The inside has been cleaned up and painted and will remain a venue for people sans Fido, but the outside is where the attention to detail really shines. There’s a front and back entrance that feature double gated areas, only one should be open at any time, to allow safe entry. The grass has been replaced with a top-of-the-line turf designed not to retain that dog pee smell and that has the added benefit of being easy to clean. There’s a mulched area under the expansive trees and we expect that will be a nice shady spot in the summer. The strongest heaters I’ve ever encountered, and I mean that in a good way, dot both the patio and the mulched space.
The outdoor patio is partially covered, ceiling fans included, and offers a spot to sit and enjoy a bite. Rocket City Dog Bar offers light bites like charcuterie, chips and salsa and hummus but also allows patrons to bring in/order in food from neighboring businesses. Food should be enjoyed in the on-leash areas.
The 12 taps feature craft beers and ideally will regularly feature the same 3 or 4 while always providing something new to try. Bottled favorites like Coors Light and Miller Lite are available as well as White Claw and something called a Free Britney. Non-alcoholic flavors like Coke and Diet Coke round out the offerings. Bar ordering and table service will be offered-allowing you to easily remain outside with your pup.
But, of course, dogs are the main focus here. The outdoor play area will feature trained Bark Rangers to help monitor play and there’s even a “Safe Space” area for pups who may need a break. Families are welcome, as are non-dog owners, but adults are responsible for anyone in their party under the age of 18. Bark Rangers will help monitor play but owners must stay on premises and with their dog.
Dogs are required to have the DHPP/DAPP, Bordetella and Rabies vaccines, a requirement that I feel really good about, be on active flea, tick and heartworm prevention medication and any pup over the age of one should be spayed/neutered.
The RCDB is membership based, another thoughtful consideration that I think will help enforce safety and responsible ownership, with membership available by the day, month or year. Pricing is based on the number of dogs and no membership required if you want to pop by and just enjoy a beer. Members will have a card, not unlike what you get at the grocery store or a gym, enabling them to scan in and out.
Another thoughtful safety feature I appreciate? No food, treats or toys in the off leash area.
As they get up and running, more amenities are planned to be added including special events and live music. An indoor play area is also in the works for those not-so-great weather days.
Head online to register and check out their pricing and when we see you there, raise a glass. And a paw!
