Bark Social to reopen in downtown Columbia

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Bark Social, a social club-themed bar for dogs, announced plans to reopen its location in downtown Columbia‘s Merriweather District under new ownership. 

Featuring 14,000 square feet of yard space and 2,500 additional square feet of patio space, the venue will include an off-leash dog park, beer garden and full bar, coffee bar and cafe, according to a release.

Soft openings are scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 18, and Wednesday, Nov. 19, the company said. Store hours on those days will be 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and guests must purchase a membership – either annual or monthly – for entry. 

Bark Social once operated five locations in Maryland, including sites in Baltimore-Canton and North Bethesda. After experiencing financial woes, the business announced it was closing all of its locations about a year ago.

Since then, the company has reopened its Canton location as the Columbia location will reopen its doors under new management. Bark Social is “working to open several more [locations] in the near future.” 

A grand opening weekend is slated for Nov. 20 to Nov. 23 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and guests must purchase a day pass or a membership to attend, a Bark Social release says. The dog bar’s menu is set to feature more than 20 taps, various cocktails and drinks, light bites, healthy wraps and chips.

Merriweather District, located in the heart of Columbia, features a range of dining, wellness and retail establishments, some of which include Gyusan Japanese BBQ, Paws Up Veterinary, Dok Khao Thai Eatery, Smashing Grapes and Eggspectation.