A group of my friends recently took a trip to Raleigh, North Carolina, to see a concert, and we stopped to check out a place that came highly recommended: Raleigh Beer Garden. This establishment, in Raleigh’s Glenwood South district, holds the Guinness World Record for the most varieties of beer on draft taps. The bar offers more than 386 draft beers with a focus on North Carolina craft beer, and for non-beer drinkers, they also offer a wide selection of wine, ciders, meads and mixed drinks. There was something for everyone in our group of 20 to try.

Since we had such a large group, we weren’t able to sit inside, so we grabbed a few picnic tables out back and started sampling different drinks. We also enjoyed some unique menu items including fried pork belly bites in buffalo sauce, beer-battered pretzels with beer cheese and grain mustard, and classic poutine (french fries with gravy, mozzarella and white cheddar cheese curds).

I must admit my favorite part of Raleigh Beer Garden wasn’t the beer or the huge pretzel … although they were very good. My absolute favorite thing was the Hungry Dawgs Food Menu. The restaurant has several outdoor seating options, and they are dog-friendly. The “four-legged porch pups” are treated with a complimentary bowl of water and given the chance to order off the special menu. They can have items like “I’m watching my figure,” a small plate of carrots; “Bacon! Bacon, Bacon, Bacon!” three slices of bacon; a “Puppy Patty,” 4-ounce hamburger; “Hearty Meatballs,” made with ground beef, grated apple, parsley flakes and honey; and a “Pup Cup,” a little cup of whipped cream for dessert.

You can even follow the Dogs of RBG Instagram and tag your own doggy:

@RBGPints_N_Pooches
@RalBeerGarden

For this, I give the Raleigh Beer Garden four paws up!

— Tracey Cullen, art director