Dogs have their own beer at Raleigh's newest beer garden

Whether you have fur babies or human ones, you are welcome at Raleigh's newest beer garden.

Tap Yard Raleigh is located on a one-acre space at 1610 Automotive Way next to Pine State Coffee and Runologie Athletic Store.

It's open now, but will officially hold its grand opening on March 25.

The sprawling space includes free yard games, a rotating schedule of food trucks and arcade games.

There is 5,000 square-feet of indoor space with two full bars with 16 craft beers on tap, in addition to wine, spirits and cocktails. There is also an expansive non-alcoholic drink menu, featuring a variety of zero-alcohol beers, spirits and cocktails.

Families can enjoy arcade and pinball games and a rubber duck claw machine in the Tap Yard Hall area, which also houses live music.

This is the latest venture from Zack Medford, who was part of the group that opened Isaac Hunter's Tavern, Coglin's, Parliament and Paddy O'Beers in Raleigh.

"I wanted somewhere I could take my family and have a beer and enjoy the great outdoors," Medford said.

He discovered the space in 2020 while looking for a place to park one of his other popular ventures, The Great Raleigh Trolley. When he saw the lot, Medford said he knew it would perfect for this type of concept.

Tap Yard Raleigh is open to all ages during the day and dog-friendly for "well-behaved pups," according to the bar's website. Dogs even have their own beer on the menu, which Medford said was taste-tested on his own dogs.

Medford said they developed the non-alcoholic Mason’s Good Dog Beer with dog's nutrition in mind. The beer includes low-sodium chicken broth, non-sugar added apple sauce and peanut butter.

"We always bring our dog with us and you have to be able to order something for your dog," Medford said.

Samples of this dog-friendly beer will be available during the March 25 grand opening event.

The grand opening celebration will also include an entire day of activities including a free yoga session by Arrichion East Raleigh at 11 a.m. At noon, there will be an indoor and outdoor vendor market with more than 24 local artisans.

For St. Patrick's Day, Tap Yard Raleigh will be throwing a block party from noon to 6 p.m. on March 18 with live music, food trucks and entertainment.

Tap Yard Raleigh is open Monday through Friday 4 p.m. to midnight and open noon to midnight on Saturday and Sunday.