Neighbors Dog Park & Cafe

I wanted to love this place but there were a few things that just gave me bad vibes so we won't be back.

We arrived one day right when they opened. There was what seemed to be a single staff member working who told us that the barista hadn't arrived yet, so we waited to check-in. I could see 3 or 4 other people outside with dogs who I assumed were members so they were already back there as regulars. When the barista arrived (about 10 after), she seemed confused about the process to check us into the dog park with just a daily pass - we wanted to try it out before buying a full membership. She eventually had us sign in on the sheet and let us in.

My dog is about 15 pounds, socialized, and very friendly. Most of his dog friends are large golden retrievers, labs, or great pyrenees, so I'm not typically concerned when introducing him to a new dog park. He was immediately rushed by about 4 dogs there and it was a little chaotic - my dog was definitely afraid since there was excessive deep barking & humping. Since he is small, I was having trouble moving him away from the others dogs (he was already off leash since we did that in the transition area). One owner did come over and start pulling one of the large dogs off of him and told me that this particular pup (not hers) was there for daycare. She proceeded to grab her dog as well. The other two dogs finally went back to their owners who were sitting down and I took my pup to the other side of the park to decompress and relax before reintroducing him and he was eventually fine and played with most of the dogs.

What really rubbed me the wrong way was that there was clearly not an attendant watching whichever dogs were "daycare" dogs. The same dog who was the clear aggressor initially when we arrived continued to follow my dog around and attempt to mount him multiple times. Someone eventually took him inside the cafe (I assumed the regulars just knew which dogs were daycare ones and would help out?)

I did not get a great first impression generally and just wanted to share for others!

Dog-friendliness: Not all dogs are well behaved or even have supervision.

Delicious coffee and croissants! Very friendly staff, including greeter dog. They made me a very custom order, which I really appreciated, and encouraged the specificity. A really great experience.

DISCRIMINATORY ESTABLISHMENT. I strongly recommend against patronizing this establishment. After many years of being a monthly member, I am saddened to say I will never return. I’ve posted about this place on socials many times and I’ve always had a great experience.

Recently the attendant Graham has made our time here come to an end. After sitting down on Saturday afternoon a beagle and a small brown Aussie ganged up on my dog and she defended herself with BARKING only. There was no scuffle and no biting.

Graham extremely rudely came over to us and said we need to leave. When I asked why, he said because “that was a lot”. When I told him I didn’t understand he said that’s not his issue and to leave. I was surprised and confused, especially because the other dog was the aggressor (and I’d
be curious if they are paying monthly fees for two dogs as I am). It’s clear logic and common ground are not cornerstones here.

I have recommended multiple friends, family and clients here, all of which now have memberships. I am disgusted with this turn of events. I expected better. My dogs are both well trained, and are very social (they go to daycare twice a week).

If nothing else I would have expected him to come over and express that he felt that was a lot and if something happens again, then we may have to leave. I’ve seen this exact sequence play out many times and I respect that. But I had barely just sat down (literally), and I’m disgusted and appalled w his approach.

If you want overpriced coffee or beer and are in the mood to be treated poorly, this is your place.

This is no way to run a business, especially toward a long term monthly member.

DISCRIMINATORY ESTABLISHMENT. I strongly recommend against patronizing this establishment. After many years of being a monthly member, I am saddened to say I will never return. I’ve posted about this place on socials many times and I’ve always had a great experience. Recently the attendant Graham has made our time here come to an end. After sitting down on Saturday afternoon a beagle and a small brown Aussie ganged up on my dog and she defended herself with BARKING only. There was no scuffle and no biting. Graham extremely rudely came over to us and said we need to leave. When I asked why, he said because “that was a lot”. When I told him I didn’t understand he said that’s not his issue and to leave. I was surprised and confused, especially because the other dog was the aggressor (and I’d be curious if they are paying monthly fees for two dogs as I am). It’s clear logic and common ground are not cornerstones here. I have recommended multiple friends, family and clients here, all of which now have memberships. I am disgusted with this turn of events. I expected better. My dogs are both well trained, and are very social (they go to daycare twice a week). If nothing else I would have expected him to come over and express that he felt that was a lot and if something happens again, then we may have to leave. I’ve seen this exact sequence play out many times and I respect that. But I had barely just sat down (literally), and I’m disgusted and appalled w his approach. If you want overpriced coffee or beer and are in the mood to be treated poorly, this is your place. This is no way to run a business, especially toward a long term monthly member.

