Photos courtesy Bark Social
Dogs and humans alike can hang out at Bark Social in Manayunk, a social club for puppy play, local brews and yummy eats.
As the weather starts to warm up, we’ve seen plenty of Main Liners out and about in our towns, soaking up the sun and getting fresh air. Beer gardens are particularly popular this time of year, and there’s plenty of alfresco dining throughout the region. But what do you do when you’re feeling guilty about leaving your four-legged family members behind? You head to Bark Social in Manayunk.
New this spring, Bark Social is the first-ever social club for dogs and their owners. Pups can frolic together in the play area while humans hang out, enjoying offerings from local breweries and an extensive café menu. It’s also the perfect place to work remotely, allowing your dog to get exercise while you work through your day.
Founder and CEO Luke Silverman came up with the idea when he adopted Frankie, a pit bull-lab mix, in 2017. “While I kept looking for places that I could bring Frankie, I quickly realized there were few places that were fun for both us,” he says. “I wanted to start a place where dog owners could bring their dogs, meet up with friends and have a good time.”
Of course, Bark Social is so much more than just a dog park. In addition to the café menu, fun events like puppy paint parties and drag show brunches further set the venue apart. Trivia Wednesdays and breed meetups currently line the upcoming event calendar. A trained team, affectionately referred to as Bark Rangers, are onsite at all times to supervise play, though owners are asked to keep an eye on their fur children.
At the club, you’ll register your dog for a monthly or annual membership that gives you access to special perks, like discounts at the retail store and 50% off ticketed events. Day passes are available as well. Bark Social is currently open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, with Friday and Saturday hours extended to 10 p.m.
“The Bark Social experience is unlike anything available in the Philadelphia area,” says Silverman. “Our goal is to make every day fun and incorporate dogs into the things that humans like to do!”
Related: 8 Dog Parks to Have Fun With Your Pup in the Main Line Area
