[Update] Bar K wins best dog bar nationwide in USA Today competition
Photo by Kaylynn Mullins
Update on victory from July 8, 2024:
Bar K has officially been crowned the best dog bar in the country by USA Today. After the popular vote closed, the local trailblazers of the canine-friendly bar world got national recognition. “It’s been really exciting to watch this new space, pretty much emerge right before our eyes over the last five or so,” says co-founder Leib Dodell, “When we started, there wasn’t much like this in terms of destinations for people and dogs. Now they’re becoming more and more common, which is a great thing.”
“It’s nice to get national recognition for being a thought leader in this new concept. We’ve always wanted to be at the forefront of this,” says Dodell. With a new CEO, Tim Schoenfelder, Bar K is making plans for further expansion in the future. “Bar K is the best dog bar in America, and our plans are to get even better,” says Schoenfelder.
The victory for Bar K and Kansas City as leaders in this entertainment niche was made possible through those who took to the online polls. “We’re grateful for all of our supporters for coming out to vote. We’re just excited to continue to see this concept grow around the country and provide opportunities for people and dogs to socialize together,” says Dodell.
Original nomination story from June 11, 2024:
Locally founded and operated Bar K became the first of its kind in 2018. The bar and restaurant bravely resolved the issue so many people face: missing their dog during a night out.
Kansas City has already given the now iconic bar its flowers, and now the appreciation has garnered national recognition. USA Today nominated Bar K as one of the top dog bars in the entire country.
The title is earned through voting, and the Bar K crew wants to ensure Kansas City is recognized as trailblazers in the “eatertainment” world. “We think it will help establish Bar K as leaders in this new industry that we’ve watched grow over these past few years,” co-founder Leib Dodell says.
Photo by Kaylynn Mullins
Beginning as a conceptual pop-up in 2017, Dodell and Dave Hensley combined their love for their four-legged friends and entertainment to create the original Bar K in Kansas City. “When we started, there was almost nothing like this, and now these concepts are popping up around the country. It’s been really gratifying to see this take hold,” Dodell says.
Sprawling across two acres on the riverfront, the expansive space offers endless opportunities for Kansas Citians to meet, drink, and play. “We’ve got a massive dog park, creative play equipment, meetings areas, a stage, music, an indoor and outdoor bar, restaurant, and space to support the local rescue community,” Dodell says.
“That’s the distinction between Bar K and some of these other concepts—the scale,” Dodell says. “We really are focused on enrichment for both the dogs and the people.”
The sheer size of the place is already impressive, but the thoughtfulness embedded into every detail sticks out even more. As true lovers of the KC community, Bar K’s constantly in collaboration with other local businesses like RoKC play equipment, Boulevard on tap, and tailgating for the KC Currents. Bargoers can even find a large game of “Guess Who,” but instead of people, it’s actual customers’ dogs.
They pride themselves on having a fantastic kitchen, with typical bar food for the humans and a pup menu for the furry companions. The pup menu does, in fact, include dog-safe beer for your best friend to take the edge off after a long day of play.
While Bar K goes above and beyond to give KC a great time and wagging tails, anyone wanting to support them on their campaign to become the official best dog bar can vote every day on the USA Today page until June 24. Folks can also swing by for dinner, a casual drink, or one of the many events they host. Whether you’re going with your fur babies or not, Bar K offers a good time to everyone.