Playground: They keep making it better and better.

Toilets: Clean and stocked.

Dog-friendliness: Wranglers are there to mitigate trouble if it breaks out. We're taking dogs here. There will be the inevitable melee now and then.

Picnic area: Clean and comfy!

This is a COFFEE SHOP I was just told by the gal working..
NOT a dog park.
.. they just happen to have a dog park.
They won’t take paying customers who brought something to drink in a 16oz yeti, in 85 degree weather none the less. Strange to call yourself a coffee shop when there’s no tables inside for people to work at? Weird energy here and NOT austin local friendly.

Dog-friendliness: I was told this is a coffee shop primarily, not a dog park.

First time and last time I'll be going to Neighbors. It had been on my list for a long time to visit after seeing posts on Instagram. However, after today's visit and interactions, I will stick to Yard Bar any day! 2 stars for the can of Dr. Pepper I purchased!

I came in with my dog around 6:15 - 7:00PM. Upon entering the building, the lady at check-in was cold, unfriendly, and rude. If you're new, make sure you pull up your dog's records in the parking lot before you walk through the front door because your first 30 seconds will not be friendly. Coming from a guest services background, my interaction with this lady was extremely off-putting. I would have left and not paid the entrance fee if I had not been with a friend and his dog.

Anyway... knowing that this was our first time at Neighbors, the lady did not explain any rules to me, just pointed me in the direction of the gates to enter. We walked in and I unclipped my dog (from his harness and leash). He began exploring and sniffing other dogs. Towards the end of our visit, my dog found a companion he wanted to hump. He managed to hump this dog and by the 2nd time, I was already shooing him off of her. I got ahold of him and directed him to our table to harness him/"time out" all while also nodding to my friend that I was ready leave because 1) the mosquitos were horrible and 2) best to leave if my dog would not leave the other dog alone - we've reached our limit and it was dinner time for both of us. Not even 5 seconds, the yard employee rushes over to me as I'm standing with my leash in my hand.. tells me, "no harness! You need to clip your dog by the gate!" I said, "I understand, I am literally leaving..."

I walked out the gate, and won't return to Neighbors!

Excellent dog park! The matcha latte is great, the place is so clean, the fans keep you cool, they genuinely care that only healthy dogs are coming in to keep the vibes good, the trainers are communicative and friendly, and the dogs are happy. I was nervous about going to any dog park because of friend’s’ incidents at other places, but I felt confidence at the strict rules here. Since this was my girl’s first visit to a dog park, I was feeling ready to pull her out if anything went wrong due to her actions, or anyone else’s. I was pleased to see the rules applied when I came in. I initially pulled up old vaccination records for my dog and they weren’t going to let me in, rightly so! Luckily, I kept searching my email and found the right vaccine records. I wouldn’t want to go anywhere that doesn’t prioritize safety like that, and I LOVE that they have their priorities in order. My dog had a great time, and so did I. Highly recommend and I’ll be back!

The staff and the environment are very rigid and cold, not like Austin at all. Yard Bar and Watering Bowl are so much friendlier--to people and your dogs! I can't imagine anyone making friends at this place.

Very poor customer service by the owners

Great coffee and pastries. We enjoyed the back porch to dog watch. Would ABSOLUTELY return but I'm only visiting Austin for the weekend.

Love this place so much! I’ve been coming here for three years with my dog Apollo! The yard is always so well kept and the turf keeps the mud and dirt at bay. They provide everything you need to relax on a Texas summer day! Personal electric fans, cold drinks (my favorite is the house brewed iced peach tea), and bug spray! Cause mosquitoes are a viscous. Could not recommend this place enough if you’re looking for a chill, safe, happy vibe to hang with your dog.

I wouldn’t recommend coming here with a very small dog, especially if you’re used to small dog parks. I wouldn’t recommend ordering any of the drinks. Coffee was watered down and for the price I thought the teas were made in house but they’re from a jug. Also the mosquitos were horrible. We were there for 10 minutes and our legs are completely covered with bug bites no matter where we sat.

Cute place but it smelling strongly like dog urine, which is to be expected and the dog wranglers on the day we came seemed more interested in hanging out than playing with or observing the dogs. They do have portable fans outside for you though and lots of shaded areas to sit.

Very nice location with many amenities. Nice people work there very attentive and smiling